Anniversary of the tent camp: 1,800 young fire brigade heroes in Tannenhausen!

Anniversary of the tent camp: 1,800 young fire brigade heroes in Tannenhausen!

In Tannenhausen, where the meadows are still fresh and the air is clear, around 1,800 young firefighters and their supervisors gathered on July 8, 2025 - after a five-year break, a tent camp by the East Frisian youth fire departments will finally be held here again. There are 1,600 children and young people on board as well as 110 carers, all of whom enjoy the joy and community of tent life. Despite a small rain shower, the atmosphere remains excellent, the camp manager Dirk Janssen emphasizes that the ground has remained dry and the tent city is in full splendour. In general, the tent camp seems like a good old friend who is knocking on the door again after years of standstill, which visibly delights the participants.

The tent camp, which is organized by the Wittmund district, is a meeting point for 85 youth fire brigades from all over East Frisia. There are activities to discover everywhere in the tent city: whether it's a game of fireball or making folding chairs out of recycled tubing - there's no room for boredom here. The first big challenge, the night march, ensures the right amount of team spirit and adventurous spirit. The evening program also offers highlights, with DJ Tristan providing lively music. And during breaks? A visit to the supply tent, which also serves as a “beer cart” for non-alcoholic drinks, is particularly popular, as is the milk bar, where around 100 liters of milk are processed every day.

Community and responsibility

The German Youth Fire Brigade has over 356,000 members and works according to the principles of voluntariness and independence. This is not just a celebration, but also an encouragement: the training these young people receive prepares them for responsibility and teaches them to help others. Youth fire brigades are not just leisure activities, but also sources of inspiration for society. Valuable learning in dangerous situations and correct behavior in crises are also part of the program, which helps participants to gain increased self-confidence. Overall, the camp is a place where not only friendships are renewed, but new bonds are also formed.

The preparations for this camp were demanding: the organizers worked on the logistics for a whole year to perfectly prepare everything from fresh water to communication systems. A comprehensive infrastructure is used, including a 400 square meter tent kitchen that prepares several thousand meals every day. Safety is also not neglected: the German Red Cross from Aurich is available for emergencies.

Insight into the world of tent camps

Anyone who is curious can come by during the day and get to know the young people's life together. But parents and visitors must consult with the youth fire departments beforehand. The event develops into a colorful hustle and bustle in which waste separation and an environmentally conscious waste concept also play a role. After all, several tons of garbage are expected in such a warehouse!

In Tannenhausen, where the warming community is the focus, participants can enjoy the free days in quiet nature. As befits a tent camp, you learn to appreciate the challenges of camping life - instead of package holidays and wellness, the young people can expect a washbasin full of real experiences and unforgettable adventures.

The camp, which runs until July 12th, is a real witch's work - full of exciting stories and shared experiences that will be passed on to the next generation.