From Wednesday to Friday, the pupils embarked on an exciting trip to Bad Bentheim to discover the so-called Bentheim gold, the sandstone mined there. The three-day class trip offered plenty of fun, exercise and creative activities as well as interesting facts about the region.
After arriving on Wednesday and a refreshing lunch, the first activities got underway straight away. Each class was divided into two groups (A and B), which went through a varied program. Over the course of the days, the groups swapped activities so that all children could enjoy every activity.
Group A started with a hike through the Bentheimer Kuhlen, where the students explored the former mining areas of the Bentheim sandstone. Climbing along the rock faces was particularly exciting, offering both a sporting challenge and a touch of adventure.
Group B, on the other hand, was allowed to get creative: Individual works of art were carved from the typical sandstone of the region. From animals and lettering to symbolic motifs, everything was included. At the end of the activity, each child was allowed to take their own work of art home with them.
A joint highlight of the class was a visit to Bentheim Castle. The medieval fortress impressed with its mighty walls and exciting stories.
Wednesday evening was a party night at the youth hostel: The class trip disco got everyone moving. In addition to well-known classics such as Macarena, Dorfkinder and Aloha Heja He, current party hits such as Wildberry Lillet and Der Zug hat keine Bremsen created an exuberant atmosphere. The song Chicken Banana, which is currently famous on the TikTok platform, was particularly popular.
On Thursday evening, a very special part of the program awaited: a night watchman tour through Bad Bentheim. We walked through the alleyways by lantern light, accompanied by exciting legends and stories - for example about the historical sewage problems, the mysterious devil's ear cushion or the narrow stairsand paths of the old town. Tired from the experiences of the day, all the children fell into their beds after the hike and by 10 p.m. the youth hostel was quiet.
On Friday morning, we had breakfast together again before setting off on our journey home.
Despite the changeable weather, from sunshine to hail, the children looked back on an eventful time. Some would have liked to stay a few more days, while others were happy to be able to embrace their parents again on Friday.
The class trip to Bad Bentheim was a complete success for everyone involved. With a mixture of movement, history, creativity and community, it will be remembered for a long time to come.