Economy Camp
Since 2015, both students from all over Germany have been meeting with American exchange students near Hamburg every year on Ascension weekend to intensively discuss exciting and current economic topics.
In a BarCamp style, the young people discuss topics that are important to them. They decide for themselves which topics they want to talk about.
The only condition: it should be about the economy!
Whether free trade agreements, wage inequality between women and men or sustainable consumption are discussed, is entirely up to them. In the so-called session planning, they independently suggest topics and then discuss them in small groups. The young people moderate and document the 30-60 minutes sessions themselves using new tools and digital media.
The special feature of the EconomyCamp are interaction and joint contributions of the participants, which sometimes take place in English, sometimes in German – depending on the preferences of the youth. Not least through their different cultural experiences, the students get to know differences between economic systems as well as new perspectives on different economic contexts.
The discussions will be supplemented by exciting input from young scientists.
After intense days of discussion, making new friends and gaining new perspectives on economic issues, camp participants often describe their experiences with words such as: "awesome", "inspiration through motivation", "unbeschreiblich" or "eine unvergessliche Erfahrung".
When does the EconomyCamp 2022 take place?
The 8th EconomyCamp will take place on Ascension weekend (planned in presence).
Arrival on Wednesday, May 25th – Departure on Sunday, May 29th
Venue: Hamburg and Drochtersen-Hüll (transfer is provided)
In addition, there are three digital preparation appointments at which experts are already talking about the economy. There you already get a good taste of the camp and get to know each other. The dates are:
May 03rd from 4pm – 6pm (digital via Zoom)
May 10th from 5pm – 6pm (digital via Zoom)
May 17th from 5pm – 6pm (digital via Zoom)
Who can participate?
You are between 16-19 years old, you are interested in economics, can express yourself in English and German and would like to talk to others from Germany and the USA about economics? Great, then apply!
How does the EconomyCamp work?
Before and during the camp, you can suggest topics you would like to talk about. Which topic you propose, whether e. g. climate change, the stock market or the economic impact of the corona crisis, is entirely up to you – it should only have a reference to the economy.
The topics proposed by you and other participants will be discussed together on the 27th and 28th of May in a relaxed atmosphere in small groups in the ABC House in Drochtersen/Hüll, a place near Hamburg. The EconomyCamp will start before that, namely on the 3rd, the 10th and 17th of May via Zoom. There you will get to know the other participants and hear from three young scientists about their current research projects and why this work is so exciting. There, of course, you already have enough opportunity to ask questions and discuss with the others.
Following these three Zoom calls, we will meet in person on the 25th of May in Hamburg at the central station and spend the first night in the modern youth hostel at Stintfang, which is located directly at the Port of Hamburg with a fabulous view. We will spend the 26th of May at the Joachim Herz Stiftung in Hamburg, where we will get to know many BarCamp tools and the foundation. The next day a tour bus will bring us to our main location, the ABC House in Drochtersen Hüll. On Sunday, 29th of May the BarCamp will finish after breakfast. We will take you to the central station in Hamburg, from where you may travel back home.
Which technology and software are required?
To participate in the Zoom Calls, you need an Internet-enabled device with microphone and speaker or headset. Whether smartphone, PC, laptop or tablet, is up to you. A camera is an advantage, but not necessary. You decide for yourself whether you want to participate with audio and video or only with audio. You will receive tips and support on how to use Zoom after you sign up.
What are the costs?
The Joachim Herz Foundation covers the expenses for accommodation, travel, catering and program.