Hye Camp Rules

WESTERN DIOCESE OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH OF NORTH AMERICAN HYE CAMP RULES

The following rules are applicable to all individuals who participate in the Hye Camp program.

IMPORTANT – TO ALL PARENTS/GUARDIANS, CAMPERS AND STAFF

As a condition of acceptance, campers and staff agree to follow the camp rules and all parties understand that failure to abide by the camp rules may result in expulsion from camp and denial of a return to the Western Diocese Summer Camp program for any specified period of time. If expelled, the camper's parent/guardian or staff member will accept full financial liability for transporting the camper home.

General Rules

  • Each camper will be assigned to a cabin/counselor and must remain in that cabin and follow the directions of the counselor.

  • All campers, counselors and staff are required to attend all scheduled classes, church services, and meals unless excused by the Camp Director.

  • All campers must attend all scheduled classes, church services, and meals.

  • AT ALL TIMES: Boys’ cabins are off limits to girls and girls’ cabins are off limits to boys.

  • Quiet time in camp is observed between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Please be considerate of those who are trying to sleep. 

  • Leaving the cabin after lights out is prohibited. Campers and counselors can only leave for emergency or bathroom needs.

  • Closed-toe shoes are required at all times. There are rocks, bees, roots, and holes around the camp that can cause injury to unprotected feet. Sandals are only permitted in the swimming area.

  • For personal safety, walking is restricted to designated paths and trails only. Poison oak and rattlesnakes are located on the camp property and any sightings should immediately be reported to the Directing Staff. 

  • Deer, rattlesnakes, and other wildlife are present around and on the camp property. Do not approach, attempt to touch or feed any wildlife. Please report all wildlife sightings immediately to the Directing Staff.

  • Cabins and all surrounding areas must be kept clean and free of food. Discard food or food containers near the main lodge. Wildlife is attracted to garbage and this will assist in keeping wildlife away.

  • The Camp medical staff must dispense all prescribed or necessary medication to campers and counselors. No medication can be stored in camper cabins (including over the counter or vitamins). 

  • The kitchen prep areas, cleaning areas, cooking areas, serving areas, storage areas, and refrigerators are off limits except to paid camp staff and designated volunteers.

  • Cabin raids are strictly prohibited.

  • All broken or damaged items and or equipment should be reported to the Directing Staff immediately. 

  • Possession of shaving cream on the camp premises will only be permitted for the purpose of shaving.

  • Camper’s persons and or property may be subject to search upon request by a staff member, should the need arise for the safety and protection of those attending camp.

  • Cars must remain in the designated parking lots. Only camp-owned, delivery, or emergency vehicles may be driven within the camp premises.

  • During camp sessions, no visitors will be permitted without prior permission from the Camp Director.

  • Hye Camp is a cell phone free zone. No cell phones are allowed in camper cabins.

  • When leaving camp, cabins/general camp area is to be left in the same condition it was upon arrival.

IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING RULES ARE BROKEN, THE CAMPER OR STAFF SHALL BE IMMEDIATELY EXPELLED FROM CAMP AND SENT HOME AT THE EXPENSE OF THE CAMPER’S PARENT OR GUARDIAN or STAFF MEMBER.

  • All campers and staff are required to stay within designated camp areas at all times. Any departure from the camp facility requires permission from the Camp Director.

  • Campers and Staff are expected to obey all laws of the State of California.

  • Possession of any of the following items is forbidden:

    • Possession of alcohol.

    • Possession of tobacco, marijuana (in all forms), vaping products or any other smoking/vaping device.

    • Possession of any drugs/controlled substances, whether legal or illegal.

    • Possession of a firearm, replica firearm or other weapons.

    • Possession of fireworks or other flammable materials.

  • Fires are restricted to the Campfire which can only be started by designated staff, and only in the campfire area.

  • Participation in or encouragement of any acts of vandalism will result in reimbursement on the part of the camper and or his parents for any cost incurred for the repair or replacement of any property owned by the Western Diocese Armenian Church Summer Camp. The repair cost resulting from any damage incurred to individual cabins will be shared among members of the cabin if the vandal cannot be identified.

Behavioral Expectations

The following behaviors are not permitted at Hye Camp and will result in disciplinary action (including being immediately dismissed from Camp without a refund):

  • Teasing, taunting, social aggression, threatening or discriminating comments, or harassment or hazing of any kind towards any member of the camp community, including when camper is not at camp.

  • Fighting or violence of any kind.

  • Use of profanity, foul language, racist remarks, discussion of inappropriate topics, pornography or possession of inappropriate media (magazines, books, etc.) as determined by the Camp Directors.

  • Possession or use of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana (in any form) or illegal drugs. 

  • Sexual or intimate relationships.

  • Unauthorized absence from cabin or activity.

  • Abusive or disrespectful behavior towards any member of the Camp community.

  • Possession or use of personal electronic equipment without Director’s consent (cell phone, electronic game, laptop computer, etc.).

  • Damage, vandalism (including graffiti), or theft of any property belonging to Camp or another community member.

  • Removing or stealing Camp property from its designated area.

Cell Phones

Hye Camp is a cell phone free zone. Camp is a time to leave the city life behind and enjoy all that God has given us! Phones will be collected at check-in and will be returned at check out. This rule will be strictly enforced, and if a phone is seen it will be taken, held in the office and returned at the end of the Week. Violation of this rule may result in removal from the Hye Camp program.

Waterfront Rules

  • No one is permitted in or on the lakes unless the Camp lifeguard is present.

  • No one is allowed on the dock without the lifeguard present.

  • Swimming is allowed only at scheduled times in the designated swimming area. Non-swimmers may only enter the water at a waist-deep level.

  • Canoeing, boating and paddle boarding are only allowed in the designated canoeing areas.

  • Everyone must wear a life jacket while in a canoe/boat/paddle board. 

  • Standing, splashing, or horseplay is prohibited while in the canoe.

  • Always respect and listen to the lifeguard and their whistle.

Dress Code

Under the direction of Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, our Hye Camp Committee has crafted these dress code guidelines to help everyone make appropriate choices for camp attire. We encourage both campers and staff to use their judgment and adhere to these standards to ensure a comfortable and respectful environment for all.

General Attire:

  • Always wear closed-toed shoes and shirts when outside your cabin, except during swimming activities.

  • Ensure pants and shorts are worn at the waist; sagging is not allowed.

  • Choose shorts, skirts, and dresses that are modest in length, following the "fingertip rule" for guidance. This means the hem should reach at least your fingertips when your arms are held at your sides.

  • Campers and staff must remain clothed when traveling between their cabin and the bathhouse. 

Specifics to Avoid:

  • Visible undergarments or midsections are not permitted (e.g. tube tops, cropped shirts, etc…)

  • Sheer or see-through clothing is not permitted.

  • Avoid clothing with symbols or messages related to tobacco, alcohol, controlled substances, or that contain offensive language or imagery.

Swimwear and Accessories:

  • Opt for modest swimsuits.

  • Wear cover-ups when moving between the lake area and other camp spaces.

  • Refrain from wearing hats during chapel services.

Understanding Modesty:

We recognize that terms like "modest" and "appropriate" can be subjective. Therefore, our Directing Team will provide guidance during each week of camp. They reserve the right to ask for a change in attire if deemed necessary to uphold the camp's standards.