Vacations with added value: The German TV lottery for children's travel

What is almost normal for some is a great adventure for others. Many families cannot afford to go on vacation. For 1,000 children from all over Germany, however, the big dream of a real vacation has now come true.

via Sabrina

08/25/2017, 11:30

1,000 children from socially disadvantaged families were once again given adventurous vacations by the German Television Lottery this year.

"We're on vacation for the first time," says seven-year-old Aleyna and is thrilled when a giraffe sticks its head through the car window.

The children watch spellbound as the lions are fed.

It gets cuddly with the ring-tailed lemurs, who try to steal raisins from the children's trouser pockets.

With its children's travel campaign, the German TV lottery once again gave 1,000 girls and boys from socially disadvantaged families a free week's vacation this summer. They were able to experience a wide variety of adventures at specially selected camps. For example at the Serengeti Park in Hodenhagen!

Focus on demonstrating alternative leisure activities

Some children spent their very first vacation here and were amazed to see lions being fed, giraffes poking their heads through the open car window and cute calicoes climbing over their shoulders.

Educational added value, personal development and alternative leisure activities also play a central role in the 14 other vacation camps throughout Germany - including a surf camp on Sylt and the music camp in the foothills of the Alps.

Commitment with tradition

As early as 1956, the proceeds from the first TV lottery draws went to the "Ein Platz an der Sonne" (A Place in the Sun) aid campaign and children from landlocked Berlin were given carefree vacations in West Germany. Eleven years ago, the TV lottery revived the idea.

The children's travel project is supported by "Allianz für Kinder", a foundation of Germany's largest insurance group.

The whole adventure of the children in the Serengeti Park as well as further reports and lots of information about the children's trips can be found here.