Ionian Village

Ionian Village is not just another summer camp; it is like nothing you have ever experienced. Our campers and Staff come not only to understand their Orthodox Faith and Hellenic Culture in a more realistic and tangible way, but also to meet and interact with other young people just like them from all over the country. Through this interaction, their eyes are opened as to what the reality of being an Orthodox Christian in this world truly should be; to be people who live Christ-centered lives, to be people of love.

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Less than a week left for Summer 2014 Staff Apps and videos! Apply online!

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Almost time.... #ionianvillage Staff Apps 2014 come online November 4. #summeringreece #bestsummerofyourlife #thisiscamp #planahead #90secondvideo #AREYOUREADY?!

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The Best Summer of My Life

by: Stephanie Dudek

When I made the decision to attend Ionian Village the summer before I start college I never thought that during my first semester of freshman year I would be sitting in my dorm, listening to my IV playlist, and writing a reflection about the summer that changed my life.  I did not then realize that I should believe all the hype about IV. It really is the best experience I have had.

My cabin, Delphi, became my sisters, my best friends, my confidantes, and my guardian angels. I think of my Delphi sisters everyday as we all live our new adventure as college freshman. Not only did I gain 17 new sisters but I also gained brothers in the boys of Cabin Crete. I would not trade them no matter how many early morning bus rides they sang through. Every person you attend IV with becomes part of your family whether or not you directly interacted with them during your time in Greece. I have found that its possible to become close with my fellow campers even after we have gone home. IV friendships do not end or fade after we leave Greece; they grow and develop which makes this experience so unique. IV is just the starting point of the great adventure of our Orthodox lives.

The people I met at IV are not the only reason that this summer was the best summer of my life. The Saints I got to venerate and the holy places I got to visit changed my out look life. I grew so much during this trip because of the experience of attending Ionian Village. Living Orthodoxy first hand is a big part of Ionian Village. Being in Greece and so close to the saints connected my life to my religion which is what truly made this summer an invaluable experience. 

The staff and the camp itself are a huge part of the experience. Every staff member was happy to be there and eager to see each camper go through the same experience they went through when they first arrived at IV. The staff wanted to make sure this was truly the best summer of our lives and I am happy to report that they succeeded.  As for the camp grounds, I mean, have you seen the pictures? You can’t beat living in Greece with a private beach and beautiful pool. Nothing can ever compare to the beautiful, loving environment or Kyria Sophia’s cooking.

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Seriously investigating what it would take to get some #peacocks for #ionianvillage #campmascot

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Check out the fall 2013 edition of #TheGoldenBridge it's simply amazing http://issuu.com/orthodoxmarketplace/docs/golden_bridge_fall_2013_issuu/32?e=1220985%2F5096665

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"Believe the Hype!" by Kriztina Dagrizikos

I went into Ionian Village with so many unknowns. I wasn't sure what to expect, let alone the fact that I didn't know a single person attending camp. Let me tell you this, BELIEVE THE HYPE. Ionian Village is an experience of great growth spiritually and socially. In our world it is easy to feel as if you are alone. Post Ionian Village you will never get that feeling of not belonging again. I know it sounds cliché but you literally become family with the entire camp. I am confident I have Orthodox friends who will always support and make me feel so unconditionally loved from coast to coast. You know when Madonna sings "ooo heaven is a place on earth"? Yeah, she's talking about IV. GO. You won't regret it.

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Find out more info about this awesome new program at http://www.ionianvillage.org/get-involved/onthego

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Just Keep Smiling #ionianvillage #IV2013

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The Best Summer of my Life

By: Gabby Stavropoulos, IV2013 STC

So, you think you’ve had the best summer of your life already? I’m here to tell you that if you haven’t been to Ionian Village yet, then the best summer of your life has not happened. Ionian Village is not just a summer camp…it is so much more.

            Ioniko Xorio: Ionian Village. Those two words at the end of twenty days are no longer two words. They are home. Ionian Village is the perfect combination between your average metropolis camps on steroids, a place where it’s hard not to embrace and love your culture, an unforgettable religious journey, and the best tour of Greece anyone could ever hope to have.

On the outside looking in, you don’t understand it. On the inside looking out, you can’t explain it. I could tell you that the second night of camp, the crazy athletic staff made us construct racecars out of junk and then race them, and it was the best thing ever. But you probably wouldn’t believe me. How could Junkyard Wars possibly be a fun thing? I could tell you that over 200 campers and over 35 staff members joined hands and Greek danced for almost two hours straight, and it was beyond amazing. But you probably wouldn’t believe me. How could sweating and Greek dancing for that long possibly be that great? I could tell you that DJ Father Evagoras made the various dances we had at camp bigger and better than both proms I went to. But you probably wouldn’t believe me. How could a priest throw the best dances ever? I could tell you that I got to venerate the relics of saints who died over 400 years ago, and it was the most moving experience ever. But you probably wouldn’t believe me. How could seeing completely intact bones of deceased saints possibly have that big of an impact? I could tell you that I now have a support system that stretches to every corner of the country, and a family that I meet at the chapel in my prayers every single night. But you probably wouldn’t believe me. How could people you’ve spent twenty days with possibly become your family?

There are so many more amazing experiences I could tell you about, and with every one, you still probably wouldn’t believe me. Well, I challenge you to trust me. I challenge you to believe me. Ionian Village was the best summer of my life. I have my city right behind me to catch me when I fall. I have my best friends, my family right next to me to comfort me even though we’re miles and miles apart. Even though it’s over, it is in no way done. No distance can hold us apart, and no summer will ever beat the one I spent at Ionian Village.

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Hey #IV2013, see you in Washington DC!!! #reunion #bestsummerofyourlife #dontmissit

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Χρόνια Πολλά to my second mom, my protector and the best camp chef you have ever met. Kyria Sofia's Pastichio?? #BELIEVETHEHYPE

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Sounds like a pretty good argument for #ionianvillage this summer #summeringreece #thisepicsummer

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Find your faith at #ionianvillage #IV13 #orthodoxy #genuine #real #experience #touch #see #inperson

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Christ is Risen! Camp is right around the corner!!!!

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Don't forget to pack your silly pants for #ionianvillage this summer!! #iv13 #bestsummerofyourlife #areyouready #letsgo #summeringreece

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Another #IV13 program #SOLDOUT!!! Looking forward to a great trip to Cyprus and Crete with #SpiritualOdyssey this summer!!!