FROM GENEROSITY TO LEGACY: THE KAISHIANS’ HYE CAMP STORY

John and Lynn Kaishian stand as foundational figures in the history of Hye Camp and the broader Armenian church community in the Midwest. Their legacy is deeply intertwined with the perseverance, growth, and success of a vision that began decades before it could fully take root.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, several earnest attempts were made by individuals and the Midwest Regional Council of Armenian Churches to establish an Armenian camp in the Midwest. Despite strong intentions, these early efforts ultimately faltered due to a lack of funding and consistent leadership. The dream of a regional camp remained alive but unrealized.

In 1963, John and Lynn Kaishian stepped forward with a generous offer: they made their personal property in Pleasant Lake, WI, available as a potential site for what would become Hye Camp. Although the organizing committee explored other locations over the following two years, those efforts again fell short for the same reasons—limited resources and leadership challenges.

Recognizing the importance of the mission, the Kaishians renewed their offer. This time, their contribution became the cornerstone of success. For the next 30 years, the diocesan Hye Camp was held on their property. As the guiding forces of their extended family, John and Lynn created an environment of collective service. Their entire family played an active role in supporting the camp—preparing and serving meals, organizing sports and activities, and meeting the countless needs that arise in running a successful camp.

What made their contribution even more extraordinary was the spirit in which it was given. For three decades, the Kaishians provided not only the land but also the food—entirely free of charge. This remarkable generosity allowed the camp to maintain minimal tuition costs, ensuring that children from families of modest means could participate and benefit from the experience.

The impact of Hye Camp has been profound. Over the years, it has nurtured future clergymen of the Armenian Church, cultivated leaders within both the church and the camp itself, and fostered lifelong connections among campers. Many Armenian campers formed lasting bonds that led to marriage—an especially meaningful outcome within the Armenian community—and today, their children continue the tradition, attending and even leading the camp.

It is widely acknowledged that without the Kaishians’ “princely” donation—a term of deep respect within Armenian culture—Hye Camp would not exist today. In 2013, the camp celebrated its 50th anniversary, standing as the oldest continuously operating Armenian camp in the Americas, a testament to the enduring impact of their generosity.

The Kaishians’ contributions extended well beyond the camp. In 1968, they made another significant donation toward the construction of the first phase of their church in Greenfield. This initial structure, a cultural hall, served as the site of the Divine Liturgy until the sanctuary was completed in 1986. In recognition of their generosity, the hall was named in their honor. During the sanctuary’s construction, they again contributed substantially, and were subsequently recognized among the church’s Godfathers.

Both John and Lynn were also deeply involved in leadership within the community. John was an active member of the Knights of Vartan and served as a former commander of the Cilicia Lodge. Lynn was a dedicated member of the Hripsime Otyag, where she held numerous leadership roles, including Otyag Dirouhi, secretary, and other positions of service. Together, they served on the parish council and were members of the church’s building committee. Lynn further contributed through the Women’s Guild, where she served as chairperson, secretary, and treasurer.

Through their unwavering commitment, generosity, and leadership, John and Lynn Kaishian helped shape not only Hye Camp but also the spiritual and cultural life of their community. Their legacy continues to live on in the generations they inspired and the institutions they helped build.

In recognition of their extraordinary lifetime of service, generosity, and leadership within the Armenian Church community of Milwaukee, John and Lynn Kaishian will be honored by the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church as “Armenian Church Members of the Year.” This well-deserved tribute will take place during a gala banquet on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the historic Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee—an occasion that not only celebrates their enduring legacy, but also affirms the profound and lasting impact they have had on generations of faithful and on the vitality of Armenian Church life in the Midwest.