Useful
Infos
All things you need to know for a stay here.
Finding Us
How to get to Skopelos Island
Our base of operations is on Skopelos Island, part of the Sporades Islands in the north-west Aegean Sea.
Important to Know
- Skopelos has no airport
- Access is by ferry only
- Ferries depart from Volos, Skiathos, Mantoudi (Evia)
- Seasonal ferries may operate from Thessaloniki (July–August)
Securing Your Place
Making Payments
After receiving your offer, you will be asked to pay a deposit (or full course fee).
All payments — deposit or full fees — can be made using one of the options below.
Once you have been offered a place on one of our courses or programs, your place is secured only after your deposit has been paid
Payment Options
Option 1 – Wise.com
Sign up using the button below
(Fee-free transfer for your first €500 after signup)Send your payment via Wise to:
Email: kingfishergreece@gmail.com
Why we recommend this:
Wise is one of the cheapest and most transparent ways to send international payments.
It uses the mid-market exchange rate and low fees.
Option 2 – PayPal
Best for: Quick payments and credit card use.
How to pay:
- Use the button below
- Or send directly to: kingfishergreece@gmail.com
PayPal fees are higher than Wise, but it’s simple and fast.
Option 3 – Bank-to-Bank Wire Transfer (International)
Use this option if:
You prefer a traditional bank transfer or are paying via internet banking.
Account holder: KINGFISHER
IBAN: BE90 9672 1432 8132
SWIFT / BIC: TRWIBEB1XXX
Bank name & address:
Wise, Rue du Trône 100,
3rd floor,1050 Brussels, Belgium
Option 4 – Wise U.S. Account (USA Residents)
Best for: U.S. residents (local transfer, very low or no fees).
Bank Details:
Account holder: KINGFISHER
Routing number: 026073150
Account number: 8311150452
Account type: Checking
Bank: Community Federal Savings Bank
Address: 89-16 Jamaica Ave, Woodhaven, NY 11421, USA
Important:
For domestic U.S. transfers only.
Option 5 – Wise Canadian Account (Canada Residents)
⚠️ Do NOT use Interac, domestic wire, or SWIFT transfers.
These will be returned and fees will be deducted
(SWIFT: 50 CAD · Domestic wire: 25 CAD).
Correct method: EFT credits (direct deposits).
Bank Details:
Account holder: KINGFISHER
Institution number: 621
Transit number: 16001
Account number: 200110100012
Bank: Wise Payments Canada Inc.
Address: 99 Bank Street, Suite 1420,
Ottawa, ON, K1P 1H4, Canada
Tip: If unsure, ask your bank for help sending EFT credits.
Recommended
Routes
The easiest and fastest option for most international travelers is option 1.
Option 1
Via Skiathos
- Fly to Athens, then take a domestic flight to Skiathos (approx. 40 min)
or fly directly to Skiathos from selected European cities (seasonal)
- Take the ferry from Skiathos to Skopelos (approx. 40 min)
Option 2
Via Mantoudi (Evia Island)
- Fly to Athens
- Airport bus X93 → Liossion KTEL Bus Terminal (≈50 min)
- Bus to Mantoudi (Kymasi) (≈2 hours)
- Ferry to Skopelos (≈1.5 hours)
Option 3
Via Volos (Mainland)
- Fly to Athens
- Bus X93 → Liossion KTEL Terminal (≈50 min)
- Bus Athens → Volos (≈3.5 hours)
- Ferry Volos → Skopelos (≈3.5 hours)
Option 4
Via Thessaloniki
- Fly to Thessaloniki
- Airport bus → nationwide KTEL Bus Terminal (≈50 min)
- Bus Thessaloniki → Volos (≈2.5 hours)
- Ferry Volos → Skopelos (≈3.5 hours)
Packing list
This list is designed to help you pack practically, lightly, and confidently.
You don’t need to bring everything.
Greece has shops — but these items will help you feel comfortable and prepared.
Essentials
Must-have items
- Bible (physical copy)
- Notebook, pens, and pencils (for notes & assignments)
- Personal medications (if any – specific brands may be hard to find locally)
- Water bottle
- European power adapter (if needed)
- Daypack / backpack (large enough for a week-long road trip)
Bedding & Sleep Comfort
Items
- Lightweight sleeping bag or hostel-style sleeping sheet
- (Silk versions are ideal: compact, quick-drying, lightweight)
- Lightweight summer sleeping bag (for cooler nights & mountain solo adventure)
- Hammock (optional – great for solo adventure or relaxing under olive trees)
What we provide
- Fitted sheet for your mattress
- Pillow with pillowcase
- Cozy blanket
- (Top sheets are not provided)
Clothing – Everyday & Activities
Casual & Active Wear
- Denim shorts & athletic shorts
- Dry-fit tops, athletic shirts, T-shirts, tank tops
- Sweatshirt, jeans, or long pants (cooler evenings)
- Tennis shoes (jogging, hiking, walking)
- Sandals
Sun Protection
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Sunscreen
Church, Town & Social Evenings
Casual & Active Wear
- Dresses for church services
- Dresses or outfits for dinners / dessert nights
- Shorts and button-up shirts for guys (church & dinners)
Evenings in Town (Note)
Many young people on Skopelos like to dress up a bit for evenings out (ice cream, snacks, walks in town).
