Hack To The Future: Youth Hackathon at Europa-Park and Rulantica Inspires Young Tech Enthusiasts

From November 8 to 10, 2024, Europa-Park and the water world of Rulantica will transform into a dynamic platform for tech-savvy youths. During the “Hack To The Future” hackathon, organized by the Kindermedienland Baden-Württemberg initiative, young talents aged 12 to 17 will have the chance to bring their creative ideas to life in digital projects. With the support of experienced mentors, they will develop apps, games, robots, and websites, with a strong focus on innovation and teamwork.

Hack To The Future: Creativity and Technology at the Forefront

The “Hack To The Future” hackathon offers youths a unique opportunity to deeply engage with technology and digital applications. Over the course of three days, participants will work on their projects, developing solutions that are not only based on technical expertise but also on creative approaches. The goal is to give young people the space to explore their ideas without requiring any prior programming knowledge. The hackathon is therefore explicitly open to beginners, whose curiosity and interest in technology are the primary focus.

Schedule: From Idea to Implementation

The hackathon kicks off on Friday, November 8, with the arrival and registration of participants at Europa-Park. After an introductory meet-and-greet and brainstorming session in the afternoon, the first working phase begins in the evening, allowing the youths to start refining their ideas. Saturday and Sunday are packed with additional working phases, during which projects will be further advanced and fine-tuned. In addition to these creative sessions, all meals are included in the participation fee, with healthy meals provided throughout the event. On Sunday, the last day of the hackathon, participants will have the opportunity to present their projects to parents and friends. The open-house event, which begins at 1:30 PM, marks the grand finale.

Mentors support the creative process

A key highlight of the event is the support provided by experienced mentors, who accompany the participants throughout the weekend. These mentors bring expertise from STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and are available to advise the youth. Their goal is to offer valuable assistance during the development of digital projects, whether in programming, design, or technical implementation.

Participation Requirements: A Weekend Full of Opportunities

To participate in the hackathon, youths must be between 12 and 17 years old and interested in technology, programming, or tinkering. No prior knowledge is required, so anyone with a curiosity about digital topics can join. The participation fee is €25, covering meals and accommodation in a communal lodging. Participants who prefer to sleep at home are still required to pay the full fee, as the costs apply regardless of lodging. A particular focus is placed on inclusion: girls, women, and non-binary individuals are explicitly encouraged to join, promoting diversity and equality.

Special offers and equipment

Participants are welcome to bring their laptops or tablets to work directly on their projects during the hackathon. Those staying in the communal lodging should also bring a sleeping bag, toothbrush, and weather-appropriate clothing. As a special highlight, participants and one accompanying person will receive free entry to the Rulantica water world on Sunday afternoon as part of the optional program.

Inclusion and Diversity as Core Values

The Kindermedienland Baden-Württemberg initiative places great emphasis on creating an inclusive event culture. Technology should not be limited to a specific demographic but should be open to all interested youth. This approach deliberately addresses girls, women, and non-binary individuals, promoting diversity in the tech scene. The hackathon aims to be a place where all participants, regardless of gender or background, work together on projects and learn from each other.

Final Presentation and Free Entry to Rulantica

After an intensive weekend of creative work, participants will have the chance to present their projects to an audience on Sunday. Parents and friends are invited to attend the open-house event, where they can see the results and recognize the youths' efforts. As an added bonus, Europa-Park offers all participants and one accompanying person free admission to the Rulantica water world, allowing them to round off the weekend with fun and relaxation.

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