Mogwarts for Muggles: a magical holiday camp

Immerse yourself in the world of magic, practise spells and compete together for the house cup - young sorcerer's apprentices can experience all of this at the „Mogwarts for Muggles“ holiday camp at Monschau Castle Youth Hostel. The holiday, which has already taken place three times in the past year, is supervised by the educational programme partner  Quovadis Society for Social Education, who also came up with the idea for this magical adventure. „Many of our teamers wanted a Harry Potter holiday because they are fans themselves,“ says Kirsten Schaefer, a consultant at Quovadis. „But it was only thanks to our collaboration with Monschau Castle Youth Hostel that we found the perfect setting to make the programme so unique.“ With its winding corridors, historic walls and secret corners, the castle transports participants directly into the world of magic.

Fantastic Beasts, Quidditch and the House Cup

As befits a real wizarding school, the participants are ceremoniously assigned to one of the four houses at the beginning of the week by the talking hat. Anyone who thinks that everyone would prefer to go to Gryffindor is mistaken. „The children are happy to be part of a community and are highly motivated to collect points for their house,“ explains Kirsten Schaefer. Points are awarded for almost all activities - from magical quizzes and the search for the Golden Snitch to researching fantastic animal creatures. The Quidditch tournament, for which participants design their own Quidditch cloaks in the colours of their houses, is particularly popular.

Another highlight is the evening journey through the „hidden corridor of wishes“ to the secret meeting place of the magic students. This is where stories are told, spells are tested and experiences are shared - a moment full of magic and community.

Farewell to Mogwarts Castle

After a week full of magic, adventure and new friendships, the magical journey draws to a close. The coveted house trophy is awarded at the big closing party. „Of course there is a winning group, but the disappointment of the others is limited,“ emphasises Kirsten Schaefer. „We attach great importance to the fact that cohesion between all the houses takes centre stage.“ And so, on the last day, it is with a heavy heart: „Goodbye, Mogwarts Castle!“ But one thing is certain: the memories of this magical time will stay with the sorcerer's apprentices for a long time to come.

Further information on the leisure programme is available here. The next „Mogwarts for Muggles“ camp will take place during the NRW Easter holidays. And: There are still places available!