On Wednesday evening, the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) welcomed 18 enthusiastic participants from their inaugural Youth Camp to The Greek Center for a final briefing. The camp, which will run from 23 September to 01 October, 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 Programs).

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.

Tass 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 recognize the importance of exposing young Greek Australians to modern-day Greece and the emerging Hellenic youth culture. 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 instill a lifelong passion for Hellenism to share with our broader community.”

Bill Papastergiadis OAM 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 Greek Community of Melbourne, 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.”

Chair of the Education Programs, Dr. Nick 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 Greek Community of Melbourne looks forward to sharing the outcomes of this impactful program and celebrating the accomplishments of the young participants.