Archdiocesan Youth Camps 2026

 
With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas, the Archdiocese will once again run its summer residential youth camps as part of the Archdiocese Children and Youth Ministries. Camp Saint Sophrony will take place in Devon, and Camp Saint Bega will run in the North of the UK for the second year.
 

Dates:
Camp Saint Sophrony - Saturday 25 July to Friday 31 July 2026 (£300 per child)
Camp Saint Bega - Monday 3 August to Friday 7 August 2026 (£220 per child)
Camp Saint Sophrony is served by Bishop Raphael as head of clergy, and Camp Saint Bega by Father Antonios Kakalis as priest in charge.
 
Thyateira Youth Camps are for children aged 8–17 (school years 4–13). Their purpose is to deepen young people’s faith and understanding of Orthodox life, strengthen friendships within the wider Church, and cultivate a lived sense that we are one family in Christ. Over the years, many young people have returned to their parishes strengthened in faith, serving as chanters, readers, deacons, and priests. Some have even found their future spouse within the wider Church community.
 
Registration:
Both camps are now open for pre-registration of new applicants via the website:
https://thyateirayouthcamps.org.uk/youth-camps/
 
Following pre-registration, qualifying applicants will receive a sales link for their chosen camp.
 
Tickets for Camp Saint Bega are already on sale. Tickets for Camp Saint Sophrony open on 1 March and are typically filled very quickly.
 
A £100 deposit is required to secure a place. Spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
 
Both camps are run entirely by voluntary staff, and the fees reflect only the true running costs.
 
I kindly ask that you review your parish finances and consider offering financial support to children from your parish who wish to attend. It would be unfortunate for anyone to miss out for financial reasons.
 
Many parishes offer annual bursaries, whether by covering the deposit, contributing half the cost, or funding the full amount. I would be grateful if you could consider doing the same and inform your parishioners of any available support as soon as possible.
 
Please also share information about the camps on your parish website and social media, and display the attached poster where appropriate.
 
Wishing you every blessing as we prepare to enter Great Lent.
 
Yours in Christ,
 
Bishop Raphael of Ilion
& Camp Saint Sophrony and Saint Bega Teams
 
Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain | Ecumenical Patriarchate