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 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 on the Wednesday/Thursday before Lighthouse and site set up starts in earnest at 10 am on Saturday. All types of help are needed, from wiping down tables to heavy lifting.
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Are there any evening activities for helpers?
There are daily evening fun activity for all helpers (aged 12 and over). It starts at 7.00pm, and the programme will be published during 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 Pray and Prepare 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 Relax and Reflect 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 most 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 four.
The number of lamplighters in each Lighthouse varies from one to four. 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:
- Through PayPal on our donations page
- Alternatively, you can send a cheque made payable to "Lighthouse 88" to Lighthouse Missenden, PO Box 619, Great Missenden, Bucks, HP16 0WT. If you would like this donation to be Gift Aided, please include a signed and dated Gift Aid statement saying: "I wish this donation of £x to Lighthouse 88 to be treated as a Gift Aid Donation. I confirm that I expect to pay Income or Capital Gains Tax equal to the tax you will claim on my donation."
- On site during Lighthouse week, you will find donation boxes at various points and Gift Aid envelopes will be available too.
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