Young volunteers save listed treasures in the Ahr Valley!

Young volunteers save listed treasures in the Ahr Valley!

In the Ahr Valley, a region still suffering from the consequences of the devastating flood of 2021, young people are flocking together to preserve history with their hands. The third flood relief camp, which will take place from July 5th to 20th, 2025 in Insul and Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, will attract 300 volunteers who will dedicate themselves to the restoration of listed buildings. These committed young people mainly come from the youth construction huts of the German Foundation for Monument Protection and put their energy into around 20 damaged buildings.

The high demand for this camp shows how much interest in monument preservation has grown. Participants demonstrate their skills using traditional craft techniques such as clay construction and carpentry. Lina Platz, a 22-year-old from Bad Bergzabern, is taking part for the third time and is training to become an art glazier. Bernhard Vollmeier, 22, from Mannheim, also skillfully cuts a new beam and is repeatedly part of the camp.

Commitment to the future

Laura Haverkamp, ​​the project manager, emphasizes the great importance of the camp around the anniversary date of the flood on July 14th. “It’s a sign of remembrance and hope,” she says. The Rhineland-Palatinate Youth Minister Katharina Binz visited the volunteers and praised their commitment: “The work that is done here is not only important for the buildings, but also for the community’s sense of togetherness.”

The commitment of the participants has a long tradition. A flood relief camp took place in the Ahr Valley and Swisttal in June 2024, at which numerous current and former youth construction workers from all over Germany volunteered. Under the motto "Cultural assets in danger! We'll help" the construction of historical buildings was pushed forward. Support came from experts from eight trades, including carpenters, painters and restorers, who were concerned about the long-term protection of the historical heritage. The German Foundation for Monument Protection makes it clear how important the preservation of cultural treasures is in our society.

A look into the future of monument preservation

During their time at the camp, participants in the youth construction huts have the opportunity to learn valuable skills that go far beyond practical work. In collaboration with the German Foundation for Monument Protection and supported by the ijgd (International Youth Community Services), you can complete a voluntary social year or a federal voluntary service in the field of monument protection. The programs offer insights into various work areas such as archaeology, carpentry and painting restoration and enable young people to deal with the history and stylistic elements of building.

The youth construction huts are aimed at people aged 16 to 26 and start their programs on September 1st every year. For anyone interested in getting involved in the field of monument protection, there are many opportunities to gain this valuable experience while contributing to the preservation of our cultural heritage. The flood relief camp in the Ahr Valley is just one example of the numerous initiatives that are being set up in this regard.

It seems that interest in historic preservation is not only high, but the young volunteers are also showing that they have a knack for breathing new life into history. The future of German cultural heritage appears to be in good hands.

Those interested can find further information about the activities of the youth construction huts and opportunities for volunteer work at denkmalschutz.de and ijgd.de.