Great atmosphere despite rainy weather

Despite the bleak weather forecast, the 30 participants did not miss the opportunity to take on the challenging introductory exercise of the development course, which took place from March 23 to 30, 2024. On Palm Saturday, they set off in two groups on the approximately five-hour walk to the course-house near Salzburg. There were several tasks to complete on the way. Among other things, they had to get themselves dinner and breakfast and find a legal place to sleep for the night. It quickly became clear that, in view of the rain and the almost freezing temperatures, permanent accommodation was a more pleasant option than a bivouac in the open air. Equipped with the bare essentials, the two teams set off, and the first challenge of the day was not long in coming. The participant information sheet read: “We start the course with a 22-hour exercise. Bring everything you need for a hike with an overnight stay outdoors, packed in a rucksack.” While some participants showed up at the meeting point with a suitably packed rucksack, others turned up with a simple college-style backpack. Accordingly, the equipment was sometimes better and sometimes rather minimal. Due to a lack of space in or on the rucksack, the sleeping bag was simply carried in a shopping bag or even just in its cover. At the latest when it began to rain more and more heavily, the differences in preparation and equipment became apparent. On the way, one participant announced that she wanted to invest in a more practical rucksack and rainwear before the summer camp. Some of the better-equipped participants were so motivated when packing that they immediately thought of those who might need help. Spare jackets, bin bags and rescue blankets were shared so that everyone was more or less rainproof.

Finding suitable accommodation for the night proved equally difficult for everyone. The teams had to accept several cancellations and detours until they found accommodation. One team seriously considered building an emergency bivouac in the forest with just five army tarpaulins. Before doing so, however, they decided to take another detour of around two kilometers to ask for overnight shelter at a large farm. So they stood outside the farm in the dark and rain and rang the bell. When the door was opened, they were confronted by a nice person who unfortunately spoke very little German. While the courage of some of them sank to zero, the others were able to find out that the farmers lived in the house opposite. So the group set off to make one last attempt. Within a few minutes, two suitable rooms were available for the night. While one group was earlier and had less stress looking for accommodation, the other was able to use an empty barn, including a heater. The challenges they overcame together forged the participants into a motivated team for the rest of the week, who learned a lot from each other in theoretical lessons and various practical tasks.

For me as a course instructor, it is always a privilege to be out and about with such motivated, talented and enthusiastic people. Great atmosphere despite the rainy weather.