Volunteering for St John Ambulance National Youth Camp

Summary:
With the support of the ODS Volunteering Bank, Joanne played a key role in the success of the St John Ambulance National Youth Camp, an Olympic-themed event that brought together 750 young participants. Joanne helped manage logistical challenges, ensuring safety, and providing support for children with additional needs - 61% of whom had medical conditions and 35% were neurodiverse.

Her contributions included improving logistics, implementing safety protocols, and coordinating crisis management. The camp was a resounding success, offering a safe, inclusive environment where young people gained confidence, formed friendships, and thrived. Feedback from both parents and participants underscored the camp’s positive, life-changing impact.

Challenge:
During Joanne’s time volunteering at the St John Ambulance National Youth Camp, she managed logistics for 750 participants - overseeing meals, accommodations, and facilities, while addressing safety concerns. She also handled unexpected emergencies, such as a coach crash, which required swift crisis management and communication with parents. Balancing these responsibilities with her role as a parent, as her daughter also attended the camp, added a personal layer of challenge to her duties.

Solution:
Teamwork among the volunteers was of paramount importance. Joanne utilised her skills to streamline operations, improving meal coordination, and adding extra hygiene facilities for the 750 participants, to ensure the camp ran smoothly. For safety and safeguarding, she introduced enhanced protocols, such as identifiable clothing and wristbands, collaborating with a dedicated team to ensure the wellbeing of all attendees, particularly those with medical or neurodiverse needs. When a coach crash occurred, Joanne efficiently managed communications with parents, keeping them informed and reassured.

Feedback:
Parents expressed gratitude for the opportunity the camp provided, noting the personal growth they observed in their children. The camp’s ability to accommodate children with additional needs was particularly appreciated, with many parents highlighting this as a key achievement.