The arrival of the students marks the start of the summer course here in the distinguished grounds of Benenden School. As the first bus arrives at the entrance, we all jump for joy and take our positions. What was theory yesterday will now be put into practice. The activity team leads a short welcome activity in order to wake up the kids after their long journey. Then comes the official opening speech from the course manager, Nikolaus Obermair, and the introduction of the teachers – everything perfectly timed.

After the most important points have been announced, the baggage is taken to the rooms and one gets to know one’s roommates and then goes to dinner. As soon as the first groups arrive, the grounds of Benenden School come to life. While some students catch up with familiar faces, the first-timers get to know the area.

After dinner, the first meetings take place in the houses. After that, everyone gathers in the assembly hall for the welcome session. Our “star tastics”, as our activity team is calling itself to match this year’s theme, “space”, give a short preview of the activities planned for the coming weeks. Afterwards, the houses quickly become quiet again: it seems everyone needs some time to recover from the long journey.