For three weeks every year, 140 children aged from 6 to 15 enjoy a very special summer camp organized by the Elefsis Care Centre in Greece.
Under the banner Happy Children – Happy Youth, the camp caters for youngsters of many different nationalities and religions who come from a poor economic and family background. It offers a structured and caring environment, helping the children to acquire a positive outlook on life and providing various social and educational activities.
Singing, dancing, walking and sports are all part of the program, along with drawing and painting, reading, contact with nature and group discussions.
Led by a professor, the camp is staffed by 55 young volunteers including doctors, social workers, teachers and university students.
An active team leader for the past 17 years, Paschalis Podaras is employed by Vivechrom, part of Decorative Coatings Greece. Joined in 2004 by his colleagues, Vasilis Dakolias and Antonis Gorgokitsos, the trio has campaigned hard to win financial support for the project.