Despite the midsummer temperatures, numerous families experienced a diverse program full of nature experiences, adventures, and shared moments last weekend at the Family Wilderness Camp organized by the Coordination Office for Sustainable Youth Work of the Saarpfalz district at the campsite of the Palatinate Forest Association in Kirkel.
Under the guidance of environmental educators Christian Kirsch and Tanja Klein, the participants spent two exciting days amidst nature. The pleasant coolness of the forest provided ideal conditions to explore the diverse animal and plant life of the biosphere reserve.
During hikes and nature education activities, children and adults experienced nature with all their senses. A special challenge was an obstacle course carried out with blindfolds, where participants could perceive their surroundings in a completely new way. The goal was to sharpen the senses and strengthen confidence in one’s own abilities. Skills such as carving and fire-making were also part of the "wilderness" program: each family first built their own fire before the individual fires were combined into one large communal fire. This was then used to prepare the shared dinner: freshly grilled calzone provided a perfect ending to an eventful day.
An unforgettable moment was offered to the participants during the night hike through the forest: numerous fireflies could be observed – a fascinating natural spectacle that will remain in the memory of many participants as the highlight of the camp.
In addition to practical experiences in nature, the focus was especially on community, parent-child time, and a conscious use of available resources. The camp vividly conveyed basic survival skills and demonstrated how enriching shared experiences in nature can be.
District Administrator Frank John expressed his pleasure with the successful event: "The Family Wilderness Camp combines nature experience, environmental education, and community in a special way. Children and adults here directly experience how valuable our nature is and how much joy shared discovery and learning outdoors can bring. Such offerings not only strengthen awareness of our environment but also the cohesion within families."
A special thanks goes to the Rotary Clubs Homburg-Zweibrücken and Homburg Saarpfalz, whose support has made it possible to offer the family wilderness camp free of charge to all participants. The donation funds used for this come from the proceeds raised by the two clubs at their annual charity spring ball and benefit especially children and young people in our region.
“We are very happy to support the valuable nature education program of the ‘Young Biosphere’ and we think it is great that the integrative aspect was also taken into account in this wilderness camp,” said President Angelika Thönnes of RC Homburg-Zweibrücken and President Jürgen Mössinger of RC Homburg-Saarpfalz.
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Photos: Carmen John
Caption 1: Exploration tour through the Kirkel Forest
Caption 2: Making a fire together at the fire pit
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