Young volunteers save listed treasures in the Ahr Valley!

Young volunteers save listed treasures in the Ahr Valley!

in the Ahr Valley, a region that still suffers from the consequences of the devastating flood of 2021, young people flock together to keep history with their hands. The third flood aid camp, which takes place in Insul and Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler from July 5 to 2025, attract 300 volunteers who are devoted 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 bring their energy into around 20 damaged buildings.

The high demand for this camp shows how much interest in monument conservation has grown. With traditional handicraft techniques, such as clay construction and carpentry, the participants demonstrate their skills. Lina Platz, a 22-year-old from Bad Bergzabern, is there for the third time and completes an apprenticeship as an artificial glass. Bernhard Vollmeier, 22, from Mannheim, cuts a new bar with skill and is repeated part of the camp.

commitment to the future

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

The commitment of the participants has a long tradition. As early as June 2024, a flood aid camp took place in the Ahr Valley and in Swisttal, in which numerous current and former youth construction workers from all over Germany were on a voluntary basis. Under the motto "Culture in danger! We help", the structure of historical buildings was promoted. Support came from experts from eight trades, including carpenters, painters and restorers, who took care of the permanent securing of the historical heritage. The German Foundation for Monument Protection thus makes it clear what importance to preserve cultural treasures in our society.

A look into the future of monument conservation

The participants of the youth construction huts have the opportunity to learn valuable skills during their time at the camp that go far beyond practical work. In cooperation 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 different work areas such as archeology, carpentry and painting restaurants and enable young people to deal with the history and the style elements of building.

The youth construction huts are aimed at people aged 16 to 26 and start their programs every September 1. There are many ways to gain these valuable experiences for everyone who is interested in a commitment in the field of monument protection and at the same time contribute to maintaining our cultural heritage. The flood aid camp in the Ahr Valley is only an example of the numerous initiatives that are put on the feet in this regard.

it seems, the interest in monument preservation is not only very popular, but the young volunteers also show that they have a good knack when it comes to breathing new life into history. The future of German cultural heritage seems to be in good hands.

Further information on the activities of the youth construction huts and opportunities for voluntary missions can be found at Denkmalschutz.de and ijgd.de .