Experience the traditional village life

One of the things children look forward to during their summer vacation is attending a summer camp. Greek Village is a total immersion experience. It is is a place where children meet together, experience the Greek village culture, and learn the beauty of the simple life.

Let your child experience the Greek Culture and Language in a fun, creative and engaging week-camp environment at Saint Nicholas Ranch. The Ranch is an idyllic location where rolling hills, ancient oaks, a small lake, an apple orchard and an olive grove provide gorgeous natural surroundings - almost like you’re in a real village!

We focus on Greek language immersion and folk culture. A knowledge of the Greek language is not required to participate. We offer classes for beginners and native speakers. With our team of priests and spiritual advisors, we will help bring our faith to life by learning about the local saints from our “destination” as well as visiting the Monastery of the Life Giving Spring. Beyond that we’ll venture into theatre games, enjoy music, learn local Greek dances, have fun cooking, and doing arts and crafts. Kids will enjoy a relaxed, yet energetic approach to learning the Greek language with emphasis on cultural and conversational activities rather than traditional classroom work. With diverse and age-appropriate activities, students will learn and practice speaking Greek, gain a greater appreciation of Greek heritage and culture under the direction of our experienced teachers and counselors.

A Day at Greek Village

  • Everyone wakes up at 7:15am to get ready for the day. By 8am, we're gathered for morning prayers and breakfast. Then the day gets started with language classes, cooking, and snacks.

  • After a full morning we take a break for lunch and resting time at at noon. Then by 1:30pm we're back at it with dancing and singing. At 2:30pm we're doing arts and crafts or sports. As the hot sun prepares to set we get ready for a cool swim in the pool at 4pm. By 5:30pm, we're out and getting ready for dinner.

  • By 6pm we're eating a delicious and healthy dinner (maybe with some food made by the campers that day). At our evening campfire we sing songs and play games. As the evening winds down, our priests talk with the campers about the saints of the place we're visiting. Back in the cabins by 9pm it is time for prayers, cabin clean-up, and bedtime. The lights go out 10:30pm and we're ready for an amazing tomorrow.

Activities

  • Arts & Crafts

    Bring your creativity, (everyone has some!) – and leave with a fabulous necklace, bracelet, or key chain mosaic panels, decorate your personal pot and plant your favored flower/herb. We will also have classes for learning traditional embroidery.

  • Animal Farm

    Visit the farm and see all the animals cared by the nuns at the monastery; see how to milk a goat or a cow and gather fresh eggs.

  • Archery

    Develop the basic foundations in the art of the bow and arrow. We provide safe foam arrows and targets at the famous Ranch barn.

  • Sports

    With a large basketball court and fields, we will have races, play soccer and basketball, and more!

  • Cooking & Baking

    Campers will learn how to make delicious food and desserts with the “Mediterranean” diet on mind. On the menu: salad, dolmades, cookies, and more!

  • Monastic Life

    No trip to Greece is complete without visiting a monastery, and we are blessed to have one adjacent to Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center, where Our Greek Village will call home for our one-week immersion camp. Visit the monastery and its beautiful grounds, attend services, and witness the blessings of the monastic life.

  • Folk Dancing

    We will learn traditional dances from our destination in Greece. Campers will get to practice their steps at our traditional panegyri at the end of camp!

  • Singing and Chanting

    For those that like to sing, we will learn traditional folks songs as well as hymns for the local saints of the part of Greece that we visit.

  • Swimming

    Cool off by taking a dip in the pool at the Ranch. Certified lifeguards will be on staff to ensure all of our participants are safe and happy!