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List of Helpers’ Jobs
For more information or to ask any questions about helping at Backpackers – just fill in the contact form and someone will be in contact.
Part-time help is just as valuable as full-time although for all Backpackers jobs, it does help to get it sorted (and you’ll get most out of it) if you can give your time for at least 2 out of the 4 days and for Group leaders – all 4 days are really the best solution as that gives continuity to the children as much as anything else.
Backpackers runs Tuesday to Friday between 9.30 and 4.30 for helpers. If you can’t be on site during those times but want to work with older children aged between 12 and 17, why not talk to someone about helping out with Intense? This runs every afternoon after BP has finished for the day – it’s an opportunity to be with a great bunch of “young adults” and help them have both fun and explore their relationship with Jesus at the same time.
During Backpackers Week
Group Leader & Assistant Group Leader
“If I’d known in advance what the format was and how much fun and support there is – I’d have volunteered for Backpackers years ago!!” Tim Shackleton, August 2007
Job Description
Working in a small team looking after 10-12 children this is THE critical role at Backpackers. Without sufficient leaders we cannot accept as many children as we would like. At times it’s a demanding role but it’s also immensely rewarding. It’s just like most things in life; you get back what you put into it – especially if your effort is supported by a prayer or 2!!! Looking after 10-12 children for 4 days can seem daunting but in fact the average day at backpackers is structured so that you will “only” be directly teaching the children for less than 2 hours over the course of a day.
You can choose the age range of the children to work with. You will get to know them, lead them through the various zones, teach them about God through group based bible teaching sessions and reinforce the day’s teaching with group based crafts, games and activities. You may be the only Christian influence that the children know – make the most of this unique and truly God given opportunity!
Key Activities
- Plan, prepare for and lead the day’s teaching for your group.
- Plan, prepare for and lead the group based teaching reinforcing activities (e.g. games, craft, puzzles) for your group.
- Lead your group of children through the day and look after their basic needs (e.g. toilet breaks, arrange a lunch eating area, set up and maintain your group area).
There’s loads of support
- The teaching material is laid out for you day by day with guidance on key areas to focus on.
- Suggested group based teaching reinforcing activities are provided. If the resources needed to run the activity are paper based, then these can also be copied for you.
- For the younger aged children, group leaders and assistant group leaders also have one or more Young Helpers. Young Helpers have the desire and the training to help them help you lead; they are extremely important team members and help you forge relationships with the children.
Activity Helpers
Job Description
Instead of working with one group of children, these roles work as part of a team in a themed zone that works with all of the children (NOT all at the same time!!) in 2 sessions each day. Teamwork, enthusiasm and planning are all important in the activity zones but above all the aim is for the children to have FUN. The children will learn what it is to be a Christian by the example and the behaviour shown by their leaders and activity helpers.
The various zones are:
Thinking – this has the reputation of being the wackiest place at Backpackers! This is where the children and their group leaders are made to …. Think – about each other and about the world around them!
Craft - the craft zone is where the backpacker children make craft items to take home. A time for the children to be creative and expressive. Over the years, the craft team at backpackers have created some wonderful items for the children to make and take home and is always one of the most popular activities. Yes, it can get a bit messy – but isn’t that half of the fun??
Games - BEWARE – in most years at least some of the adults seem to get very wet in the Games Zone – and that’s even when the sun is shining!! You don’t need to run around here – just watch the kids running!
Drama – be dramatic – we try to give the children a different perspective here, often without an overtly Christian message. Not all the children want to be rushing around and many find that the drama sessions are their favourites.
Music – it really does help if you’ve got some musical talent to be in this zone! If you play an instrument or sing then why not have a go and see about joining our “world renowned” in house orchestra/band The Pits? These sessions are a combination of songs loud & soft; of team tasks & individual quiet moments.
Minipackers
Job Description
Minis are the younger children (under 5) of our helpers who wouldn’t be able to help unless their own children are looked after. But it’s much more than just looking after them – there’s a fantastic range of fun and activities that the MP team provide. Just like everything else on site – it’s all about teamwork and enthusiasm in keeping the little ones not just happy but also interested in the day’s activities.
Minipackers is based at the school itself but all the children come up to the main tent at least once a day so that everyone is included as part of the Backpackers family. If you like being with babies, then there’s generally enough to go round or else why not settle down with a good book or a DVD with a group of 2-4’s?
Other Roles on Site
Can you make a cuppa? For 150 people? Join our Comforts team – always there with tea, coffee, biscuits and a cheery word to boost weary minds!
Have you got a first aid certificate? Trained medic al professional? Want to bandage bruised knees or soothe furrowed brows? The First Aid team is for you. Come along and sit in a nice comfy chair in the sunshine!
Information – we can’t live without it and we’re no exception! Like dealing with people? If you know a bit about Backpackers and have some time to spare during the week then we always need some helpers at the sharp end of the event – in the information tent giving out ………….. Information!
Do you know one end of a hammer from the other? Are you qualified to change a fuse? – on a site like Backpackers, there’s always something to fix/tie/stick/move/adjust/clean/clear – site maintenance & facilities are vital but often unseen roles. Can you clean loos??? We need volunteers for the loveliest of jobs! Someone will do them – maybe you???
Ever seen yourself as a security guard – well I hadn’t either! We need them – loads of them! The site must have security over the weekends before and after the event as well as the 15 or so hours per day outside of the event during the week. This is arranged through the local churches – why not make sure you put your name down on the list – we need to have at least 2 people on site all the time?
Roles off site – Can’t help during the week?
We need lots of help before and after the four days of Backpackers itself.
Can you design, cut, colour, stick, sew, collate – well we have working parties that do all of these things and more before the event. Tell what you can do and we’ll put you in touch with someone who will love to hear from you.
What about a driving licence and some time – own a van or car or trailer? Could you drive around the local area to collect & return items to help set up or take down the site? Strong arms? Smart brain? Determination? Enthusiasm? There’s always a myriad of things to be done over the weekend before or the Sunday following the event.
PRAY - we can all do that! Please do pray for everyone and everything about Backpackers and Intense.
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