Today was our last full day of camp. We enjoyed sleeping in an extra hour longer this morning and participating in a special morning service. Today we gathered in the chapel for the Ch’rorhnek (Blessing of the Water) Service. Fr. Aren explained the significance of this service being the remembrance of Christ’s own baptism, which is done at the Armenian Christmas service. Our sports director, Calvin, served as the godfather of the cross and the entire camp community participated in singing “Amen, Alleluia” as the priest blessed the water. In addition, everyone sang “Aysor Tsaynun” which they had learned earlier in the week from Maestro Khoren. In true Armenian tradition, everyone came forward to kiss the cross and drink the blessed water. Many of the campers filled their water bottles with any of the remaining blessed water to quench their thirst.

After brunch, we gathered under the hot sun for our cabin and group photos, and then prepared ourselved for a shortened day (due to the heat)of Olympics with the tug of war event. Afterwards, campers enjoyed an extended swim period and finished up their Olympic flags before cleaning up their cabins and preparing for the dance.

We experienced our only rain storm of the camp week Friday evening, which delayed the start of the dance. Once the thunder and lightning subsided and it was safe to move about campus, the Armenian music began and so did the dancing. Everyone’s curfew was extended a little bit tonight, so everyone could enjoy the remaining moments of Hye Camp 2010.

Please view our photos at http://hyecampmidwest.shutterfly.com/ and use the password… imarmenian.