The second Monday trip was again organized by the Norwegian students. Today’s agenda: group dynamics and teambuilding. We started with the same procedure than a week ago – 9:15 in front of Spicheren. Equipped with our cross country skies, food, warm drinks and a piece of wood per person our destination was the big clearing in Jegers.

A few introduction words later, we were divided into four groups. Luckily there were some Norwegian in my group I did not know up to now. Station one was built up as a trust play. Again we were divided up into two groups of four each. One person of each group had to cover the eyes and was guided by the group to one of the nearby dropped items. After grapping an item the group led the person back to the starting point and the blindfold changed. Every group was timed by the station leader. For me it was quiet difficult to lead the persons under time pressure in English to prevent them from hitting a tree or falling in the ditch.

Next, we took part in the snow figure contest. There we should built a snow figure and at the end the station leader chose the best one. Unfortunately, the snow was very wet but building the snow figure was a lot of fun and we worked very well as a team. All student groups were very creative and built serious figures e.g. a centaur, the Eiffel Tower, a sledge with dogs in front of it. Of course there were some ambiguous figures like a women lying at the beach or a two seated viewpoint over the lake with a massive obelisk as seat back.

Station three and four were similar to the competition structure in station 1. Two teams had to build a shelter with a tarp and some ropes in 20 minutes. The spot we chose was very good because there were two walls in an ankle of nearly 90 degrees but at the end the shelter was not suitable for an overnight trip. Four persons were not able to sleep in a comfortable position and there was an uncovered hole in the edge of the shelter. So all in all, no protection against rain and lots to improve, for example do not cover one end of the tarp with heavy wet show and try to tighten the ropes one the opposite edges very much. The logical consequences are broken eyes. For the next time we know some mistakes that should be avoided.

For the relay at the last station skis and poles are recommended. The first group member should do the track without poles, the second one with both of them and only one ski. Both remaining were tied with a cable tie below their knees. Therefore, they were forced to figure out a working technic. In my opinion this was a little bit dangerous due to the slippery conditions and the U-Turn. Fortunately, no one was hurt it still was a lot of fun and I was able to improve my skiing skills.

To summarize the day, the Norwegians did a great job again. The weather was above zero degree and we were able to test our equipment due to this conditions and we connections between both Outdoor Education groups was intensified.