My dear co-laborer in Christ Jesus.
I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I hope this Summer camp information will find you and your loved ones well and safe.
After a year’s recess because of the Coved19 pandemic, I am happy to inform you that, God willing, this year we have already started planning to have our 11th Summer Camp for our orphans.
It was a very difficult 2020 year for our children. Not only were they deprived from going to their daily school and activities, but they also did not have the joy of attending our Summer camp. But thank God for my devoted volunteer staff. They did not leave the “orphans” but constantly were in touch with them through Zoom keeping them busy with games and some religious curriculum.
After much praying and discussions with my staff we decided to hold our much awaited and anticipated Summer camp on August 3rd.
My dear friend, knowing the present situation in our Mother Land, we have taken every possible precaution to create a very safe yet joyous atmosphere for our precious children. Therefore, we have made the following steps.
First: Instead of having 100 children for ten days, we will have two sessions, 50 children at each five day session.
Second: before we enroll the child, my staff will investigate, sending out questionaries to their loved ones, to make sure that they have had no incident of contact with people with the Virus. And BEFORE they board the bus, the staff will check the temperature of each child.
Third: instead of putting three children in each room, we will put two and will make sure before retiring they will take shower.
Fourth: We made an agreement with the management before we enter the facility the entire campsite would be sanitized and would be inspected by our staff members.
Fifth: During the entire session, the campsite will have ample sanitizers to make sure each child will sanitize himself/herself before, during and after each activity.
Sixth: Knowing the weather in August, (90 F. in the City, but 65F in Vanatzor) we will hold all the classes and activities outside, in open air.
Seventh: During the entire session, no other campers, individuals, or families will be allowed on the campsite. (which is a Summer resort) Thus, we will be environmentally and completely secluded.
Eighth: The games and the social activities will be arranged slightly different, without losing a fun- filled atmosphere.
And finally, this year we intentionally we to hold the Camp in Vanatzor, where the weather is cooler, and the facility is very clean and recently renovated.
My dear partner in this mission, I know the question would rightfully be asked: the cost for each child.
With all the precautions, choosing the best place, having the best meals, (The menu has already been prepared for each day) transportation from the inner city to the facility, needed textbooks, games, awards, clothing for some kids etc. the cost will be $27.50 (Twenty-seven dollars and fifty cents) each day for each child.
As always, I am taking this step by faith knowing that our heavenly Father will keep His promise, who said:
“Leave your fatherless children; I will keep them alive.
Your widows too can depend on me.” (Jer. 49:11)
As always, we need your prayers and financial support for this God pleasing Project, knowing that:
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,” (James:17)
“It is God Himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago He planned that we should spend these lives in helping others.” (Eph.20:10)
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
(James 1:27)
With gratitude,
Prayerfully,
Rev. Fr. Archpriest Aram Stepanian
