By Isabelle Passaris
When I opened my emails and saw the subject line “2025 Program Dates Confirmed” from the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), a rush of excitement came over me. Applications for the Greek Summer Camp were open, and I knew I had to apply. My mind was immediately flooded with thoughts of the friendships I could form, the historical sites I might explore, and the incredible opportunity to deepen my connection to my Greek roots.
Still, daunting was the word that came to mind when I thought about flying halfway around the world to spend 10 days with 30 strangers from six different countries, aged between 18 and 25, all brought together by just one shared characteristic: our Greek heritage.
The Greek Summer Camp, sponsored by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is an incredible opportunity for young Greeks around the world to come together and experience an in-depth cultural immersion.
The 10-day program began in Athens before travelling to Thessaloniki, where we spent the majority of the trip. From Thessaloniki, we ventured on several day trips as well as an overnight stay in the beautiful coastal city of Kavala. We packed a lot into the itinerary, and while the entire experience was unforgettable, there were definitely some standout highlights that made the trip even more special.
One of the highlights was Vergina, where we visited the tomb of Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. The museum, built directly into the burial mound, displayed an impressive collection of ancient artefacts including gold crowns, armour, and ceremonial items. But more striking than the objects themselves was the realisation that we were standing in a place of immense historical significance, where some of the most influential figures of the ancient world had once been.
The feeling of awe continued at the archaeological site of Dion, located at the foot of Mount Olympus. After exploring the ruins of temples, theatres, and baths, we drove further up the mountain to explore and enjoy lunch. Surrounded by steep slopes and dense forest, it became easy to understand how this dramatic landscape inspired myths of gods and legends.
The trip wasn’t just about monuments, though; it was about living culture. One night, we took part in a traditional Greek dancing workshop. Despite the range of skill levels in the group, everyone threw themselves into the dancing with laughter and enthusiasm. We danced for hours on end, losing track of the time.
We continued living our culture in a cooking class hosted by the YMCA in Thessaloniki. The group divided and conquered to produce a delicious Greek feast. There was something deeply grounding about using our hands to create the food of our ancestors, tasting the familiar in a whole new way.
Our overnight stay in Kavala was short but sweet. We were fortunate to enjoy a full day soaking up the beautiful Greek weather on a boat tour. It was so special to have time to appreciate the stunning coastline and crystal-clear waters that Greece has to offer. The slower pace of the boat tour also allowed us to deepen connections within the group and truly enjoy each other’s company.
The 10 days flew by, deepening my connection to Greek culture in a truly unforgettable way. What were once just stories of Alexander the Great and the Olympian gods have become something more; we walked through their world, stood where they once stood. I’m incredibly grateful to have experienced this program alongside such an amazing group of people.
We’ve formed connections that will last far beyond the borders of Greece. The Greek Summer Camp was a truly immersive and engaging experience that brought history to life and created memories that will stay with me forever.
