Who we are
With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain Camping Ministries is a department of the Archdiocese Youth Ministries. The purpose is to provide summer camps for children and young people of the archdiocese in an Orthodox Christian setting.
The Camping Ministries department is under the spiritual aegis and paternal guidance of the Archbishop of The Holy Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, an Eparchy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
What we offer
We currently run two Orthodox Christian camps:
Camp Saint Sophrony (South-West England)
Camp Saint Bega (Scottish Borders)
Both camps are open for young people aged between 8 and 18, entering school years 5 to 13 (England) and P6 to S6 (Scotland) in September 2026. The camp includes a opportunities to experience outdoor pursuits as well as sports and games. The primary aim of the camp is to bring young people together in am Orthodox Christian setting.
Please see Youth Camps for more information.
Staff Volunteers
Our leader teams are all volunteers. They are carefully selected, trained and supervised. They are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure issued by the Disclosure and Barring Service. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer please use our Contact Us page to discuss the possibility.
Coordinators - Saint Sophrony Camp
Priest in Charge
Father Panteleimon Maxfield
Deputy Safeguarding Lead & Resources Manager
Presvitera Yiota Maxfield
Camp Director
Allow me to introduce myself as the new Director of Camp. My name is Zoe Bates and I am a mother to two boys and work professionally as a midwife, and I am very excited to direct Camp Saint Sophrony. I directed Orthodox Christian Summer Camps within the Archdiocese for several years before starting my family and, having been brought up in the church, I regularly attended camp as a participant. As Camp Director I will be organising the team I will lead and have oversight of the day-to-day running of Camp Sophrony. Any queries can now be directed towards me, both during the year and during camp.
Safeguarding Leader & Administration
Hi there. I’m Alexia Papalexandrakou. I studied Accouting and Management Info Systems at University but am a Primary Teacher by profession. I also have a family of my own which is why I give my time to Thyateira Youth Ministries as I understand the importance of children having a support network within the church. At Camp I am responsible for Safeguarding, Health and Safety and some Administrative duties.
Safeguarding Leader & Administration
Hi I’m Olga Markoulides. I am a Secondary School Teacher and Assistant Head.
Logistics Manager
Hi. I’m Christos Papalexandrakos, and I am a structural engineer. During Camp I am responsible for all Logistical duties. This includes a vast variety of duties from the kitchen and washing up to transport.
Coordinators - Saint Bega Camp
Priest in Charge
Father Antonios Kakalis
Second Priest
Father Symeon Menne
Camp Director
Presvytera Konstantina Menne
Safeguarding Officer
Andrew Brown
Deputy Safeguarding Lead & Administration
Niki-Marie Jansson
Logistics Manager
Irineos Livadiotes