During the fourth and fifth weeks of the summer vacation program, the Idar-Oberstein City Youth Welfare Office once again offered a wide variety of activities for children and teens. Whether it was sports, creative activities, nature experiences, or building social skills—there was something for everyone.
Several activities were particularly creative. In the workshop “The Mysterious Suitcases,” the children embarked on an imaginative journey full of mysterious treasures. Old suitcases and boxes served as the starting points for exciting stories that inspired wonder, play, and laughter. Equally imaginative was the “Elves, Dragons, Monsters, and Mermaids” workshop offered by the Idar-Oberstein Art and Painting School. Here, participants could draw, paint, do crafts, sculpt with clay, engrave gemstones, and even try their hand at digital drawing.
In the creative art studio led by art educator Mareike Brenner, the children created impressive acrylic paintings on canvas. From broad strokes of color to intricate details using felt-tip pens and glitter, the children brought their very own ideas to life. Among other things, this resulted in colorful soccer fields, underwater worlds, and scenes from forests and meadows.
Nature lovers also got their money’s worth. During two events in Leisel, Gaby Hoffmann introduced the children to the fascinating world of animals. One day was all about the wolf, its way of life, and its importance to nature. On the second day, the focus was on the fire salamander. Through film, art, and exploring its natural habitat, the children were able to experience this yellow-and-black creature firsthand. Another highlight was the activity day at the Monzingen Nature Camp, led by Beate Thome. Under the theme “Fire Runner, Frog King, Earth Child, and Airhead,” the children playfully explored the four elements—fire, water, earth, and air. Among other things, they learned how to start a fire without matches or a lighter, experimented with water and natural dyes, explored the forest floor, and mastered a homemade rope bridge.
Things got active at the popular Idar-Oberstein soccer camp at the Haag Sports Center. Under the guidance of youth coach Wolfgang Krins and his coaching staff, the children honed their soccer skills at various stations. In addition to technique and coordination, the focus was above all on team spirit and the joy of being active. The camp concluded with an exciting tournament. A special highlight this year was the JSG Edelstein Girls’ summer soccer camp, held for the first time. For two days, everything revolved around soccer, team spirit, and shared successes. Under the guidance of experienced coaches, both beginners and advanced players were able to improve their technique, learn new moves, and demonstrate their skills on the field. For many participants, the opportunity to earn the DFB soccer badge was a special experience. The camp concluded successfully with a group barbecue, where the girls wrapped up their active day in a friendly atmosphere.
Badminton fans also got their money’s worth. During the introductory course, participants learned footwork and basic strokes before the children had the chance to put their skills to the test in small matches and a final tournament. The Spvgg Nahbollenbach tennis camp marked the athletic conclusion of the fifth week of vacation. Beginners and advanced players learned the basics of tennis in a fun, age-appropriate setting and were able to showcase their skills during a varied “Tennis Olympics.”
Through two special programs, Marina Engelmann helped the children develop important skills for everyday life. In the course “Managing Emotions—Superheroes of Feelings,” participants learned in a playful way how to cope with anger, fear, and sadness and to better understand their feelings. In the second course, “Confident and Strong—Discover Your Superpower,” the children built their self-confidence, practiced setting boundaries, and developed strategies for presenting themselves with confidence.