Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ionian Village?

Ionian Village is a unique summer camping program for Greek Orthodox teens located in Greece and operated by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Participants travel across Greece, venerate the relics of saints, walk in the footsteps of the Apostles and visit significant sites or Greek history and culture. They also participate in a fun and exciting summer camp program with a typical camp program setup- Arts and Crafts, Athletics, Evening Program, etc.

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 long are the sessions?

Each session is 20 days long.

What ages are eligible?

Students who have completed 7th through 12th grade are eligible.

What is a typical day at camp like?

8:00 am- Morning prayer service and breakfast
9:00 am- Activities (Arts and Crafts, Orthodox Life, Athletics, etc.) and Sessions
11:00 am- Free swim at the beach
1:00 pm- Lunch followed by a siesta (in your air conditioned cabin!)
3:00 pm- More activities and sessions
5:30 pm- Supervised free time for sports, crafts or just relaxing
7:30 pm- Evening prayer service and dinner
8:30 pm- Evening activities (Cabin olympics, glendi, skit night, etc.)

Do I need to know Greek?

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 designated 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.

How many campers usually attend Ionian Village?

Typically, Ionian Village camp sessions host 150-200 campers.

Will someone meet participants at JFK or Newark Liberty International Airport to help them with check-in and boarding?

All participants, whether arriving at JFK or Newark 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 and Newark 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
• Aegina
• Athens
• Syntagma
• Monastiraki, Plaka, Mitropoli