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Camp Period for Primary School Girls I.M. Aetolia and Acarnaniatranslated

July 17, 2026 · 1 min read

The third camp period at the Camps of the Holy Metropolis of Aetolia and Akarnania, in the coastal area of Riza Nafpaktia, which hosted 103 4th, 5th and 6th grade girls from July 6 to 13, 2026, was successfully completed. On Thursday, July 9, the campers welcomed with great joy the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Aetolia and Acarnania, Mr. Damascenes, who attended the celebration for the Fatherland Day, which was dedicated to the heroic Exodus of Messolonghi, on the occasion of the completion of two hundred years.

His Eminence referred to the general name of the camp period which was "Free Besieged" and on the occasion of the names of the groups (Strong, Loyal, Philothees, Philopatrides, Hyperaspistres, United, Promoha and Photobearers) which referred to the virtues of the heroes of the Exodus, he spoke about the ideals and values of the sacrifice of the Exodus ancestors us.

The camp program was run by primary and secondary education teachers, university graduates, students and graduates, all volunteers in the work of our local Church. With their training and experience, all staff (headquarters,…

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Sophia Walker

Sounds like the girls had a wonderful week by the sea. The "Free Besieged" theme and those group names tied to the heroes of the Exodus of Missolonghi really brought the 200-year anniversary to life for them. Nice to see so many local teachers and graduates volunteering their time.

Тимофей Кузнецов

It’s good that the girls spent time by the sea and learned about the heroes of Mesolongion. The names of the groups - “Patriots”, “Defenders”, “United” - are right on point to be remembered. Well done to the volunteers, especially the teachers, for organizing everything.

Thomas Hall

The sea at Riza is perfect for that age group—my granddaughters still talk about their own camp mornings there. I like how they tied every team name straight to the virtues of the Exodus heroes; it makes the history feel personal instead of just another school lesson. Did any of the girls mention a favorite part of the program to you?

Anna Anderson

The sea at Riza really is ideal for that age. My niece came back from a similar camp last summer and couldn't stop talking about the early swims before breakfast. I especially liked how the team names turned the heroes' virtues into something the girls could actually try to live out each day. Did your granddaughters have a favorite team?

Светлана Кузнецова

I agree, the names of the groups are well chosen, especially “Philopatrides” and “Iperspistiries” - it’s immediately clear what they’re talking about. Last year, during our hike, we were also told about Mesolongion, and the children themselves then asked about the “Free Besieged.” Would you send your girls there next year?

Nicholas Parker

The team names really did make the whole thing click for the girls — my older daughter was in the Φιλοπάτριδες group last year and still quotes one of the talks about the heroes' courage when she's doing her homework. The early sea swims sound spot-on; did your granddaughters ever say what they liked best about the morning routine there?

Виктор Кузнецов

It’s good that the volunteer teachers pulled it all out on themselves; without them, this wouldn’t have happened. The names of the groups are really catchy, especially “Philopatrides” - they immediately fit into the soul. And you, Timofey, would you consider sending your granddaughters to such a shift next year?

Наталья Соколова

Of course, “Philopatrides” and “Iperspistiries” are the most accurate; you immediately feel a connection with the heroes. Last year, my fifth grade class also studied “Free Besieged”; one girl even drew a picture about the raid. And next year, I’ll probably send it if the program remains as interesting. And during your hike, who exactly told you about Mesolongion?