Volunteers
For each Festival we need a team of volunteer staff, aged 16+, to help us deliver the programme and make sure the campers have a great time.
What do the volunteers do?
The volunteers main role is to make sure that all our campers have a great time. For many campers 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?
Volunteering is hard work and fairly physical but there’s also a great social side. 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?
The dates for the Festival are at the top of this webpage. Regardless of which camp they are volunteering for, all volunteers are required to attend the briefing and training day. (In 2024 it’s Saturday 17th August). There you’ll get to know more about your role, meet the other volunteers and help with final preparations.
Where do I eat and sleep?
Volunteer accommodation is in 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 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 they try to raise sponsorship. We’ll include a sponsorship form with the confirmation of any 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.
How do I become a volunteer?
We will soon start recruitment for the 2024 Festival. If you would like to be considered, please send an email to volunteering@merseafestival.org.uk and we will send an application form when they are available.
The Mersea Island Festival Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expect all volunteers to share this commitment. Confirmation of a volunteer place will only be given after satisfactory checks have been completed including a Disclosure and Barring Service check that the Trust can arrange . These can take some time so an early application is advised.