Ionian Village opens 2026 registration

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Ionian Village, the official summer camping ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, announced that its registration for 2026 camps will open on December 17, 2025. The full announcement reads:

“Ionian Village is thrilled to announce that registration for summer camp and “IV Next” 2026 will open on December 17, 2025! That morning at 11 am, we will celebrate the feast of our camp’s patron saint, Saint Dionysios, by looking ahead to the next chapter of our camp’s proud 56-year history and welcoming the newest members of our camp family.”

“For the past five decades, Ionian Village has been a transformative experience for tens of thousands of young Orthodox Christians, helping them deepen their connection to their faith and Hellenic roots. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity combines all the excitement of camp with the exploration of the timeless beauty of Greece. At Ionian Village, traditional “arts and crafts” sessions meet the historic Acropolis, camp athletic competitions reach new heights at Ancient Olympia, and “Orthodox Life” discussions are enriched by encounters with real-life saints such as Saints Dionysios, Gerasimos, Nektarios, Andrew, and others. Participants, both high school students and young adults attending “IV NEXT,” will visit these breathtaking religious and historical sites—not as tourists but as pilgrims. Along the way, they will forge meaningful relationships with fellow Orthodox Christians from around the world, discovering more about their faith, culture, and their identities as children of God.”

“To accommodate this wide range of participants, Ionian Village offers a wide range of summer programing. The two summer camp sessions are the classic 20-Day Ionian Village experience, balancing 10 days of camping ministry at our magnificent camp grounds along the picturesque shoreline of the Ionian Sea, and 10 days of unforgettable excursions around the surrounding areas of Greece. IV NEXT offers an accelerated and sophisticated 10-Day travel and personal development program for our college students and young professionals. Thanks to our generous partners at Leadership 100, these young adults will not only get the chance to experience the beauty of Greece but also get to learn from some the most respected and acclaimed leaders of our Archdiocese through virtual breakout sessions during their time at IV. Both sessions of summer camp are open to high school students, from rising 9th graders to the graduating class of 2026, while “IV NEXT” is designed for young adults ages 18-25.”

The dates for all three summer programs are as follows:

Session 1: June 16 – July 5

IV NEXT: July 5 – July 15

Session 2: July 15 – August 3

“This is no ordinary summer ‘vacation.’ His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros says that ‘the camp grounds are sacred grounds,’ and it is his prayer that every child in our Holy Archdiocese has the opportunity to attend camp. Thanks to the Archbishop’s incredible generosity, we are able to help make that dream a reality. Ionian Village offers dozens of scholarships each year to deserving children who otherwise are unable to attend camp, and all scholarships are awarded based on financial need. Applications are now open—visit our website at www.ionianvillage.org/scholarships to complete yours by the deadline on March 16, 2026. Please note that scholarship funding is limited, so we encourage you to apply today while funds remain available.”

“So, are you ready for the BEST SUMMER OF YOUR LIFE? Join us this summer at Ionian Village! Registration for all sessions opens on December 17, 2025. Come make lifelong memories and friendships while experiencing the richness of Orthodoxy and the beauty of Greece. Spots are limited and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t miss your chance to participate in this life-changing ministry!”