Frank Saalmüller: Tent camp icon ceremoniously farewell!

Frank Saalmüller: Tent camp icon ceremoniously farewell!

Last Thursday, a very special chapter in the history of the Sigmaringen Sports District Youth came to an end in picturesque Bingen. Frank Saalmüller, who served as camp manager of the popular Pentecost tent camp for over two decades, was ceremoniously farewelled. He looks back on an impressive time that began in 1981, when he himself joined the camp as a participant.

Saalmüller, who took over management in 2000, has organized the camp, which attracts over 200 children from a wide range of backgrounds each year, a total of 23 times. However, due to the pandemic-related break, the camp has only taken place to a limited extent in the last two years. Nevertheless, Saalmüller's commitment was crucial to resuming this important tradition in the region. Mayor Marco Potas described him as the “symbolic character” of the tent camp and thus acknowledged his tireless efforts.

A hearty farewell with honors

Particularly noteworthy is the role of Saalmüller's wife Agnes, who also received a warm farewell. She was active as a supervisor for over 20 years and was responsible for the camp kitchen. Together they have given countless children unforgettable experiences. Frank Saalmüller said goodbye with a crying and a laughing eye, while the new management team, consisting of David Zarach, Dorothea Scholz, Johannes Majer, Mathias Stehle and Xenia Rebsam, takes on their responsibilities.

The Pentecost tent camp itself, which has been an integral part of the Sigmaringen sports district youth offerings since 1975, takes place on the beautiful Danube. Not only does it offer children and young people the opportunity to learn new skills, but also exciting activities such as canoeing and a thrilling 120 meter long cable car. These experiences have lasting meaning for many of the participants as they often create a deeper connection with nature.

Be there for each other – strong together

A notable aspect of the camp is its inclusion: participation is possible regardless of the parents' club membership or income. Especially in difficult times, places are made available for children from socially disadvantaged or disadvantaged families as well as for refugee children from the state initial reception center in Sigmaringen. The commitment of the sports district youth makes a valuable contribution to loving togetherness.

The tent camp not only attracts children from Sigmaringen, but also from neighboring districts. Every year around 100 children and young people took the opportunity to have unforgettable experiences and have fun together. The new leaders have already emphasized that they will do everything in their power to continue the tradition and maintain the camp as a place for exchange and sporting activity.

The CEO of Landesbank Kreissparkasse Sigmaringen took the opportunity to recognize the team's excellent work with a check for 500 euros. This is not an easy undertaking, it requires a good hand!
For children and young people from Sigmaringen and the surrounding area, the sports district youth Pentecost camp remains an important place for encounters and shared experiences.

For young adventurers who long for new adventures, the Sportkreisjugend Tübingen is organizing another camp in August 2025. Here, up to 100 children and young people between the ages of 8 and 15 can experience unforgettable days in large, weatherproof tents. You can find more information about this here.

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