No, you do not need to speak Greek to participate! Of course, you will be exposed to the language and culture of Greece and be given the opportunity to learn.
How is the food?
Excellent! Our camp cook, Kyrie Sophia, stresses the importance of a well-balanced diet by offering a variety of traditional home-cooked Greek dishes.
Can my relatives visit me at Ionian Village?
Yes, Sunday afternoon is the usual visiting day. In order to receive visitors at Ionian Village, parents of participants are required to complete a "Parental Release" form.
What should I bring to Ionian Village?
Click here for a list of things that you need to bring to Ionian Village
Do I need spending money?
Although you will not need to pay for anything while at Ionian Village, you may want to bring some extra spending money to buy items from the camp store, or to purchase souvenirs while traveling throughout Greece with the group. Ionian Village provides some shopping time on trips, and there are many items in Greece that you will not find elsewhere.
Do I have to travel to Greece with Ionian Village?
While we suggest that you travel to Greece with Ionian Village because participants begin to form friendships on the long flight, it is not mandatory. You may purchase the “Camp Only” package and meet our staff and participants at the airport in Athens or at the campsite in Bartholomeio.
Where is Ionian Village?
Ionian Village is located on a stretch of ocean front property in Bartholomeio, Greece. The property is about 130 stremata, the Greek equivalent of acres, and lays along the western coast of the Pelopponese, directly across from the island of Zakynthos.
How many campers usually attend Ionian Village?
Typically, Ionian Village’s Summer Travel Camp has about 100 campers, and Byzantine Venture receives 150-200 campers each summer.
Will someone meet participants at JFK to help them with check-in and boarding?
All participants, whether arriving at JFK by plane or car, will be greeted by Ionian Village staff and clergy and directed to the proper check-in points, security checks, and departure gate. Furthermore, the flight to Athens will be chaperoned by several Ionian Village staff and clergy. Additional information about JFK procedure is included in the camper registration packet.
Where do the campers travel to while in Greece?
During their stay at the Ionian Village, campers make excursions about every other day to religious and cultural sites of Greece. Destinations include:
- Ancient Olympia
- Zakynthos
- Kefalonia
- Kastro Klemoutsi
- Patras
- The Village of Kalavrita
- Metsevoe
- Meteora
- Aegina
- Athens
- Syntagma
- Monostiraki, Plaka, Mitropoli