Freedom, closeness to nature and responsibility: The Tutzing “Hort im Wald” of the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) has committed itself to these three principles.
For about a month now, 17 elementary school students have been coming there every day after school to eat, study and play together.
The official inauguration took place on Friday.
Tutzing - It is a large meadow, far away from street noise, between trees and near a stream. Next to it is a villa: the Beringer House. This property including the villa has been owned by ASB Munich / Upper Bavaria for about four years. Further training courses are currently being held in the building; the area around it has so far had no social benefit. “We wanted to change that,” said ASB chairman Christian Boenisch. “We wanted to use it for social purposes.” This is how the idea of a nature-loving nursery in the country arose.
A 69 square meter larch wood construction trailer has been standing on the meadow since September and offers space for 17 children who are looked after there after school has finished. There are solar cells on the roof of the car, and there is a stove inside that keeps the car warm even in winter. However, the children do not stay inside for too long. Another concept of the “refuge in the forest” is to do as much as possible outside in all weathers. “The children come from school and can move around,” said educator and day care center manager Linda Seehawer. “That strengthens individuality and ensures balance.” She previously worked in other childcare facilities, but is very happy about the position in Tutzing.
“I grew up in the country too. Nature is important to me. ”Linda Seehawer looks after the children together with educator Kati Hasenöhrl. After school everyone has lunch together, followed by an hour of homework time. The rest of the afternoon the children play soccer or explore nature. “We have a couple of projects,” says Seehawer. "For example, we build a staircase from natural materials down to the stream." There are also other occupations. One of them, the so-called Land-Art, was presented by the children to their families, Mayor Marlene Greinwald and the other guests at the opening ceremony. There are pictures, figures and patterns made entirely from natural materials. Before the inauguration ceremony, the primary school students had collected all sorts of hay, chestnuts and even moss.
"I think children should grow up just like that," said Greinwald.
“The balance to the digital world is particularly important.” She brought Fairtrade footballs with her as a gift.
The parents are also satisfied.
“There is no comparable offer in Tutzing,” enthused Ulrich Epple.
His son Lukas is in the first grade and has been in the “Hort im Wald” since September.
He found out about the offer through an acquaintance and registered his son.
Every year in September new places become available, and soon there will also be a second construction trailer for even more children.
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