International youth camp ‘We Are Nature’ in Mallnitz

For the fourth time, the Witten twinning association has organised an international youth camp in Witten’s Austrian twin town of Mallnitz. Under the motto ‘We are Nature’, almost 40 young people from Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Barking & Dagenham, Beauvais, Tczew – and of course from Witten – spent a week together in the Mallnitz countryside. Unfortunately, young people from the Russian twin town of Kursk and from Lev Hasharon in Israel were absent this year due to the wars in both countries.

Varied activities

The week was packed with a variety of activities. The young people were able to choose between various workshops: Photography, painting and drawing, survival, nature studies or body percussion. The jointly developed results were later presented to the entire group. A football tournament was also great fun for everyone. Girls and boys from all participating countries competed in mixed teams for the winners’ medals. Of course, there was also hiking, for example along the nature trail that leads through the Seebachtal valley and provides lots of interesting facts about nature in the Alps.

Many a person could learn something from the youngsters. Despite language barriers, communication worked well and the approach was friendly and aroused curiosity. ‘I like the fact that you can meet people from other countries and learn about their culture,’ says Anton (16) from England.

Visit to the Pasterze on the Großglockner

The actual motto – nature and its protection – was not neglected. A visit to the Pasterze on the Großglockner provided an impressive illustration of the progress of glacial melting. The Pasterze is the largest glacier in Austria and has lost over 30 square kilometres in area since 1856 – almost half. A discussion round on sustainability and nature conservation as well as group work later deepened the topic.

Many volunteers were involved in the planning, preparation and realisation of the camp and ensured that everything ran smoothly. The Wolfen kitchen team should be mentioned here on behalf of everyone. Mandy, Maik, Silvana and Zita provided all participants with two meals a day and, to the delight of many, did not help with the washing up. A goulash cannon provided valuable services to cope with the large quantities of food.

Documentary film in planning

‘We Are Nature’ was accompanied by a film team. A longer film will be a valuable memento for those who were there, while a trailer is planned as a thank you to the sponsors.

The idea for the youth camp came from Klaus Lohmann, Erich Bremm and Horst Görlitz, who has since sadly passed away, a few years ago. All three had asked for donations for their idea instead of presents for their birthdays. It was a complete success. The initiators hope to organise the next youth camp from Witten in three years’ time.

It would be highly desirable to find more, preferably younger, supporters for this.

Trailer / Photos: Michael Ritzki / Sylvia Smart