AFTER THE DOWN-TO-EARTH FARM VISIT, IT WAS OFF TO THE HEIGHTS

My daughter and I spend carefree hours on the farm and while climbing I get higher than I thought. Thanks to the motivational skills of the mountain guide, I overcome my inner obstacle when I take part in the Engelberg summer programme.

Together with my daughter, I arrive at the Scheuber family farm. The 20 or so children and their parents are excited to see what there is to discover on the farm at the foot of the Rooster. A little girl is looking for "les vaches" - the cows - everywhere. In summer, of course, they are on the alpine pastures. Nevertheless, there is a lot to see and learn on the Winkel farm.

And we are lucky, Helena Scheuber can show us a baby calf. It is only a week old. The children stroke it, give it their finger to suckle and discover a little goat right next to it. Caramel is on holiday at Scheubers.

A hen is calmly laying an egg in the chicken coop. "We'll get it later so we can paint the plait," Helena announces. She has prepared dough that each child can make into a plait or dough animal.

While the little works of art are in the oven, everyone is free to move around the farm. They can visit the animals, throw cans, hammer in nails or just romp around. We parents enjoy the sun and watch the light-heartedness of the children. I don't have to describe this great experience in so many words: One family is already participating in this farm morning for the fourth time. There is hardly a greater compliment.

Climbing in the Sporting Park
After the cosy morning on the farm comes "me-time" for mummy - but definitely less relaxing. Climbing in the gym is where my muscles are called for.

Some of those present, a colourful mix of children with their parents, try their hand at conquering the climbing wall under the guidance of mountain guides Daniel Perret and Thomas Odermatt. Some of them for the first time, some are already quite practised, others like me: something in between. 

I want to tackle the easiest route. But Dani motivates me to try a more difficult variation. A little nervous about whether I would really be able to do it, I try to work my way up the wall. I soon manage the first few metres, but my arms start to burn. 

In the middle of the wall I call down (the inner pig sends his regards): "It's OK, you can let me down." No way, says Dani and coaches me higher and higher. He lets me pause, but certainly not down. So thanks to his motivational skills (and probably also thanks to pulling a little harder on the rope) I actually make it all the way up.

I'm happy with this sense of achievement and, like many of the other participants, I feel like going on to bigger climbing adventures. 

Familienprogramm

Author

Andrea Hurschler

She is a native of Engelberg and appreciates the nature and leisure activities in Engelberg. With her participation in the summer programme, the local mum of two felt like she was on holiday.