I have worked with children of all ages, including my current position in the UK working as a camp leader for The Bushcraft Company - Leading residential school trips in the woods for 1-5 days at a time for children between 7-17 years: taking them back to basics by teaching them survival skills and giving them a one in a life time back to nature experience. Living inside a tent during days/nights off and next to a fire under a natural manmade shelter while working. Organising and managing 6 members of staff, 60 children and the accompanying teachers on a round the clock physical and mentally demanding role but hugely rewarding and incredibly enjoyable.
Ive also worked as an Au Pair in Massachusetts, USA for 12 months caring for 3 wonderful children: 4 and 6 year old girls and an 8 year old boy. Day to day duties and responsibilities would include dressing and bathing the children, preparing meals, school runs, cleaning, washing and just as important, playing with the children and ensuring they have a smile on their faces.
I've Worked as a camp counsellor in California, USA Working within the beautiful Redwood forest of Santa Jose, California at a summer camp for children between 5 – 17 years, acting as a role model, instructor and most importantly a friend. Spent 22 hours a day with the campers teaching them traditional outdoor living and wilderness skills; cooking on an open fire, tree bed building and orienteering skills as well as assisting in Archery, high ropes and horseback riding.
Ive taught children in Nepal, Asia for 3 months with other UK and Nepali volunteers concentrating on making a lasting change within three key areas; health, livelihood and education. From organizing health camps, blood donations and increasing the community’s HIV and AIDS awareness, to livelihood improvements and teaching children of all ages in government funded schools.
The Christmas just passed I worked in Finland as a Lapland Ranger, an active role based outdoors in temperatures as low as -40 encouraging families with children of all years to participate in our winter activities including husky sled rides, ice fishing, reindeer rides and keeping the Christmas spirit high with songs and games. Dealing with and entertaining guests at their hotels, the airport and at Festive Dinners.
I have worked in nurseries and play schools while living in the UK to give myself more experience with babies and toddlers. From 2009 – 2012 I volunteered as a Young leader at a local Brownies and Rainbows (Girl Guiding) designing and leading group activities; planning and organizing events and bonding and dealing with girls in the age group of 5-11. This summer I wanted to get back into Girl guiding and I now run private Bushcraft days for girl guiding during the summer.
I have a strong passion when it comes to working with children and I look forward to many more fun filled years working with children all over the world.