Hiking, Dresden, Canoe Trip, and More: Experiential Education Weekend
Traditionally, Steinmühle Boarding School sets out on its experiential education trips in May. Students can choose from a variety of trips, which are selected and organized by the teachers. The groups left Steinmühle last Friday after lunch and returned to the boarding school on Sunday evening. They then immediately began sharing their experiences.
Hiking in the Thuringian Forest
The group’s destination was a self-catering vacation rental in Großbreitenbach where they would cook together. During their stay, the team went on a hike of about 20 kilometers along the Thuringian Forest High Trail to the highest point of the Rennsteig, the 948-meter-high Schneekopf. There, they took a break to enjoy the magnificent view.
The students enjoyed the scenery during the day and spent the evening doing activities together. Finally, there was one more highlight: On Sunday, the group headed to the Avenida Therme in Hohenfelden near Erfurt before heading back toward Marburg.
Climbing in Franconia
A team of nine went climbing in Franconian Switzerland near Morschreuth. The plan was to camp on the meadow of the “Zur guten Einkehr” inn. For some, it was their first time climbing on rock; for others, it was a chance to build on what they already knew. From rappelling to lead climbing to top-roping, there was something for everyone. For Leon, this was his first time lead climbing and, at the same time, his first time belaying. Jaques overcame his fear of heights, began to trust himself, and really started to enjoy the activity.
That also applied to activities that were simply about hanging out in the air, getting a taste of the mountain air and a little adrenaline—just letting yourself go. Of course, the delicious dinner was part of it. First at the inn, then off the grill on Saturday evening. In the mornings, we had a sumptuous breakfast. Everyone always pitched in and helped take care of the group.
For the group’s lead climbers in particular, the event was another highlight. It offered new experiences for everyone. The Steinmühle Boarding School would like to thank the Marburg Climbing Gym for lending them the climbing shoes.
Trip to Dresden
The participants checked into the A&O Hostel. Dinner was already a lot of fun: at the Roller Coaster Restaurant, each main course came hurtling in on a “weightless sparkler express.”
On Saturday, the group took a trip to Saxon Switzerland. They visited Bad Rathen with its Elbe Sandstone Mountains, hiked the Rauenstein ridge trail with views of the Elbe, and explored the Bastei, including the Gorge Trail with the “Schwedenlöcher,” passing by Amselsee.
A special city tour was on the agenda for Sunday. The route: Neumarkt with the Frauenkirche, the Semper Opera House, the Zwinger, the Royal Palace, Brühl’s Terrace, the Procession of the Princes, the Stallhof, the Catholic Court Church, the Taschenberg Palace, the Augustus Bridge, and a visit to the Frauenkirche. The verdict: Lots of history, lots of culture—and lots of fun.
Canoe Tour
The canoe trip began at our base camp, the Ederblick Campground near Bad Wildungen, where we set up our tents. The plan was to paddle down the Eder River past the dam and into the Fulda River. After a strenuous day in the canoes, the evening wrapped up with a campfire, a barbecue, and some light-hearted games. A total of 14 children, accompanied by three counselors, set out on the canoe trip.
Camping at Lake Eder
Camping on a meadow by Lake Eder was the ultimate outdoor experience: no running water, no electricity, and no restroom facilities.
Giving up all forms of comfort led everyone to focus on themselves. Everyone gathered around the campfire and played games. As has often been the case, one of the favorites was the game “Werewolf,” which kept everyone entertained well into the night.