Bring outfits you enjoy wearing and feel confident in — it helps you feel included in local culture.
Swimwear & Beach Items
Casual & Active Wear
- Swimsuits
- Beach towel (shower towels are provided but not for beach use)
Important note
- Bikinis are accepted at Kingfisher
- Please choose swimwear that is comfortable and considerate of others
- Brazilian-style swimwear or G-strings are not to be worn during your time at Kingfisher
You’ll experience a European-style beach culture, where bikinis are common. Our aim is balance — freedom with respect.
Toiletries & Personal Items
Good to know
Shops in Skopelos sell essentials such as:
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Lotion
If you have favorite brands or specific products, feel free to bring them.
Seasonal & Packing Tips
General advice
- Choose lightweight, quick-drying clothing
- Avoid heavy or bulky items, especially in warmer months
- Think in layers for flexibility
Fall term note
During the second half of the Fall school, weather can be cool and rainy.
A warm pullover or light jacket is recommended.
Bring outfits you love
- Comfortable clothes for classes & lounging
- Casual but nice outfits for town
- Practical clothes you don’t mind getting dirty during activities
Optional & Fun Extras
Optional Items
- International driver’s license (optional, if renting a car; must be 21+)
- Deck of cards
- Small personal items that make you feel at home
Community Living Guidelines
Living together with respect, responsibility, and Christ-centered purpose
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart… and love your neighbor as yourself.”
Our Heart &
Purpose
Why these guidelines exist
It is our desire and prayer to help students and staff grow in their love for God and for one another, as Jesus commanded. We come from different cultures and backgrounds, which is both enriching and challenging. In humility, we are called to value others above ourselves and to look to their interests as well as our own (Philippians 2:4).
We believe we are called to live lives that are set apart — not shaped by the standards of the world, but by the gospel of Christ. We seek to live in the world, but not of the world, conducting ourselves in a way that reflects Christ’s character.
Living on a small Greek island means our actions are visible — not only to one another, but also to the local community. Above all, we live in God’s sight, which is both a privilege and a responsibility.
The guidelines below are not meant to restrict freedom, but to protect community, unity, and spiritual growth. They exist to help us live well together and to provide clarity and consistency for everyone.
Participation
Hebrews 13:17
Students are expected to be on time and to participate fully in all lectures, duties, outreaches, service projects, and scheduled activities, unless exceptional permission has been given by leadership.
Completion requirement
To receive a certificate of satisfactory completion, students must:
- Remain for the entire duration of the course
- Complete all required assignments
Conduct
Philippians 1:27 · Galatians 5:1 · 1 Corinthians 6:19
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel and to honor God with their bodies and choices.
Not permitted at the Center
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Recreational drugs
- Any non-prescribed substance
Appearance
1 Timothy 2:9–10 · Romans 14:13
Dress should be decent, appropriate, and considerate of others.
Guidelines include
- Dress appropriately for scheduled activities
- No shirtless, barefoot, or pajamas in public areas
- Casual but clean attire is acceptable for worship and Sunday services
- Avoid clothing that is overly revealing or sexually suggestive
- Drastic hairstyle changes, body piercings, or tattoos are not to be undertaken during Bible School
Relationships
Hebrews 13:1 · 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5
Bible School is a time to focus on growing in relationship with God.
Guidelines include
- Romantic relationships formed during Bible School are not permitted
- Physical expressions of romantic affection (including massages) are not allowed
- Healthy friendships are encouraged
- A romantic attachment is defined as ongoing physical contact or emotional isolation from the wider community
Support note: If a student feels they are struggling in this area, they are expected to speak with leadership as early as possible.
Media Use
Ephesians 5:16 · Philippians 4:8
Bible School is a time to focus on growing in relationship with God.
Guidelines include
- Movies may only be viewed in the student lounge on Friday or Saturday evenings, with prior approval from a Resident Assistant (RA)
- Personal devices (including mobile phones) are not permitted in common spaces (dining room, lecture hall, lounge)
- Music may be listened to during free time with headphones
- Music without headphones is permitted only during workouts and must be considerate in volume and content
Assignments & Duties
Colossians 3:23–24
Students are expected to complete all assignments and duties
- Within required timeframes
- According to instructions
- To the best of their ability
- As service unto the Lord
Out of Bounds Areas
Matthew 22:39
The following areas are off-limits
- Bedrooms and bathrooms of the opposite sex
- The kitchen (unless it is your assigned duty)
- The office (except during open hours)
- Neighboring private properties (unless invited)
Noise consideration
- No ball games or loud activities during siesta hours (2:30–5:00 pm)
- No loud activities after 10:00 pm
Room Time & Quiet Hours
Security and rest
Guidelines
- Grounds gates close at 11:00 pm (12:00 am on Saturdays)
- Students must be in their rooms by lock-up time
- Quiet is expected so everyone can rest well
- Weekday wake-up call is at 7:30 am
A Final Word
We recognize that growth involves challenge. God is faithful, and He provides strength and grace in every situation. These guidelines are here to support you, not to condemn you.
By applying to our courses, it is assumed that you have read, understood, and agreed to live by these Community Living Guidelines at the Olive Grove – Christian Center, relying on Christ’s strength and encouraging others to do the same.