“Just like every year,” was the sentiment in May, when the experiential education trips were on the horizon. The boarding school students set off together with their teachers on a journey across Germany and even beyond the country’s borders. There really was something for everyone! In addition to a canoe trip through the beautiful Altmühl Valley, the itinerary included a hike through the Drachenschlucht gorge near Eisenach, a visit to the Klimahaus near Bremerhaven, and a camping trip at Lake Eder.

 

This year, there was a special place to stay in the scenic Odenwald, where a small group settled in comfortably at the Heuhotel am Lind’brunnen. Janna, one of the students, enthusiastically flung herself right into the freshly piled hay. “If we could sleep like this at boarding school, I’d do it every night,” she said with a laugh as she shook the hay out of her hair.

In addition to taking a break from everyday life, the weekend was also filled with action. We walked or drove to nearby Maubach Lake, where a few brave souls even ventured into the cool water. Next up was a trip to the climbing forest, which was just one of the weekend’s highlights. Well-secured, the students enthusiastically climbed across narrow beams or enjoyed rides on the zip lines. Together, they overcame challenges both big and small—and even a bit of a fear of heights. Of course, they also paid a visit to the summer toboggan run right next door. Despite the rain, the students didn’t let it spoil their fun and waved at the camera with big smiles. “It felt really good to just leave my phone behind for once,” noted student Saphira.

Before leaving the next morning, we couldn’t miss out on a fun cleanup party and one last game of hide-and-seek, of course. On the way back, we finally made a stop at the Felsenmeer. After the short hike, the ice cream tasted even better!

For those who wanted to burn off some energy, the trip to the Altmühltal was just the thing. From a cozy campground, they set out on the water in canoes, two to a canoe. After a few initial difficulties steering with the paddles, the students quickly got the hang of it. Still, one or two situations drew amused looks when they were recounted back at the boarding school. After a strenuous but very successful trip downstream, the group drove back to the campground, where—thanks to the good weather—they were able to round out the evening with a cozy campfire, delicious food from the grill, and good conversation. “The group really came together,” Marlon, who accompanied the students along with his colleague, later said enthusiastically.

The Steinmühle was also on the road in northern Germany. On the Wurster North Sea coast, the students were able to enjoy the sunshine right by the sea. In addition to walks on the beach, the group took a trip to the Klimahaus Bremerhaven, where the students embarked on an exciting journey around the world through Earth’s climate zones. In the interactive exhibition, they were able to experience the effects of climate change firsthand in a truly impressive way.

Another group of students headed toward Eisenach. In the Thuringian Forest, the itinerary included a hike through the impressive Dragon Gorge, which is sure to set nature lovers’ hearts racing. Wide at first, the moss-covered rock walls gradually narrow into a gorge that’s sometimes only shoulder-width wide. The group also visited the nearby Wartburg, which is likely one of Germany’s most famous castles. On the way back, they made a stop in Kassel to admire the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe.

 

In addition to new destinations, this year’s trip once again offered the opportunity to take part in the now-almost-traditional camping trip to Lake Eder, where the focus was entirely on unwinding. Without cell phone reception or other everyday conveniences like running water and electricity, the students were able to consciously take some time for themselves.

This time, a special educational trip took the students to neighboring Poland, where the group took part in a two-day guided study tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and also visited the city of Krakow.

One student described his experience on Instagram as follows: “Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to learn firsthand about the history of the Auschwitz and Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps. My feelings were very mixed—on the one hand, grief for the victims, and on the other, anger toward all those who still support this today.”

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at the memorial for the moving and empathetic tour!