Gravesend & Neumunster Members of Gravesham Youth Council took part in a week long European Youth Camp in Germany as part of Neumunster’s 888 yr celebrations. Over 50 young people attended aged between 13 and 18, from Neumunster and it’s other twin towns; Gravesham, Parchim in East Germany and Koszalin in Poland. The trip was funded by the Erasmus+ European Union funding programme, supplemented by Neumunster City Council with travel costs to the country covered by youth council budgets.

Activities Cultural ‘Treasure Hunt‘ tour of Neumunster city Town Hall ‘Rauthaus’ visit to meet City President Feast of Nations – each town prepared food representative of their area Meeting with mayors from Neumunster and Parchim

Activities Physical Activity Walking High wire park (climbing) Mini golf Swimming Canoeing Football

Activities Educational History of the EU Interviews with local residents around the city market European Parliament Town talks led by young people from each participating district

Why was it a useful experience? Personal achievement/teamwork e.g. when completing the high wire park and canoeing with people we didn’t know, who spoke different languages. We learnt about the EU; how it works, how it affects us, who it affects etc. Shows that the youth of Gravesham is actively involved in discussions on the EU, and have an interest in the topic at our young ages. Shows the youth of Gravesham is connecting with countries other than ours. We learnt new people skills to help us with future jobs and group work in future, overcoming the difficult challenge that is a language barrier. By visiting Neumunster, we met new people and experienced their way of life in a different country to ours. It helped enrich our language skills, as Germany is an important part of some of our curricular activities. This visit helped shows the local town the benefits that the EU brings us; connection with countries and citizens outside of our own country. It represents Gravesham Youth Council on a European scale.