On the 13th and 14th November Šárka Čiháková and myself headed over to Berlin, Germany on a pre conference visit ahead of next year’s Campacity conference.
After a very early flight we met at the Sophienhof YMCA, which is a beautiful old building across from the church and small park. The classic branding and cute restaurant were very welcoming and after checking in we jumped straight into lunch with our hosts Alena and Gerhard (from the national YMCA).
After lunch we had a short tour around the YMCA and the facilities, where we asked questions about the structure and programmes. We then visited the National CVJM office on the same premises and heard more about the advocacy and work with the national government.
We then visited CVJM Jugendhais where we joined their drop-in session and met some young volunteers and staff. Ana gave us a tour and shared how the space is funded and operates for the community. It was the middle of a drop-in session and we got to speak to young participants and volunteers who were operating the cafe bar and organising activities.
We finished off the evening with a visit to the famous Brandenburg gate and a trip to parliament. I listened to recounts of Sarka and Gerhard from how their teacher and school reacted to the fall of the wall- truly a moment that changed history.
The second day started with a S’more latte (in the spirit of camp) then a trip to the camp and tour of the facilities. The camp is very youth friendly and has nice rooms and a rustic/nature feel. As we walked around my mind buzzed with what we could potentially do with 80 participants in Spring. Perspektivfabrik YMCA Camp has grounds of more than 35,000 m² in the middle of a nature reserve, they have their own beach, playground, BBQ areas, climbing wall, an outdoor football pitch, a beach volleyball court (with floodlights), a lake with rowing boats and canoes, a large multi-purpose hall, seminar rooms and plenty of space for recreation, reflection, leisure, training or seminars. Not to forget the large Party Tent for 200 people! It was a quick tour as we had to zoom in live to the global working group from the camp! A YMCA first?
After the zoom meeting we headed across to Brandenburg YMCA for a community dinner with their cooking group, who meet twice a month and fund the activities themselves. It’s a warm and inviting group and everyone must contribute and then sit together to eat. There were people from Germany, England, Czech Republic, Mexico and Colombia all trying to work and contribute in many languages (and at times sign language). It really did remind me of our international YMCA and bringing people together. After thanking the group we invited them to join us for the cultural evening at Campacity and I am also sure many participants will take the opportunity to visit them before the conference.
In conclusion it was a packed agenda and felt very much that we were always on the go. Many conversations, thoughts and hopes were shared these days and a special mention should go to Gerhard from the national YMCA who was a great host and really looked after us.
CAMPACITY 2025 – Call for Participants
Written by Adrian Davis
