San Francisco Greek Village Immersion Camp Gains Popularity

Over 50 campers were immersed in the Greek language and culture during the second annual “Elliniko Horio” – Greek Village Camp – held June 18 – 25, 2011 at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, California. Children ages 7 – 14 participated in daily activities that were led by trained professional instructors who offered a creative and stimulating learning environment which emphasized the use of the Greek language during all facets of instruction.

“The Greek Village Immersion Camp has quickly become a signature program in the Metropolis of San Francisco. Children have expressed great interest in this camp, and are eager to learn about their faith and culture in this setting,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. “This is a unique educational opportunity that blends creativity with academic instruction to encourage a positive learning environment, and we look forward to its continuation and expansion.”

Initially offered in 2010, this year’s Greek Village Camp grew in popularity and numbers, with a 60% increase in enrollment. Parents expressed great interest following last year’s camp, and this year’s successful program reaffirmed the positive experiences of the campers. Program highlights included classes in theatre, music, mythology, cooking, art, Greek language, and a daily pentathlon. Every evening included roasting marshmallows, singing Greek folk songs and Greek dancing around the campfire. A special highlight of the week included frequent visits to the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring which is adjacent to Saint Nicholas Ranch. The children assisted in the garden, collected eggs from the hen house, and learned to milk the goats. Every evening, staff of the Greek Village Camp sent an email to all the parents with an update on the days’ activities to keep them informed of their child’s progress.

Under the guidance and direction of the Metropolis Committee on Greek Education and Culture, the Greek Village was led by a team of highly-qualified instructors, selected from various Greek language schools in the Metropolis as well as teachers from other parts of the Archdiocese and Greece. The planning committee was comprised of Theodora Kounalakis – Committee Chair, Kleon Skourtis, Ioanna Lekakou, Christina Brati, Evangelia Koutsou, George and Bettina Kallins, David and Barbara Matty, Kostas Amberiadis, George Maroutsos, Marina Moustakas, George Vassilakis, Rula Eliopulos, and Despina Vassiliadou.

Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center is nestled in the foothills of Sequoia National Park. Its 230 acres includes a historic barn, hiking trails, apple orchards and a lake, allowing campers to experience the fullness of the outdoors which further enhanced their learning experience. The Greek Village Camp has been made possible through the generous support of Dr. James and Virginia Kallins, Dr. George and Bettina Kallins, and David and Barbara Kallins Matty. For pictures and video of the Greek Village Camp, visit: www.ourgreekvillage.com.