We are looking for volunteers aged 16+ to join our team for all or part of the Festival to help run another packed week of activities and entertainment at the end of August. In return for your hard work, you will get free accomodation and meals, not to mention an experience that will challenge and inspire!
What is the Mersea Island Festival?
The Mersea Island Festival is an annual event on the coast of Essex. Running since 1981, the Festival aims to bring together young people with or without a physical or learning disability and over 300 people attend the camps to try out new activities, make new friends and have loads of fun! Participants come to the 5 day camp, 3 day camp, or sometimes both.
What do the volunteers do?
Your main role is to make sure that all our campers have a great time. For many of them this is their only stay away from home and an opportunity to try activities that they are not able to do elsewhere. Before the campers arrive you’ll be helping set up the different areas. During the camp you’ll be working with other volunteers to support the running of the Festival, primarily in one area of the camp, although you may be called on to help elsewhere if needed. For example you might be in the dining hall, art tent or entertainment team, but when not working in these areas you’ll be helping in your village or possibly elsewhere on the camp. And finally at the end of camp you’ll be helping to get things cleared up.
What is expected of me?
Our volunteers work very hard but also have a great social time. You need to be able to work in a team, be pro-active, have energy and enthusiasm, be reliable, use your initiative and be happy to muck in whenever needed. You need to be able to look after yourself during the Festival, be independent and have the self-discipline to ensure you don’t run out of steam before the end of camp! We’re not necessarily looking for prior experience but if you’ve worked with young people or those with special needs before, it will be useful. We’d like to know about any experience, skills or interests that you have that might be relevant to the Festival and enhance the experience those attending will have. Please put details of these on the application form.
When is it?
Briefing & Training: Saturday 19th August
Week Camp: Sunday 20th to Friday 25th August
Weekend Camp: Friday 25th to Monday 28th August
Please be aware that all volunteers must attend the training day on Saturday 19th August.
At the training you’ll get to know more about your role, meet the other volunteers and help with final preparations.
What are the activities?
Both camps include a wide variety of activities that are fun and exciting but also challenge and stimulate, helping to build the confidence and feelings of self worth in participants. Each year the Festival has a different theme and some of the activities and entertainment will reflect this. Activities may include archery, judo, inflatable fun, zip wire, climbing, dancing, drama and music workshops, circus skills, swimming, speedboat, fishing, art activities, discos, karaoke, live music and a big screen cinema.
Where do I eat and sleep?
Your accommodation will be a tent – either your own or one of ours shared with other volunteers. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the dining hall and we aim to meet individual dietary requirements. Other snacks and drinks are also available and a bar is open during the entertainment each evening.
Do I have to pay any money?
The cost of accommodating and feeding the volunteers (approximately £190 per person) is supported through funds donated to the Mersea Island Festival Trust. We don’t charge our volunteers to come to the Festival but ask that you try to raise some sponsorship. We’ll include a sponsorship form with the confirmation of your place.
What do I get from it all?
Many of our volunteers come back year after year because the Festival experience is so rewarding. You’ll have the chance to make new friends, to make a difference to other people’s lives and the satisfaction that you’ve helped others to build their self confidence and esteem. You’ll probably learn something new about yourself at the same time. And if you’re doing your Gold D of E Award, volunteering at the Festival may qualify for the residential section. Please mention this on your form and anyone else who may be volunteering with you from you Award group.
How do I become a volunteer?
Please express your interest here and the Festival Coordinators will contact you with an application form to complete.
If they think they may be able to offer you a volunteer place they will ask you to come in and see them. The Mersea Island Festival Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all volunteers to share this commitment. Confirmation of a volunteer place will only be given after satisfactory checks have been completed.