The program got off to a sporting start the weekend before the vacations with the sport shooting event organized by the 1858 Idar-Oberstein Shooting Club. Children were able to test their marksmanship with an air rifle, air pistol and sports bow under expert guidance. The annual soccer camp of SC Idars, which is always very popular, also took place in the first week this year.
On a creative level, the week started with watercolor painting. Under the guidance of Bärbel Busch, two age groups experimented with different techniques. Interesting effects were created with wet-on-dry, wet-on-wet, with a palette knife or using salt, foil and alcohol, which were then applied to landscape motifs or animal depictions. Towards the end of the weekend, the creativity continued with painting experiments using acrylics. Armed with paper, brushes and the three primary colors, the participants ventured into the realm of free experiments under the guidance of Nada Fitz. Balloons, palette knives and even straws were used as tools, new shades of paint were mixed and collages were created from newspaper clips.
Other skills were required in the high ropes course. A total of 24 children aged 10-14 had a lot of fun climbing boxes and on the giant swing. The experienced trainers from the Idarer TV high ropes course team provided the necessary instruction and safety. Another station for the children was the rope bridge. Here they secured each other in groups of three under supervision and took responsibility for the safety of the climbers. Teamwork was also required at the third station, the giant swing. Everyone had to pull hard so that the children reached the right height on the "swing". Then they went forward with enormous acceleration. With great weather, the first of three dates of the Idar-Oberstein vacation program was a complete success.
Also in sunshine and great weather, a small group of explorers followed in the footsteps of Anton Schiefer through the forest of Bundenbach. Off the beaten track, they explored narrow paths and stumbled across fascinating geological formations as well as a slate cave whose inhabitants they visited. Nature and landscape guide Michael Brzoska gave an exciting account of the world of slate and how it is mined. Later, they went in search of gemstones at an old mill and were amazed by the finds. At the end of the day, the group was able to marvel at fossil impressions that had been resting in the rock for millions of years.
At the end of the week, dog lovers were delighted with the offer from the Verein der Hundefreunde Idar e.V.. Together with their own dog, the participants were able to spend an exciting taster day at the training ground/dog training area. The focus was on learning and playing with the dog. Of course, there was also plenty of fun to be had.