Camp Arevelk - Summer 2026

This summer, we were blessed to move our Camp Arevelk program to our third location since our first year in 2000. Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, 82 campers, 20 counselors, and a dozen staff members left their comfort zones to embark on a new adventure. Although we were all attached to our previous campsite at the Ararat Youth Center, we were excited to enter this next chapter and create new memories together.

As families drove the long, bumpy road to the new campsite to drop off their children, they were greeted by tall trees and red-roofed log cabins. Once at camp, one could not help but notice the beautiful lake just a few steps away, with red Adirondack chairs inviting everyone to spend quiet time with the Lord or have deep conversations with friends.

We were especially excited that Rev. Paul Haroutunian and his family accepted our invitation to join us this summer. As Rev. Paul led our daily sessions, his wonderful wife, Kim, took on the role of Bible teacher for our younger campers. We also extend our sincere thanks to Moses Kazanjian for teaching our older campers.

And if you have heard any rumors about our week, I hope they are about our “optional” morning prayer group! This was something new for Camp Arevelk, but it seemed our campers were ready for it. Twenty campers showed up on the first day, and by the second day, that number had grown to 40. What a blessing to see our young people willingly getting up early to spend time in prayer together!

Our theme this year was “The Path Less Traveled: Choosing Jesus When It’s Hard,” based on Matthew 7:13–14. Campers were drawn in by Rev. Paul’s personal testimonies and clips from the beloved story The Pilgrim’s Progress, which helped illustrate the journey we are on when we choose to follow Jesus.

Throughout the week, campers were reminded that following Christ is not always the easiest path. Just as Jesus was tested in the wilderness in Matthew 4, we too will face temptations and be offered shortcuts. We were encouraged not to take those shortcuts, but instead to remain faithful to Christ. Rev. Paul spoke about the power of the cross and how Christ releases us from the burdens we carry. The Gospel was clearly shared, and we praise God that 10 youth responded to the call to follow Christ! What a powerful and encouraging moment for our camp community. He also spoke of the spiritual battles we face and challenged the campers with a simple illustration: “Get rid of the garbage in your life, and the flies will go away.” As we continued along this journey with Christ, we were reminded that we can finish strong by leaning on God's promise: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).

Of course, camp wasn't all Bible lessons and prayer! Free time was filled with exciting new activities, including swimming in the lake, canoeing, paddle boarding, fishing, archery, wall climbing, and a rope walk through the trees. There was something for everyone.

The picturesque lake also became a special place for quiet moments at camp. Whether sitting in an Adirondack chair, talking with a friend, praying, or simply taking in God's creation, campers had opportunities to slow down and reflect on what they were learning.

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And then there were the campers. Twenty counselors poured their time, energy, and love into their campers throughout the week. From early mornings to late-night cabin conversations, counselors had the privilege of walking alongside our young people, encouraging them, listening to them, praying with them, and helping them grow in their faith. These relationships are at the heart of what makes Camp Arevelk so special.

A big thank you to our faithful and gifted arts and crafts teacher, Mrs. Ani Tourosian, who always goes above and beyond her role at camp. She brings so much creativity and inspiration to every craft she leads, making each activity more meaningful and memorable for our campers.

We also cannot forget our Game Squad leader, Anthony Arabian, who led his team in planning, preparing, and executing some of the best games for our campers! His creativity and enthusiasm helped keep everyone laughing, running, competing, and, most importantly, having fun together.

As we look back on this summer, we are grateful not only for a beautiful new campsite and all the wonderful activities, but for what God did in the hearts of our campers. We began the summer by leaving behind what was familiar and stepping onto a new path. In many ways, that was exactly what our theme called us to do.

Now our campers have returned home, but the journey continues. The path of following Jesus will not always be easy or popular. There will be temptations, distractions, and shortcuts along the way. But we pray that the lessons learned at Camp Arevelk, the friendships formed, the prayers offered, and the Gospel shared will stay with our campers long after the summer ends.

The path may be less traveled, but we never walk it alone.

We thank God for every camper, counselor, teacher, volunteer, parent, and supporter who made Camp Arevelk 2026 possible. Most of all, we thank Him for allowing us to see His faithfulness as we stepped into this new chapter. We can't wait to see where He leads us next!

-Sylvia Jizmejian - Minister to Youth - Eastern Region