The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) is once again partnering with the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs to present the Greek Summer Camp (GSC) cultural program in July 2023.
Running from 1 to 11 July 2023, the GSC will offer young adults an unforgettable cultural tour of Melbourne’s sister city Thessaloniki and surrounding cities in Northern Greece.
Greek Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, John Chrysoulakis, said: “The Greek Summer Program will aim to strengthen the bond of these young adults with their Greek heritage, these ties are as priceless as our wonderful culture and language.”
GCM President, Bill Papastergiadis OAM, added that: “Our future rests with the development of considered and involved young leaders. This tour is a critical component in the development of our next generation of leaders.”
“I thank John Chrysoulakis along with Ministers Dennis and Antonis Katsaniotis for working with the GCM on this initiative. This cultural tour will be a permanent fixture on our calendar for years to come,” Mr Papastergiadis added.
GCM Education Chair, Dr Nick Dallas, further voiced that: “Young Greek Australians need opportunities to engage with Greek society, this camp is a perfect introductory pathway which can trigger a long-term interest with all things Greek.”
Agreeing with his fellow GCM Board Members, Dean Kotsianis, stated: “As well as engaging with Greece like never before, our young participants will be engaging with each other like never before.”
“They are creating their own Greek Australian network that span across domestic borders in ways that redefine our community. As someone who participated in our inaugural tour last year, I’m very excited to see this happen again,” Mr Kotsianis added.
The 2023 Summer Camp will be run by the dedicated team at Thessaloniki YMCA (ΧΑΝΘ) and will include a multitude of organised activities such as overnight stays in Kavala, visits to the Royal Tombs of Vergina, tours of the Waterfall at Edessa, as well as wine tasting and cooking lessons in Greece’s Food Capital.
The GCM invites young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 who are passionate about Greek Culture to apply. Please note you will need to have a valid passport and arrange your own travel to Thessaloniki.
The program is heavily subsidised by the GCM and the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the cost to each participant being AUD500. This one-off fee includes all ground transfers, accommodation, meals, and entry to the attractions to be visited.
To apply to take part on the camp, please fill out an Expression of Interest here.
