My Summer Journey to the Ionian Village


After traveling over 22 hours, through 3 airports, and boarding 3 different airplanes, I arrived at Ionian Village (IV) - the camp location hosting summer camp for teens of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

By Spiro Pandelopoulos

Not sure what to expect, a childhood friend and I embarked on our journey together with an open-mind. I have attended my local metropolis summer camp for years, but was excited to experience what others always told me was the best experience of their lives. After a warm welcome dinner of Greek chicken and potatoes, we were shuffled into the outdoor amphitheatre to watch opening skits. The excited and enthusiastic staff welcomed us with comedy and songs. My first impression of camp and the staff was that it was crazy and fun and the next few weeks were going to be amazing. Then it was off to get settled into our cabins with 13 guys I had never met before.

Each day began and ended with prayer services at the outdoor chapel. Beginning with prayer really helped set the tone for the day. We rotated between Orthodox Life, Arts & Crafts, Athletics and Music & Greek Culture. During Orthodox Life sessions, we explored various Orthodox topics and how they relate to our lives as teenagers. In Arts & Crafts we were busy making friendship bracelets, necklaces and other fun projects, all while getting to know other campers in one of the breeziest and coolest locations of the camp. Athletics was full of kick-ball, Capture the Flag and Soccer all played on the sports field located alongside the Ionian Sea. My favorite session was Music & Greek Culture where we learned about our Greek Heritage, were taught various Greek folk dances from different regions of Greece and even learned how to make a frappe - the summer coffee choice of most native Greeks.

Everyday we swam in the sea before lunch and after it was time for siesta - a time when everyone goes into his or her cabin to nap during the hottest part of the day. If swimming wasn’t of interest there were a number of tavli games happening on the beach - again, another time to make friends and get to know the other campers. Lunch was loud and fun - filled with cheering and laughter. “Efharistoume kyria Sophia!” was another common chant- giving thanks to our cook, kyria Sophia, who showed her unconditional love through the meals she prepared for us. Following vespers and dinner, each night played host to a different evening activity - Music Festival, Night with God where we learned to make Prosforon (bread for church), Olympics to name a few. Our last night at camp was spent celebrating in a traditional way - a Panegyri Dance with a live Greek band. It was a great way to end our journey together as new friends.

Some days were not spent on the grounds of IV, but rather traveling to various historical locations. In a country so rich in history and culture we visited locations such as Olympia, Delphi and the Parthenon. We visited the island of Kefalonia and the monastery of Aghios Gerasimos. I was able to climb down into the cave where Aghios Gerasimos spent 35 years in solitary prayer. It was life changing and I couldn’t believe that someone could commit that much of their life in isolation. Everyone was to crawl through a small hole in the rock to enter into the cave. My faith was validated as I imagined this saint living alone in the dark, damp cave for so many years growing closer to Christ.

My favorite day-trip was Monastiraki because we got the opportunity to shop in the ancient marketplace, visit a local Athenian restaurant and see life in Greece in its true and modern form. It was fun to learn about ancient Greece while on the grounds of Ionian Village, then to visit modern Greece to see how much it has changed. With the ruins of ancient times still existing in the modern city it creates an interesting contrast of old and new Hellenism.

As for the 13 guys who I had never met before who I shared a cabin with - I now have 13 new friends in my life. We came from different States, with different backgrounds and different lives. With the encouragement of our counselors during late night devotionals we grew close to one another and became a family of brothers known as cabin Tripoli.

It is because of the FAITH Endowment that I was able to attend Ionian Village. I am grateful to the FAITH Endowment for the opportunity to experience such a life-changing program, as well as for showing unconditional love and “agape” toward my family and me.

©2009 NEOCORP MEDIA


web stats tracker