GOYGB - Greek Orthodox Youth of Great Britain



The camp is run by GOYGB, the Greek Orthodox Youth of Great Britain, which is the youth organisation of the Greek Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, under the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Gregorios. GOYGB set up its first summer camp in 1992 and next year will be holding the 17th camp. The camp serves as a meeting place for Orthodox children from all over Britain. It is also a place where they can live, learn and have fun together in a Church-orientated environment. Since many young people are isolated in small parishes throughout Britain, it is of a special importance for them to make friends with peers of the same faith

		Life at Camp The Camp caters for up to 50 participants and the primary language used at camp is English. The participants and leaders live in tents for the entire camp. They are divided by age into tents of 4 or 5 children and are assigned a team of leaders who will look after them for the duration of camp. The camp is split into juniors (9-13 yrs) and seniors (14-17 yrs) for some activities and lessons, although everybody is together for worship and meals. Morning and evening prayers mark the beginning and end of the day. Vespers and Divine Liturgy are also served at camp, as well as a trip to the local parish to join them with their Sunday Liturgy. A variety of sports are played at camp including the football and table tennis tournaments, and ‘Camp Olympics’. There is usually an opportunity to go swimming and the surroundings offers some beautiful countryside to explore by walking or cycling.


Arts and crafts can include kite, lantern, candle, felt and mosaic making. They may also have the opportunity to mount icons, make banners for the feasts of the Church which occur during camp, and learn how to make prosphora, koliva and prayer ropes. . The participants also attend a lesson, talk or discussion each day about our Faith. These are led by visiting clergy, resident priest or by the leaders. As well as being informative, they provide an opportunity for participants to raise their own questions, concerns or experiences. Evening activities often include barbecues, campfires, performances, games or quizzes. Other special events may be organised such as a fancy dress party or fête.
Leaders All the leaders at camp are committed members of the Orthodox Church. They are all volunteers who are keenly aware of the Camp’s importance, some of whom have themselves been participants at our camp in previous years. The ratio of children to leaders is about 3 children per leader. All of our leaders will have participated in a training program and will have had to agree to adhere to the ethos of camp. There are a number of qualified First Aiders among the leaders and the Camp adheres to a ‘Child Protection Policy’ based on that of the Scouts.
Who can come? Orthodox Christians aged between 9 and 17 years old are invited to join us at camp as participants. Priority is given to children who live in the UK. 18 year olds and above should contact us about the possibility of becoming leaders.
Location and Transport Camp 2008 will be held on our own campsite, in Wenlock, Shropshire. Transport is arranged to and from camp for those in the London area. Those unable come on our bus will need to make their own way to the campsite.
Dates The Main Camp will be held from Monday 28th July to Wednesay 6th August 2008, the first two weeks of the school summer holidays.
Applications You can download the application form from the website here. Alternatively if you would like us to post you an applcation form, please email your name and address to: info@goygbcamp.org.uk. The fee is £160 per child for the duration of camp, plus £25 for those who wish to travel on the coach to and from London. There is limited help available for those unable to pay the full amount. Please contact us for more details.
We Need Your Help The camp is funded mainly by the participants’ fees and the help of a few generous individuals. Each year we just manage to survive through the grace of God. The camp needs all the help it can get so if you are able to give a donation it would be gratefully received and will help to buy new equipment and subsidise those participants who would otherwise be unable to attend. For more details on how you could help email: info@goygbcamp.org.uk
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