A Summer Camp That Brings Together Children, Families, and the Greek-American Community
NEW YORK, NY – Special to GNUSA. [Photos: Archangel Michael PW]
For the fourth consecutive year, Camp Hellas at Archangel Michael Church in Port Washington has been a tremendous success, firmly establishing itself as a beloved institution within the Greek-American community. The camp offers children an unforgettable summer filled with creativity, learning, athletics, and spiritual enrichment. The camp is now entering its third and final week, having once again exceeded expectations with enthusiastic participation and outstanding success.
This year’s camp is led by Fr. John Lardas, Presiding Priest, and Fr. Gabriel Galyfianakis, who serve as Camp Directors. Evangelos Chaziroglou, whose vision inspired the creation of Camp Hellas, serves as Program Director. Working together with dedication, enthusiasm, and creativity, they have continued to strengthen and expand the program, ensuring that it grows each year. Their close collaboration has been instrumental in the camp’s continued success and growing reputation.
This summer’s program is richer than ever, offering campers an exciting variety of experiences. One of the unique features of Camp Hellas is its dynamic daily schedule: approximately every 25 minutes, campers rotate to a different activity, keeping them engaged, energized, and excited throughout the day.
The educational program includes Orthodox Iconography, STEM, Greek language, choir, traditional Greek dance, movie time, storytelling, athletics, creative arts, and interactive religious education.
The success of Camp Hellas is made possible through the dedication of its outstanding educators and volunteers.
Fr. Ioannis Lardas and Fr. Gabriel Galyfianakis present Religious Education through engaging, interactive, and hands-on lessons that inspire children’s curiosity and deepen their understanding of the Orthodox faith.
Alexandra Lolis, recognized for her exceptional organizational skills, oversees the camp’s administration and plays a vital role in ensuring its smooth daily operation.
Anna Fragoulis leads the Iconography workshop, introducing campers to the beauty, symbolism, and traditions of Byzantine iconography.
Evangelos Chaziroglou, Camp Hellas Program Director, teaches Greek language, choir, and creative activities with humor, energy, and imagination, making the learning of Greek enjoyable, meaningful, and memorable.
Fotini Kavourias directs the traditional Greek dance program, enthusiastically sharing Greece’s rich musical and dance heritage with the campers.
Susan Cavounis provides invaluable administrative support from the church office. She manages camper registrations through the REALM system and assists parents by answering questions and ensuring smooth communication throughout the summer.
Polychronis Giouroukakis, together with Eirini Thomatos, coordinates the athletic program, emphasizing teamwork, cooperation, sportsmanship, and healthy competition.
Kostas Georgiadis leads the STEM workshops, where campers discover the exciting worlds of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through interactive, hands-on activities.
Theodoros Soteryiadis supervises and mentors the Counselors-in-Training (CITs), playing an essential role in their development and preparation.
Dimitris Lolis serves as the camp’s photographer and media coordinator, beautifully capturing the unforgettable moments and joyful experiences of the campers.
Camp Hellas is about much more than summer fun. Its mission is to foster the holistic development of every child by cultivating strong values, strengthening Greek identity, nurturing the Orthodox Christian faith, and building meaningful relationships within the community.
“I am deeply moved and incredibly grateful to see that, four years after the founding of Camp Hellas, our vision has become a reality. We have accomplished exactly what we set out to do”, Evangelos Chaziroglou stated.
“Children are exercising, collaborating, creating, learning, making new friends, and forming lasting relationships with one another. At the same time, families are getting to know each other, building friendships, and strengthening our community. In an age when children spend so much of their time in front of screens, we are providing them with a place where they can express themselves, create, move, laugh, and experience authentic human connection. That is the greatest reward any of us could ask for”.
Through the dedication of its educators, volunteers, and parish community, Camp Hellas continues to serve as a shining example of meaningful summer programming, offering children of the Greek-American community a summer filled with faith, learning, friendship, creativity, and cherished memories that will remain with them for years to come.
