Thinking of volunteering?

When we had chosen Over the Wall as the charity we wanted to work with, I was truly inspired by the passion and commitment of the full time volunteers working there. They had an energy and drive that was amazingly contagious, and I have been able to take that away from camp to apply it to my work and family life. Right from the outset, the whole process of volunteering was trouble-free. The volunteering manager came and visited us at work to complete the application process; we attended a training day in London to prepare us for the camp; and even the final arrangements for arrival at camp were made as smooth as possible thanks to Clive Clifford, the charity's Chief Executive.

While at camp, I was looking after a bunch of kids who really did deserve to enjoy themselves, and as a volunteer team we made sure that happened. The week we spent with them was made even more magic by their reaction at the end of the week, the true sadness of them leaving becoming quite an emotional experience for campers and volunteers alike.

Since returning back to work I have been able to transfer the energy and drive demonstrated by the full time volunteers, and the resilience and determination displayed by the campers, and apply that to my own life and work. Reflecting back on what I have learned, I can see the hugely different perspective it has given me - what at one time could have seemed an insurmountable challenge in the office is in reality easily solvable with the right attitude. It also gave me an opportunity to further develop the ability to flex my leadership and communication style in a challenging and very different environment, as well as exploring group dynamics in assorted group situations with the other volunteers and campers.

I can honestly say that it was a fantastic and truly memorable experience – one which I would recommend to anyone and one which I would hope to repeat in the future.

"I loved every bit of the camp. Bonding with the adolescents and meeting like-minded volunteers was amazing. Knowing I helped others was a great sense of achievement and fun."
Volunteer Summer 07

"Camp is like a breath of fresh air in my life, I’d like to continue to do it for as long as I can - it helps keep perspective in things."
Volunteer 07

"It rocks my world."
Volunteer Easter 07

"Restores my faith in people."
Volunteer 07