The fourth Maximilian Arnold Wölfe Camp was held from Thursday to Sunday at the Haus am Bernsteinsee, where young cancer sufferers and their families were able to enjoy some peace and quiet at the lake’s recreation area and a fun-filled few days with VfL Wolfsburg. Patron Maximilian Arnold learned out about the camp in 2018 and has since made a point of attending the annual opening on Thursday evening.
It is plain to see how much the camp means to Arnold. “I would go as far as saying that the camp is a highlight of my life,” the midfielder said last week. “I want the kids to completely forget about everyday life and just enjoy life for the next four days.”
Armed with the latest VfL shirts for the kids and a stack of autograph cards, Arnold set off for Sassenburg – which is located around 20 kilometres from the camp – with Wölfe TV presenter Felix on Thursday evening. There was plenty of excitement among the children before the 28-year-old’s arrival, but when the VfL skipper entered the communal area for the first time they stared in amazement. “It’s so lovely to put a smile on the kids’ faces,” Arnold added. “It fills me with pride.”
The ten families taking part made the most of the opportunity to ask Arnold lots of questions and get their hands on photographs, autographs and other souvenirs. There was a particularly special treat in store on Saturday: as well as enjoying a bite to eat together at the Autostadt, the families were taken on a guided tour of the arena and paid a visit by club mascot Wölfi. After that, they headed to the Volkswagen Arena to cheer on the Green-and-Whites in their game against FC Schalke 04.