Holiday camp in Lengefeld: Learn children, fake news to expose!

Holiday camp in Lengefeld: Learn children, fake news to expose!

In the tranquil environment of Lengefeld, this July is pretty round: 42 curious children between the ages of 6 and 16 have gathered in the holiday camp of the Korbach tennis club in order to find out the phenomenon of fake news . From July 11th to 17th, 2025, the camp will take place in this seventh edition, and an experience -oriented pedagogy will work, the game and education combines. Dr. Alexander Ratzmann, who leads the concept, emphasizes the need for critical thinking in a world in which the wrong information is omnipresent, and asks the children to unrite lies and to take on responsibility.

As part of the camp, the young participants are divided into eight creative teams. These collect points while taking part in various activities and tennis training sings that take five hours a day. A highlight of the week was a competition that took place in the dark with bright bends. Such experiences should not only provide fun, but also promote team spirit and critical thinking. Ratzmann refers to the importance of democratic values, equality and freedom of expression: "Here in sport we learn to form your own opinions," says the camplate.

critical media literacy in focus

But why is the topic of fake news so explosive? According to gewi-im-unchtung.de endanger media lies and disinformation campaigns the political discourse and democracy. The pressure to distinguish reliable information from false reports is greater than ever. For example, the unreflected parts of disinformation leads to an increased outrage spiral, which can even endanger the stability of the parliamentary systems.

It is all the more important that the future generation will be equipped with funds in order to be able to critically analyze such media content. Students: Inside, by means of appropriate educational offers, learning to distinguish reliable from dubious sources. With a digital poster and the checklist "Fake or fact?", As described on gewiim-unchtricht.de , the children are offered an initial orientation.

The role of the media and initiatives

The problem of fake news is not new. In the Reformation, leaflets were used for defamation, as well as in the 20th century by the National Socialists who used manipulative propaganda. These historical reviews illustrate that targeted disinformation is a time-honored means of influence.
according to bpb.de has increased the spread of fake news on social media in recent years. In view of these developments, it is clear that media literacy serves as a tool to combat fake news and remains essential. Initiatives such as "EU vs. Disinfo" show that also actively addressed this challenge at the political level.

In order to fought successfully against the spread of the lies, it not only requires factual information, but also a critical reflection on media content. Because the higher the trust in political and media institutions, the more resistant the people against fake news. These are teachings that the camp in Lengefeld tries to convey with its young participants and can contribute priceless to strengthen society.