JCI KidsCamp Europe 2023 in Saarbrücken: An Unforgettable Start for Tomorrow’s Young Leaders

From July 21 to 25, 2023, the very first JCI KidsCamp Europe took place in Saarbrücken. With a small group of six children, aged 9 to 13, from Germany, Belgium, and Türkiye, we laid the foundation for an international youth camp that offered the participants not only fun and adventure but also valuable learning experiences. The only requirement: the children should be curious about international encounters, sustainable projects, and collaborative learning.

A Diverse Program – Learning, Experiencing, and Growing

The KidsCamp 2023 featured an exciting mix of workshops, cultural experiences, and activities that promoted personal and social development:

• Building Community: The children had the opportunity to meet like-minded peers from Germany, Belgium, and Turkey, exchange ideas, and build international friendships.
• Focus on Sustainability: Through small projects, the participants delved into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). On the final day, they proudly presented their findings to the parents.
• Adventure and Team Spirit: A thrilling visit to the high ropes course allowed the children to test their limits while strengthening their teamwork.
• Discovering Europe: One of the highlights was the visit to the European Museum in Schengen, where the children learned about the history of the tri-border region and the significance of European cooperation.
• Leisure and Exploration: Trips to the Saarschleife, the vibrant city of Saarbrücken, and the UNESCO World Heritage site Völklinger Hütte gave the children a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural diversity, while evening activities like parties and pillow fights added to the fun.

Saarbrücken: The Perfect Starting Point for an Unforgettable Camp

As the capital of Saarland, Saarbrücken lies at the heart of Europe – an ideal setting for an international youth camp. The children experienced the Saarschleife and the Völklinger Hütte, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which gave them not only a sense of the region’s history but also its cultural richness. The youth hostel in Saarbrücken was the perfect base for the camp: with four-bed rooms for the children and a large common area for workshops, games, and social events, it provided everything needed for a successful camp.

Special Guests and a Grand Finale

One of the highlights of the camp was the children’s final presentation, where they proudly shared their insights on the SDGs. Special guests included Michèle Praum, National President of JCI Germany, Sebastian Nieland, Deputy National President, and Simone Rechel, Deputy National President of Wirtschaftsjunioren Deutschland e.V. Their visit highlighted the importance of the project and motivated the young participants even more.

The KidsCamp 2023 in Saarbrücken was a successful start to creating a pan-European network of young people who are inspired to take responsibility and make a positive impact in the world. We are already looking forward to the next camp and welcoming even more young talents!

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