District invited children from heavy rain region to leisure time

The flood disaster in July also hit the region around Stolberg in North Rhine-Westphalia hard. In order to relieve the families there and to give affected children a carefree and relaxing time after this traumatic experience, the district invited girls and boys from the region to Waldeck-Frankenberg.

At the Jugendburg Hessenstein, children aged ten to 15 were able to spend an active, varied and exciting autumn camp - and forget the terrible events for a while. For a whole week, games, fun and varied activities were on the agenda for the ten participants.

In cooperation with the educational centre of the Jugendburg Hessenstein, everyone dived into the world of the "Living Middle Ages" together: On two exciting days, the children learned about numerous guilds of that time with their symbols and coats of arms and could also try out some of them quite practically. Creative ideas could be developed and craftsmanship demonstrated while carving butter knives or making leather bags and unique jewellery. The journey into the Middle Ages was rounded off late at night in the castle garden by candlelight.

Another highlight was the trip to Willingen. There, the children visited the glass manufactory, where they were shown and explained the ancient craft. They watched in amazement as the glassblower shaped figures such as swans and birds or candleholders and vases from glass that was over a thousand degrees hot. After a leisurely cake break on the Ettelsberg, they went on to play a game of 3D black light mini-golf. The programme also included joint hikes and games.

The leisure time was organised by the district's sports and youth work department. The team not only experienced the numerous activities together with the children - but also had an open ear for them. "We were open and approachable, listened and gave comfort when memories of the flood disaster came up and personal experiences were reported," reports Andreas Greif, deputy head of the sports and youth work department. "I initiated this recreational activity because we wanted to give the children in the flooded area a few carefree hours after the devastating catastrophe," says District Administrator Dr. Reinhard Kubat, who had the idea for the activity. The affected families were very happy about the offer. "Even if living conditions at home are not yet completely back to normal in many cases, the successful leisure time has shown how good impulses can be given spontaneously and unbureaucratically, how courage can be given and trust can be created in a society that shows solidarity and participation," said Matthias Schäfer, head of the sports and youth work department.