Under the motto ‘OceanCamp 2.0’, we set up our base camp on Hallig Hooge, in the middle of the North Sea, to explore the North Sea after the Mediterranean. We were particularly fascinated by the unique relationship between man and sea on the Hallig. In cooperation with Bene’s sailing school from the island of Föhr, five days of sailing and four days of exploring on foot and by bike were on the programme – although the North Sea quickly made it clear to us who was in charge here, so we had to keep adjusting our plans.
In contrast to our camps in France, the camp on Hooge was designed to be co-creative, with flexible daily schedules that were not fixed in advance. All eight participants had prepared thematic focal points that served as an introduction. The programme included a climate mudflat hike, a discussion with the coastal protection authorities and tidal sailing with Bene’s sailing school. Spontaneous activities such as taxonomic experiments in the mudflats, bike tours, sea lights, helping with the hay harvest, a church visit, a guided tour of the protection station, a visit to the storm surge cinema and, above all, many enriching encounters with locals, other sailors and intensive discussions within our group.
Not forgetting the storm and high tide, which allowed us to experience the forces of nature in the North Sea up close. The conclusion of the participants was unanimous – the Hallig camp was a complete success and definitely worth repeating in 2025.