Volksmarch

Lilly and some of her best buds

In the past 2 years, I’ve noticed a few things that Germans do better than anyone else:
1.Make beer
2.Build effective road systems
3.Engage in organized walking

This past Friday, the Hohenfels Elementary School participated in the annual Volksmarch. A volksmarch literally means “people’s walk” and is a family-friendly event encouraging citizens to get out and enjoy the countryside. It is no exaggeration to say that to the German people, walking is a national pastime and all ages eagerly participate in community volksmarches. Our students, grades 1st-6th, completed a 13 kilometer walk (the kinders completed a 5 km walk) which wrapped in a lazy loop from post through two neighboring villages. Tim and I were chaperones for Lilly’s 3rd grade class. And if you think these youngsters would complain about the walk, you’re mistaken. In fact, every student was enthusiastic and excited to be out of school in the glorious sunshine and walking in the forest. After 90 minutes into the walk, we gathered with the other grades at a local sportsplatz (large playing field) for unorganized fun. Kids were running all over the place, giddy with the freedom that only comes from being released from a “march.” The local German booster club set up a sausage and drink station and many parents ponied up the 3 euro for a tasty German snack. Following the lunch break, we snaked back to the post where we jumped into our van and drove to the commissary for a well-deserved ice cream treat.