LearningHolidays NRW
New impressions, new insights, new experiences
Learning on vacation and having an unforgettable time? The two go together! The "LernFerien NRW" initiative offers learning camps throughout the state, where committed pupils can surpass themselves in a short space of time. In the "Learning to learn" or "Promoting talents" camps, young people exchange ideas on a future topic depending on the focus and develop new potential along the way. The five- to six-day camps with overnight stays take place during the Easter and fall vacations.
Image source: DKJS Lernferien NRW
When it comes to "vacations", parents and children alike are sure to think of many things, such as sleeping in, family vacations or lazing around. The "LernFerien NRW" program shows that young people can also focus on learning and developing personal skills during their time off school for a variety of reasons.
The state-wide vacation camps combine practical learning with a varied leisure program. Pupils deal intensively with current topics, work together on projects and can try out a variety of things. Community experiences and relaxation are not neglected.
The camps are currently offered with two different focuses:
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Learning to learn: Fit for the next school semester
The vacation camp is aimed at pupils in years 8 and 9 from all general secondary schools in NRW who are at risk of failing. However, German, math and English are not the only subjects on the timetable. The young people develop learning strategies and recognize their strengths in order to face the demands of school with increased self-confidence. The ability to better assess their own abilities is specifically promoted during the learning vacations. It is also about finding out how best to learn in order to experience more success and fun at school. Positive group experiences, for example on the high ropes course or during creative activities, strengthen self-confidence and team skills.
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Promoting talent: Helping to shape the future!
This vacation camp is aimed at particularly motivated and high-achieving students from year 8 to 13 at comprehensive schools and grammar schools in NRW. Together with their peers, the young people work on ideas and solutions to current issues such as climate protection or artificial intelligence. Experiments, interviews, discussions, writing workshops and poetry slams invite them to test their own abilities and develop their personal skills. Each learning camp is dedicated to a specific topic, which sets the framework for the individual tasks and encounters. Excursions, group experiences and leisure activities complement the communal activities.
Registration is only possible via the school
The vacation camps take place in all five administrative districts in NRW. The young people are taught and supervised by teachers and social education workers at extracurricular learning locations such as youth hostels and guest houses.
As only a certain number of students per school is possible, registrations can only be made by teachers and school staff. Anyone interested should therefore enquire at the school early on and choose a suitable camp. A prerequisite for participation is the willingness to work constructively and with commitment at the learning camp.
Parents are best advised to contact the class teacher directly to suggest their child for the program. Experience has shown that the available places are quickly booked up. Registration begins at least four to five weeks before the start of each vacation. Participation is free of charge.
About the "LernFerien NRW"
The "LernFerien NRW" is a program of the German Children and Youth Foundation (DKJS) and is funded by the Ministry of Schools and Education of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Where can we find help and advice?
All information about the NRW learning vacations can be found on the website www.lernferien-nrw.de. There you will also find the current dates for the upcoming camps as well as dates for the next digital consultation hours to clarify questions.
Further information Links to read more
