Datevatsi Impressions – 2009

At first, I didn’t want to go to Datev, but then I changed my mind and decided to give Datev a chance. I’m glad I did because I had tons of fun. One of the teachers told us that Datev isn’t just a regular camp, it’s a camp for Armenian Christian youth, and I think that is true. You’ll learn many new things here and you’ll have fun and make lots of new friends. You’ll love it! I’m glad I came here. This was a great first year at Datev.

Knar Marashian (1st year student)

I was extremely excited to come back for my 2nd year of Datev. After learning so much my 1st year, I was looking forward to learning even more. Going to classes, having free time, and attending both morning and evening services allows us to balance our days. We are able to have fun and make new friends, while learning about our faith and Armenian culture. I would never trade my experiences at Datev for anything. I look forward to my future years here and plan to return after my four years are completed as a post-grad student”

Erica Mengouchian (2nd year student)

This is my 3rd year at Datev and what an amazing experience it has been! I am surrounded by loving and caring people. I learn something new every day and I learn more about my culture and heritage. Datev is the place to be!

Raffi Borekjian (3rd year student)

Datev is an amazing experience. It’s a place where you meet new people, have fun, and ultimately, learn. I particularly enjoy the Datev Games. These games take place during free time and consist of many events. The teams are divided by crews and each team has to choose a group name and motto. Our crew, the lunch crew, was called, “the Lunch Crew” and our motto was, “Don’t make a mess with the best.” There were a whole bunch of different events, like physical activities and questions about religion/Datev. In the end, we all had a lot of fun and I am definitely looking forward to coming back next year.

Levon Zobian (4th year student)

My first year at Datev is great! I’ve learned a lot of things about Armenian religion. I’ve made a lot of new friends from around the East Coast. Also, the Der Hayrs answer all my “many” questions. The short church services were spiritually moving. Datev is the best!

Shant Eghian (1st year student)

At first, I was a little nervous about coming to Datev. I got here and the environment is amazing. I didn’t know my roommate at all and now we’re best friends even though we live in different states. We were roommates again this year. The classes are really interesting and fun and really help open your eyes to God. You do everything with your friends including meals and church and it helps bring you closer to God, your Armenian culture, and your friends. I look forward to it all year long and it is definitely an experience I will never forget.

Alysha Phillips (2nd year student)

This is my 3rd year at Datev and, wow, has it been great thus far! It’s not only because I’m learning and having a blast with my friends, but because of the loving environment that is shared here with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Aside from the great classes, I have learned that when we come to events like this with open hearts and minds, we will be blessed beyond belief. As Christians, we believe that one of our main purposes is to be a light onto the darkness and Datev is just the place to prepare you to do so.

Mesrop Borekjian (3rd year student)

Throughout our years at Datev, we have learned many things about Armenian language, religion, and culture. It has made a big impact in our lives. Datev is amazing; we have so much fun and make life long friends. We look forward to returning as post graduates.

Sareen Streeter and Shoghag Aktavoukian (4th year students)

Datev is not only incredibly fun, but educational too. I have learned so much here about the Armenian Church. I definitely plan on coming back next year!

Chris Selverian (1st year student)

Going to Datev for the past two years has been a huge learning experience for me. The teachers were priests and deacons, which assured me I was getting the right information. I also made many friends that I otherwise wouldn’t have. I don’t know what my summer would be like without Datev.

Christ Isakahanian (3rd year stuent)

As a first year Datevatsi, I had a great time. I will definitely be coming back. Datev is an inspirational place. We have fun, swim, play sports, and most of all, enjoy an experience of a life time. The friends I made are people I’ll definitely keep in touch with throughout the years. Everyone is so nice and caring. You’ll never get bored!

Niree Kaprielian (1st year student)

I have long been involved with Datev, even longer than I have been involved with Sunday School and church choir. As a Post Graduate Student the classes are more advanced than the first 4 levels. The classes were illuminating and gave us an opportunity to think more about the Bible, Church history and the Church Fathers. For one week all the Datevatsis are united into a family that prays, eats, worships, and learns together. That’s why anticipation builds every year when Datev comes around, we all can’t wait to be together and see each other.

Ani Yaghmourian (Post Graduate)

In the beginning, I was a little nervous about going to Datev. I thought I wasn’t going to know anyone, but when I got there it felt like I knew everyone for a long time. I also met new friends from different states. I had a good time. It felt like God was everywhere. Whoever is there feels like they’re in the presence of God. I learned a lot about Armenian language, religion, culture, hymns, and the Bible. When I came back, my father asked me “did you like it?” I answered “yes, but now I have to wait 51 weeks”. Unfortunately it’s only one week.

Celina Bozoian (1st year student)