Staff and Volunteers

African Adventure works on a staffing ratio which is accepted as safe for the activities undertaken. Where there is a national coordinating body for a particular activity (i.e. Archery) we work within the guidelines that they have produced.

All instructors involved in leading activities must have achieved the levels of qualification, or above, required by the governing body of the sport or activity being undertaken. Any in-house training is in compliance with the sport’s governing bodies. Procedures which the activity staff must follow are in line with the requirements of the Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations 1996 implemented under the Activity Centres (Young Persons Safety) Act 1995.

Kirsty McGhee "Driftig" Hi, I'm Kirsty. I'm 21 years old and have recently finished a degree at Cardiff University. I am delighted to be heading up African Adventure. I have spent a few weeks in Malawi last year and will be leading a small team working with children!

Ben Wale "Dumba" I'm a qualified primary school teacher. After teaching 9-11 year olds for two years in Swindon, I moved to Ipswich to work at CYM as the children's and primary schools worker. I started working with CYM in 2002. Married to Leanne, I enjoy playing the drums, playing football and supporting no hope lower division teams.

Emily Hannah "Bibillia" I am CYM's discipleship specialist, in post since September 2007.  I am responsible for overseeing the school CUs/lunchtime clubs, coordinating the 11-16’s monthly event ‘The Platform’, and the 11-14s and 15-18s Sizewell residentials.  Previously I have worked in the courts with CPS, have lived and worked in Uganda doing mission with AIM, and I've studied at Redcliffe Bible College. I am married to Dave Hannah, and my main hobby includes hanging out with my friends, catching up over coffee.

Ian France "Inzuzo" My background is finance, administration, personnel and management services. Involved with CYM from the beginning, I joined full-time in 1988. I take care of the finance and administration of the organisation, provide an occasional bit of humour in the office and help at the residentials and events. I'm married to Sue and have two married daughters and even two grand children which is amazing for someone so young.

African Adventure is blessed by a very talented and diverse team. Many of those that you meet during your visit will be volunteers. All of our catering team to date are voluntary and include a top local baker. Those who lead sessions may also be voluntary and include two retired head teachers, a youth worker, a practice nurse and a trainee teacher. The team is headed up by Kirsty McGhee, in conjunction with other key staff.

Information for Team Members

The following information will be helpful as you prepare for African Adventure.

Arrival Time

School groups generally arrive around 10am so we aim to arrive on site between 8:00am and 8:30am to get the site set up and ready in enough time for the first activities to begin. Please get in touch with the office as soon as possible if you will require a lift.

Kit

African Adventure is a little different from other CYM Residentials. We provide staff and volunteers with a uniform (polo shirt and hoodie) so the things you bring can exclude such items. You will need to bring trousers suitable for outdoor activities. Most staff wear plain combats (because they look good) but please don’t feel you should buy some for a one-off occasion.

Other useful items include:

• Packed Lunch for Day 1
• Single duvet cover or Sleeping Bag for staying in Sizewell Hall
• Sleeping Bag and Pillow for sleeping in African Huts
• Bottom Sheet
• Pillow Case
• Coat
• Towels
• Toiletries
• Medication
• Plain Combats
• Shorts (if you wear shorts please ensure they are knee length or longer)
• Bible
• Outdoor Shoes (e.g. Trainers/ Hiking Boots/ Wellies)
• Indoor Shoes (e.g. Shoes you don’t wear outside)
• Hat (sleeping in the huts can be cool so a woolly hat is nice)
• Torch