A Quarter-Century of Childhood Spent in Albertha
Adventure Awaits on the de Albertha: A Free Sailing Experience for Laboe Fourth-Graders
For two and a half decades, the "Ole Schippn Laboe" association has been providing a remarkable three-day adventure to fourth-graders of Laboe Primary School: a journey aboard the traditional sailing ship, de Albertha. The kids swap classrooms for cabins and learn by experience, all for free for the families!
The morning air is crisp as a gusty wind whistles through the masts of the Laboe harbor's sailing ships. Fifteen fourth-graders, their parents, and grandparents stand ready, excitement palpable amid a hint of nerves. Fourth-grader Flynn Breuer, accompanied by his mother Carina and grandfather Wolfgang Gerdts, shares the anticipation. Bundled up against the wind, the young explorers board the 130-year-old de Albertha, taking careful steps onto the swaying deck, guided by a narrow ramp. With checked suitcases and packed backpacks safely stowed below in the cabins, life jackets are distributed.
Usually, loved ones would be permitted to observe the ship setting sail. However, safety comes first today—the strong wind has caused a delay. But spirits remain undeterred, as Dominik Krone from the Ole Schippn Laboe association announces. Over 850 children have sailed aboard the de Albertha in recent years, learning not just sailing but also valuable life skills such as teamwork and cooperation.
Captain Dick Kroes echoes the enthusiasm, sharing how these trips offer an opportunity to show children the wonders of nature. Alongside the regular crew and Captain Kroes, there are six dedicated supervisors from Ole Schippn Laboe, including the youth leader, Anke Bahr, who smiles at the sight of the children bonding and working together as a team.
Emphasizing the focus on community, Ole Schippn Laboe's mission extends far beyond sailing lessons. The students learn the importance of each individual's contribution, developing teamwork skills and fostering a sense of camaraderie: "One for all, all for one."
Environmental awareness is an integral part of the voyage. The children are taught about ocean sensitivity, the harmful effects of plastic waste, and the importance of environmental conservation, especially in coastal areas. When homesickness occurs, it's rare, as the students benefit from steady support and the camaraderie of their fellow sailors.
The success of this project is fueled by numerous supporters, including the Kieler Volksbank, Umwelt-Bingo, and Fischküche Laboe, which provides meals for the students. On the occasion of the 25th anniversary, Minister-President Daniel Günther has taken on the patronage, while the State Chancellery has opened its donation box.
In the spirit of collaboration, educational sailing trips in Laboe are more than just a voyage. They offer children a unique blend of academic and personal growth, all while fostering an appreciation for the ocean and enhancing their understanding of the world around them.
- As part of the educational experience aboard the de Albertha, fourth-graders not only learn sailing but also lifelong skills such as teamwork and cooperation, aligning with the mission of self-development and online-education.
- The Ole Schippn Laboe association, through its collaborative project in Laboe, provides a unique online-education platform where children can engage in learning about the environment, particularly ocean sensitivity and the effects of plastic waste, fostering a culture of lifelong-learning and respect for the planet.
- The sailing trips in Laboe mirror the concept of sports, as students learn the importance of each individual's contribution to a team, embodying the spirit of "One for all, all for one," promoting teamwork and camaraderie.
