A Memorable Visit To Hye Camp: Primate Encourages Youth To Grow In Faith, Fellowship, And Heritage

On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, visited HyeCamp at the Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian Camp in Dunlap, California. Spending the day with campers, clergy, counselors, and staff, the Primate joined the campers in prayer, visited classrooms and activity areas, and witnessed firsthand the vibrant spirit of faith, friendship, and Armenian identity that has defined HyeCamp for more than six decades.

Addressing the campers, Archbishop Derderian emphasized the enduring impact of the summer camp experience, saying, "HyeCamp is far more than a summer destination—it is a sacred place where faith is nurtured, lifelong friendships are formed, and our Armenian Christian identity is strengthened. The memories created here remain with our young people for a lifetime, inspiring them to become devoted disciples of Christ, and compassionate leaders in their communities. Every prayer offered, every lesson learned, every game played, and every act of fellowship plants seeds that will bear fruit for years to come."

Founded in 1964 as the Summer Religious Study Conference with just 32 participants at Dinky Creek in the Sierra Mountains, HyeCamp has grown into one of the Western Diocese's most cherished ministries. Since 2013, the program has been hosted at the 160-acre Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian Camp, nestled in the scenic foothills near Kings Canyon National Park. Today, campers enjoy a rich blend of athletic competition, lakeside recreation, arts and crafts, and educational classes in Armenian Church, history, language, music, dance, Christian formation, cooking, and culture. For more than sixty years, HyeCamp has remained an integral part of the Diocesan mission, forming generations of young people into faithful Christians and responsible citizens.