Environmental adventure leader FAQ’s

What dates do I need to be available?

We are seeking people who can commit to volunteering for four weeks within the dates of 24th April to 25th August 2023. School camps run between 1st May to 12th July and training will be provided in the role during your time. If you are applying to volunteer at the summer camps happening between 21st July and 23rd August there will be a 3 day training programme between the 17th and 19th July.

What experience do I need?

You don’t need to have experience working with children but you do need to enjoy their company and feel comfortable being around them! What we value most in team members is a positive attitude, enthusiasm and the ability to work well with and inspire others. You need to be able to strike the right balance between being responsible in a pastoral care role and reinforcing rules when required while cultivating a positive and empowering atmosphere in which children can thrive. Ideally you will have camped before and be happy to give up some home comforts - we do have electricity but not enough for hair dryers! You do also need to be at ease with sharing your tent with the odd spider which might stray in! Most importantly we are seeking positive role models for our young guests - people who lead by example and are personally motivated to care for and protect our planet.

Will I receive training?

Yes. Training is an essential element of the placement and will tool you up with the skills, knowledge and experience you require to safely support children in their activities and provide outstanding pastoral care.

What kind of responsibilities will I have?

The role is varied and is designed to give you a good grounding in all aspects of camp life. You could find yourself accompanying children to the food garden to harvest ingredients for breakfast, helping children with their cooking in the field kitchen, heading out on the river to support children on a canoeing expedition or assisting the Blacksmith with a forging workshop.

Maintaining our high level of pastoral care is paramount. You will be responsible for ensuring your group of children feel supported, safe and able to come to you with any questions or concerns they might have during their stay. To ensure your suitability to work with children we will commission an enhanced DBS check and take up references with two referees.

That all sounds great - surely there must be some not so fun tasks to do?!

Well there is the small matter of cleaning the compost toilets, but you will only be required to carry out this task once each week and it’s really not as bad as it sounds! 

What hours will I be on duty?

We ask for a minimum of 6 hours of your time each day. Everyone has Saturdays off together and you then get another day off in the week. We always ensure you are off at the same time as others so you can head off together to explore. Work usually start at either 6.30am, 12:00pm or 6pm. If you want to get involved with particular activities or camp events outside of your scheduled hours you are very welcome to.

What kit will I need and is there a uniform?

We will provide you with a suggested kit-list to help you pack and prepare. You will also receive some Camp Kernow t-shirts and have the opportunity to work with a silk screen printer during training to print your own design onto these!

Will I be able to charge my phone, use my laptop and have access to wifi?

We have a lovely timber frame office building which becomes the crew common room in the summer! It’s solar powered and has WiFi so you can have some chill time here, charge equipment, Skype family & friends, watch a movie or catch up on coursework! Valuables can also be stored here.

Is food included?

You can enjoy three delicious meals a day Sun-Fri. On Saturday’s which are a free day for all you can help yourself to breakfast and lunch from the camp kitchen. As people are usually off exploring we don’t provide a set dinner on Saturday night but there are funds available to purchase ingredients and it’s a nice opportunity to showcase your signature dish and feed your fellow team members!

I have food intolerances/allergies - can you cater for this?

Yes, of course. We can cater for all dietary and medical requirements and you will have an opportunity to share these with us so we can make provision prior to your arrival.

Where will I sleep?

Tented accommodation is provided usually in the yurt, bell tent or tipi structures. Accommodation is usually shared (same sex).

What access to facilities such as showers will I have?

We have four showers which use filtered water from the borehole and are heated using solar thermal energy and/or biomass burners. We request that you use the showers a maximum of every other day to ensure there is sufficient hot water for everyone.

Do you pay travel expenses?

Absolutely. We don’t want you to be out of pocket from this experience and are happy to discuss how we can support you with your travel to and from camp within reason. Please ensure any travel expenses are agreed in advance via email.

I don’t have a car - will I still be able to get around on my time off?

Despite being in the middle of nature on a two hundred acre woodland estate we are, surprisingly, within walking distance of Truro city centre! A 25-30 min walk will take you to the centre of town where you can hop on a bus or jump on a train and be at the beach/Eden Project/Falmouth/St Michaels Mount in no time.

There is also the possibility to travel to London as part of the train escorting team who accompany children to and from camp on the train in July & August. This gives you accommodation for two nights and free time on Friday evening and a full day on Saturday to enjoy the city along with a food allowance.