PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
March 9, 2005
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DIOCESAN CAMPS REVAMP CURRICULUM, ADD ELECTIVES
Young people are full of dreams — from staring in a Broadway show to
serving as an international interpreter to singing at Carnegie Hall.
This year, St. Vartan Camp will help young people reach for their dreams
through new, intensive, week-long elective programs.
Each week, campers at the Diocesan summer camp will be able to choose
among new electives — arts and crafts, beginner’s Armenian language
instruction, music appreciation, drama, altar server training, and more.
Whatever elective they chose, campers will spend their time that week in
an in-depth study with specially trained instructors.
“Our new electives allow students to have more control over their
program,” said St. Vartan Camp Director Yn. Arpi Kouzouian. “Electives
are a way to tailor the camp program to meet the needs and wants of our
campers. Also, spending a week focused on a subject they love means
they will truly get a deep and thorough understanding of that area.”
St. Vartan Camp offers both one- and two-week sessions. So campers in
the two-week session will be able to chose two electives, one for each
week.
Another great aspect about the elective system is those classes will be
open to all campers of all ages. That will allow older kids to serve as
mentors to younger students.
“That will be a positive interaction, giving the youngest campers new
role models and providing the older campers with a sense of leadership
and responsibility,” Yn. Kouzouian said. “Campers will really love the
electives and having that option. The new plan will only increase the
value of the time they spend at St. Vartan Camp.”
NEW GENERAL CURRICULUM
Along with the new electives, a group of educators and youth ministers
have been meeting since last year to refine and refresh the entire
curriculum for both St. Vartan and Midwest Hye Camp.
The general curriculum focuses on the Armenian culture and faith, and
this year campers will find the new updated curriculum an interesting
and exciting part of camp.
“We’re trying to not only make our offerings more challenging, but to
update our approaches and our lessons to address the changing needs of
our youth,” said Dr. Sam Mikaelian, executive director of the Eastern
Diocese. “The new plans improve and strengthen the core curriculum of
the camp, making it an even more beneficial Armenian Christian
environment for young people.”
St. Vartan Camp will run for three sessions — each offering one- and
two-week stays — June 26, July 10, and July 24. Hye Camp runs from
July 31 to August 6.
The early registration discount for St. Vartan Camp lasts until March
15.
For more information visit or contact Yn. Kouzouian
at [email protected] or by calling (617) 876-2700.
— 3/9/05
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