Treehouse project brings a smile to the faces of the kids at the Karg daycare centre of CJD Nuremberg
At the Karg daycare centre of CJD Nuremberg, the preschool children had a hand in designing a unique treehouse, which was made a reality with the support of the Rainer Winter Foundation. The treehouse serves as a place for creative play and carefree adventures at lofty heights.
The treehouse project at the Karg daycare centre of CJD Nuremberg was a matter close to the hearts of both the children and the staff. Together, the young kids planned their dream treehouse with a sense of huge anticipation and excitement. Right from the word go, they were fully supported by the daycare centre. The challenge of putting their own ideas to paper and bringing together the various concepts gave the children a unique opportunity to develop their creativity and work together on a real construction project.
A generous donation from the Rainer Winter Foundation, in cooperation with the uvex Ride4Kids 2023 campaign, went towards the construction of the treehouse. However, it was not just financial resources that made this project possible – the active involvement of the kids themselves was key to making this vision a reality. They contributed their own ideas and designs, while it was ultimately the centre’s caretaker who put the plan into practice step by step.
The result speaks for itself: a wonderful treehouse perched high in the trees, offering the kids a world above ground level where they are invited to play and discover. The location of the treehouse was deliberately chosen so that it blends harmoniously into the natural surroundings of the daycare centre. It has turned into a place where children have the chance to let their imaginations run wild at the same time as developing vital motor skills.
A little home from home
The children at the Karg daycare centre made the treehouse part of their daily playtime straight away. They are particularly proud of the fact that they can see their own ideas in the final design and that they can now share the finished treehouse with their friends. For many of them, it is a symbol of what can be achieved by working together – a valuable lesson that will serve them well as they get older.
However, the treehouse is not just a place to play. It also offers a space to retreat for the kids to read in peace or talk together. The elevated location conveys a feeling of security and freedom at the same time. Some children have already described the tree house as "their little home from home” at the daycare centre, which demonstrates the special connection that they feel with this special place.
For the educational professionals at the Karg daycare centre, the treehouse is also an opportunity to provide the children with targeted support. It offers space for creative learning projects and encourages the development of key skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and spatial thinking in a fun way. The children learn to support each other, overcome challenges and put their ideas into practice - all in a safe and supportive environment.
Over the long term, the treehouse project will have a sustained positive impact on the children. In addition to fostering an increased sense of community, it also conveys the important values of personal initiative and cooperation. The experience that the kids have gained by learning how their own creativity and commitment can help to realise such a large project has inspired in them the self-confidence and tenacity that they will require to tackle future challenges.
EmpowerLand
Together with our new partner EmpowerLand, we are in a position to offer children aged 8-13 a week full of adventure, challenges and positive experiences. EmpowerLand is an Augsburg-based organisation that pursues the mission of teaching children and young people the kind of important skills and abilities that will help them navigate their way through life.
Camps are organised with the aim of creating fun learning environments to further advance the personal development of the kids. Topics covered include body image and emotional intelligence, strengths and abilities, gratitude, self-esteem and empathy, optimism and resilience, love and relationships, dreams and goals, and physical health.
We are proud that with the support of the Rainer Winter Foundation, EmpowerLand is able to run this year’s camps at Western City in Dasing.