Staff Interview with Jan Vieth

What inspired your work with Camp Europe?

Create an international network of summer camps throughout Europe that enables university students to gain international work experience. I believe in Outdoor Education as a way to promote universal values, the appreciation of other cultures and nature. I also believe in creativity as an effective method to promote affordable programs for university students and campers alike, to travel and learn.
I believe in fraternity among cultures as a milestone for building mutual tolerance and respect. I believe in making efforts to build an international community willing to share every individual’s knowledge and experience. I value diversity as a full expression of tolerance of everyone and exclusion of no one. I also value imagination and fantasy as an effective doctrine of education on abstract but also quite important matters. To create ways of promoting fair opportunities for international camping, summer internship placements and work and travel experiences. To implement high standards of the North American Camping traditions exported to Europe. I value people’s time investment without a straightforward aim on profit, the help that comes honestly offered. In return, I believe in giving back accessible opportunities to students, low profile campers, and the host communities.


You started the camp program as a university project and have successfully run the program for 15 years. What has made the Camp programs successful?

The combination of typical German structure of camp programs and the program variety that international camps usually offer. Very unique atmosphere that is created when many people from different nations share a space in a natural environment, a fact that both campers and staff are responsible for the success of camp (duties, etc). Giving campers and kids freedom to choose what they would like to do, conservative approach: digital detox, no electronics are allowed, furthermore to settle down in a niche by offering an international program in Germany.

Why should individuals consider participating in a Camp Europe program?

We provide an easy and accessible mechanism for students to go abroad to experience an international summer internship program, in which they will be able to learn and practice a different language, attend a summer camp or English summer school where they will meet people their age, and participate with other staff in the creation of their own educational projects.

What makes Germany, Ireland, and England ideal locations for camp and outdoor adventures?

The unspoiled nature with mountains, forests and seas, and the numerous opportunities to do land or water activities with the kids and youths who come from more than 60 nations. We are trying to show the kids not the extreme nature so that they are shocked but start with “basic” nature experiences that most of them never had in their “city life.” This is why all locations are perfect for us.

What do you hope participants take away from Camp Europe programs?

Living and working out of the comfort zone, meeting the best people from all around the world, and learning more about yourself than somewhere else.

Why is it important for people to challenge themselves and learn to live outside of their comfort zones?

Because in your own bubble you are not able to grow and to find out your own talents and weak points, and our daily life is our bubble. But we are all more than our daily life routines.

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

To wake up with a smile, to go to bed with a smile. To fill the day with laughter, conversations, and experiences which you never thought of. Travelling opens your mind.

If you could participate in one Camp Europe program, which would you choose and why?

I would choose the creative, sports, and adventure program. If you live four or more weeks in the forest with less luxury you will definitely appreciate the little things in your normal life at home.

What hopes do you have for the future of Camp Europe?

I hope that we can inspire even more young people worldwide to understand why different cultures are so great.