I want to help but I'm not free during the Lighthouse week, what can I do?
There are a number of jobs that don't require you to be onsite all the time during the day. These include administration, first aid and most importantly security.
There is 24-hour security from when the site is first set up the week before Lighthouse through to when the site is broken down on the Sunday evening after Lighthouse. Security work a rota in a few hour intervals with at least two people on duty at all times. First Aid also works a shift pattern. If you would like more information on these roles, please contact the Helpers Registration Team.
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When do you need help setting up the site?
The tents are put up during the week before Lighthouse and site set up starts in earnest on the Friday. One job that needs many helpers is erecting the steel fence, which is done early Friday evening. All types of help are needed, from wiping down tables to moving equipment, even carpet laying.
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Are there any evening activities for helpers?
Fun evening activities run daily for those aged 12 and over. Sessions start at 7.00pm, and are announced at the start of Lighthouse week. You'll also hear all about what's happening at the Relax and Reflect session at the end of the day, so don't miss it!
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What time do I need to be there every morning, and what time can I leave?
All helpers should be on site for the daily Wake Up & Worship session at 9.30am. Lighthouse Keepers should be there earlier to make sure their Lighthouse's "pitch" is set up.
Although the children leave from 3.30, all helpers should stay for the daily Worship & Wind-down session from 3.45pm to 4.00pm.
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What do I need to bring?
Lighthouse Keepers have the biggest "kit list". You'll need to find and bring the following:
- a LARGE, sturdy box to store the children’s lunchboxes decorated with the Lighthouse’s name
- a sign on a stick bearing the Lighthouse’s name
- rugs/blankets for the whole Lighthouse to sit on
- a watch, a notebook, a pair of scissors, a Bible, plenty of pens and pencils (enough for all your Lighthouse), tissues and/or wet wipes, a 2-3 litre water container, plenty of plastic or paper cups, and a bumbag or shoulder bag for your belongings. A clipboard is also useful.
You'll also need a packed lunch, and suitable clothes to cope with the English changeable weather.
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Do I have to commit to help for the whole week?
No. For many jobs you do not need to be available all week. If you can offer one or two days or maybe a couple of hours a day we will be able to find something for you. If you are unsure of where you would like to help contact the Helpers Registration Team who will be happy to help.
Some jobs, particularly Lighthouse Keepers and Lamplighters, work very closely with small groups of children so it is best for these jobs if you can be there all week.
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Do I need to be a Christian?
You do not need to be a Christian to help at Lighthouse however as it is a holiday camp run by Christians both you and the children will be exposed to Christian teachings.
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Can I put Lighthouse on my CV or UCAS form?
Yes. Volunteering at Lighthouse can provide you with organisational, time management and a number of other skills that both employers and Universities/Colleges look for. Most team leaders would be happy to provide you with a reference.
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Do I get paid for helping at Lighthouse?
No. Lighthouse is a volunteer organisation. Our volunteers do not receive any financial reward.
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Do I have to do any training?
Yes. Lighthouse run a short training course that lasts about an hour. The purpose of the training course is to tell you about the program and the teaching material that will be used. We also tell you all about the health and safety issues and child protection policies of Lighthouse.
Training is compulsory and is held on the Sunday immediately before Lighthouse week. It will follow the Commissioning Service, which will be in the Lighthouse Tent on the Buryfield starting at 5.00pm. There will be a BBQ after the training.
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I want to be a Lamplighter, can I be in the same group as my friends?
Usually yes, up to a maximum of three.
The number of lamplighters in each Lighthouse varies from one to three. If you want to be with friends in the same Lighthouse then put your friends names on your application form, in the notes section, and make sure they do the same. The Age Group leader will then try to put you together but this may not always be possible.
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Can I make a donation to Lighthouse?
You can make a donation to Lighthouse in a number of different ways - visit our Donate web page for full details.
You can now donate to Lighthouse by text. To donate:
Text LHGM18 plus the amount you want to donate to 70070
So to donate £5:
Text LHGM18 £5 to 70070
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