Greek Youth Camp participants hold final briefing in Melbourne before take off

·

On Wednesday, September 11, the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) welcomed 18 enthusiastic participants from their inaugural Youth Camp to The Greek Centre for a final briefing. 

The camp, which will run from September 23 to October 1, is an initiative of the GCM and the Prefecture of Attiki. It has been designed to offer a comprehensive exploration of Greek culture, history, and heritage.

Joining the participants at the final briefing were GCM President Bill Papastergiadis OAM, Tass Sgardelis (Cultural Committee), and Dr Nick Dallas (Chair of the Education Programmes).

Over the course of the 10-day program, participants will engage in a diverse array of activities, including interactive workshops, cultural excursions, and heritage-focused projects. In addition to guided tours of historical sites such as the Acropolis, Mycenae, Corinth, Nafplion, and Delphi, the program will offer participants traditional Greek dance lessons, tickets to a star-studded concert, and opportunities to explore the beautiful islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina.

This immersive experience aims to deepen the participants’ connection to their Greek heritage while fostering a greater understanding of their cultural roots. The camp promises to provide significant opportunities for personal growth and cultural enrichment.

Mr Sgardelis, who will be accompanying the participants to Greece, commented: “These kinds of trips are invaluable for fostering a deeper connection with the motherland and building a sense of independence and appreciation for such a rich history and culture.”

“As someone who benefited from a similar trip as a student, I recognise the importance of exposing young Greek Australians to modern-day Greece and the emerging Hellenic youth culture,” Mr Sgardelis added.

“We often associate our Hellenism with our grandparents, as a distant memory or story that is told, but by visiting Greece, students can develop a real sense of pride and appreciation for both the historical and contemporary aspects of Hellenic identity. Visiting Greece accelerates language development and broadens one’s perspective of the world. These trips help cultivate the leaders of tomorrow and instil a lifelong passion for Hellenism to share with our broader community.”

Papastergiadis

Mr Papastergiadis also expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming Youth Camp.

“We are embarking on a wonderful initiative with the Prefecture of Attiki. An educational and cultural summer camp. For us here at the GCM, it is a fundamental part of our programming to have our youth involved in this process, as they are part of our future. We wish them well on their journey in Attiki in two weeks,” Mr Papastergiadis said.

Chair of the Education Programmes, Dr Dallas, added: “This is a fantastic initiative for the younger generation to visit Greece. It is also very moving because some of these participants will be visiting Greece for the first time. There is no better way to connect with your identity.”

The GCM looks forward to sharing the outcomes of this impactful program and celebrating the accomplishments of the young participants.

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Full house, festive feast and Federal leader Albanese: Kazzies in Victoria celebrate 100 years

There was a flurry at the Kastellorizian Association of Victoria (KAV) on Sunday, August 31 as it celebrated a century of Kazzies in Victoria.

Cyprus Food and Wine Festival brings flavours of the homeland to Darwin

The Cyprus Food and Wine Festival transformed the Cyprus Community Hall in Darwin into a vibrant hub of culture, music, and cuisine.

The Imvrians of Sydney honour Panagia Imvriotissa with splendour

The Imvrian Benevolent Society of Sydney & New South Wales honoured and celebrated Panagia Imvriotissa on Sunday.

Queensland developer Con Bassili faces fresh wave of company collapses

Queensland developer Con Bassili is again under financial pressure, with multiple companies tied to him now in administration or liquidation.

Jon Adgemis insolvency vote delayed amid regulator concerns

A crucial vote on Jon Adgemis’s proposed personal insolvency agreement has been rescheduled to October 9, 2025.

You May Also Like

Maria Sakkari to participate in Tennis Plays for Peace charity event in Melbourne

Greek tennis player Maria Sakkari will participate in the Tennis Plays for Peace charity at the Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday 11 January.

Greek Community of Melbourne students visit Bonegilla migrant centre

Students of the Language and Culture Schools of the Greek Community in Melbourne visited the Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre.

New school year with blessings for St Andrew’s Grammar students in Perth

A Blessing of the Waters Service was held last week, for the start of the new School year at St. Andrew’s Grammar in Perth.