Roots Revival 2027
Where volunteering becomes leadership.
Roots Revival: A Volunteer-Centred Leadership Experience in Greece
For Youth Ages 16+ | Athens & Naxos, Greece | June 30 – July 13, 2027
Roots Revival is a two-week international experience that brings together meaningful volunteering, cultural immersion, exploration, shared adventure and leadership development in Greece.
Designed for young people who want to experience Greece in a way that goes beyond a traditional visit, the program offers a balanced combination of volunteer activities, cultural and historical exploration, community engagement, local food and traditions, outdoor experiences and opportunities to learn directly from the people and places participants encounter.
Over two weeks in Athens and Naxos, participants experience both urban and island life while taking part in activities that encourage them to contribute, collaborate, try new things and better understand the communities around them. Volunteering is an important part of Roots Revival, but it is intentionally integrated alongside cultural, educational and social experiences that allow participants to enjoy Greece while also engaging with it in a more meaningful way.
You do not need to be Greek to participate. Roots Revival welcomes youth of all backgrounds who are curious, open-minded and ready to contribute, connect and experience something different.
Through new environments, shared responsibilities and experiences that take them beyond their everyday routines, participants are encouraged to become more confident, independent, adaptable and engaged young leaders.
More Than a Trip to Greece
Experience Greece differently. Contribute, explore, connect and grow along the way.
Roots Revival is not a traditional sightseeing tour.
You will certainly experience some of what makes Greece extraordinary, but you will also have opportunities to step beyond the role of visitor and engage more directly with the communities and environments you encounter.
Across Athens and Naxos, participants volunteer alongside local organizations and community members, learn from local practitioners, explore Greece’s history and contemporary life, and take part in cultural, environmental and community experiences.
Volunteer activities are intentionally integrated into the broader program and typically last about 90 minutes to two hours at a time. They are designed to be meaningful while leaving plenty of room for the cultural, educational and social experiences that are equally important to Roots Revival.
One day might find you contributing to an environmental or community initiative. Another may involve learning directly from local producers, exploring a historic site, discovering an island community, sharing a meal or simply navigating a new experience together as a group.
Throughout the journey, participants are encouraged to contribute, collaborate, step outside their comfort zones and take on appropriate levels of responsibility within a supportive and well-organized group environment.
The goal is simple: to turn experience into growth and help young people discover that leadership often begins with service, responsibility and a willingness to contribute.
What Participants Take Away
More than memories. Skills, confidence and perspective that can carry forward long after the trip is over.
Leadership through volunteering.
Discover that leadership is not always about being in charge. It can mean taking initiative, supporting others, accepting responsibility and contributing when something needs to be done.
Confidence and independence.
Living and travelling in a new environment encourages participants to become more self-reliant, make decisions, try new things and become more comfortable navigating unfamiliar situations.
Collaboration and adaptability.
Travelling as part of a small group means learning to communicate, compromise, solve problems and adapt when things do not always go exactly as planned.
Civic and community engagement.
See firsthand how individuals, volunteers, nonprofits and local communities can make a difference, and consider the role each of us can play in strengthening the communities around us.
Cultural understanding.
Experience another society from within, engage with local people and traditions, and develop a greater appreciation for how culture, history, identity and values shape the way people live.
Connection and friendship.
Share an experience with other young people who arrive with different backgrounds and perspectives but leave having experienced something meaningful together.
Interested in Taking Part in Roots Revival?
Roots Revival 2027 will take place from June 30 to July 13, with a limited number of spaces available for youth ages 16+.
If this sounds like the kind of summer you are looking for, we would love to hear from you.
Submitting an application does not create any obligation to participate or enroll. It simply lets us know that you are interested and gives us an opportunity to learn more about you, answer your questions and share the information you need to decide whether Roots Revival is the right fit.
Parents and youth are welcome to connect with us at any point before making a commitment. We would be happy to discuss the program, travel arrangements, costs, supervision, activities and any other questions you may have.
If you would prefer to discuss the program first, please reach out to us at admin@GreekRoots.org.
or sign up to be invited to the next Roots Revival Information Session
Who Can Apply?
Youth ages 16+ from across Canada are welcome to apply. Each group is intentionally limited to 14 participants to create a supportive, connected experience where young people can build relationships, share responsibility and learn from one another.
The small-group format allows for meaningful peer connection, greater participation in group activities and more individualized guidance throughout the experience.
In bringing each group together, we look for young people who are genuinely interested in contributing, learning, trying new things and being part of a positive group experience. Roots Revival is grounded in values reflected throughout Hellenic culture, including service to others, community, responsibility, resilience and the pursuit of personal growth.
Application Deadline
The first application intake deadline is December 31, 2026.
There is no cost to apply, and submitting an application does not create any obligation to participate. Applicants who decide to move forward will be invited to confirm their participation and submit a deposit as part of the program’s payment plan.
Spaces are limited, and early application is encouraged.
Costs & Fundraising
The estimated core program cost for Roots Revival 2027 is approximately $4,500 per participant. This covers program-related expenses in Greece, including accommodations, meals, ground and sea transportation, activities and other costs associated with the experience. Airfare to and from Greece, travel insurance, and personal expenses are additional and are the responsibility of each participant.
To help families plan, Greek Roots offers a structured payment plan as well as fundraising support and access to our peer-to-peer FundRazr platform, which participants can use to seek support from family, friends and their wider community. We are happy to speak directly with participants and families about program costs, the payment schedule, fundraising options and any questions they may have before they make a commitment.
Q&A
Q: How many participants are in each group?
A: Groups are intentionally limited to 14 participants to foster strong peer bonds, collaboration, and personalized guidance.
Q: Is this more of a volunteer program or a cultural trip?
A: It is a volunteer-centered leadership experience that intentionally blends meaningful service, cultural immersion, and guided leadership development.
Q: Who supervises participants during the program?
A: Participants are supervised at all times by experienced program leaders and local partners, with structured daily schedules and clear safety protocols.
Q: Are participants free to explore on their own?
A: Free time is built into the program, but expectations, boundaries, and check-in procedures are clearly communicated to ensure safety.
Q: What level of physical activity is involved?
A: Activities include walking, light farm work, beach cleanups, and day trips. A reasonable level of fitness and willingness to participate actively is expected.
Q: What happens if a participant decides to withdraw after being accepted?
A: Withdrawal and refund policies are outlined in our Terms and Conditions and depend on timing and incurred costs.
Q: Will participants receive a detailed itinerary before departure?
A: Yes. A full itinerary, packing list, and pre-departure orientation will be provided in advance.
Q: Can I participate if I’m not Greek?
A: Yes. Roots Revival is inclusive and welcomes youth of all backgrounds who have a genuine interest in Hellenism, Greece, and community engagement. That said, participants tend to benefit most when they have some direct or indirect connection to Greek culture, whether through a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who is Greek, or through family, community, or life experiences that regularly place them in contact with Greek culture and traditions.
Q: Do participants need to speak Greek?
A: Greek language skills are not required. All program activities are conducted in English. We do however, encourage all participants to pick up on key words and common expressions in Greek.
Q: Will participants receive volunteer hours or a certificate?
A: Yes. Participants receive documented volunteer hours and a program completion certificate upon request.
Q: What if I can’t raise enough funds for air travel and personal expenses?
A: We encourage all participants to utilize our fundraising platform (Fundrazr) and involve their community. However, you are responsible for ensuring these funds are secured before the trip.
Q: Will I know the exact program cost before committing?
A: Yes. participants will be able to make an informed decision about their participation prior to making any financial commitments.
or sign up to be invited to the next Roots Revival Information Session