For more than 50 years campers from across the Midwest have come together to grow in their faith and heritage through the Hye Camp program. Today marked the start of a new camp season, and the start of new friendships for close to 200 campers, CITS and Staff. After three intensive days of CIT and Staff Training, the close to 60 teens and young adults eagerly awaited their campers arrival. The cars and buses pulled up, and after checking in with our Nurses, Maral and Joanna, campers headed to their cabins to get settled in. Parents and guests joined the camp community for an opening prayer service led by the camp director, V. Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian, pastor of the St. Gregory Illuminator Armenian Church in Chicago, IL. Jennifer Morris, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries welcomed the campers and reminded them of the importance of “Living the Gospel of Christ” while we are at camp. The afternoon continued with an outdoor BBQ before campers gathered in their cabin groups for icebreakers and games. Later everyone gathered for “A Day in the Life of a Hye Camper” with skits acted out by the CITs and Staff. Next, was snack followed by evening vespers before heading off to bed. It was a great start to the camp season and we are looking forward to all of the fun in the coming weeks.
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