I love that all Crew have the ability to express themselves whether this be about ideas or opinions we have. I love the differences in terms of strengths and weaknesses we have which allows us to be impactful in many ways. The business we work for and where we work allow us to be creative in the way we develop our children socially, emotionally and mentally. And in general it’s just an awesome job. Only downside is the weather can be rough.

I’ve never had a job where I’ve felt so supported by every signal person who works there. It’s so full of loving, bright, energetic characters it hardly feels like job most days. On to the Tribe, well these kids are honestly like a sprinkle of magic. Yes some days are hard work. Yes some weeks you come away feeling drained and like you need 72 hours of sleep but would I change it for anything? No You can see day by day the changes that Compass Forest School does for these children and it’s honestly astounding. It’s not an easy job, it’s hard work, it’s emotionally draining at times and sometimes the wet rainy weather can be a drag! But the Crew and Tribe always finds ways to make it fun like playing in rivers or making massive mud slides (personal favourite) I can honestly say, for the first time in my life, that I love my job. Every day I feel incredibly lucky to be part of a Crew that’s transforming the lives of young people who deserve to be heard, seen and celebrated- not judged for being different but valued for being exactly who they are.

Pros – Varied days (even within a structure) Relaxed work environment Supportive teammates and ‘management’. Chances to explore creative and playful sides of personality. Get to be outdoors. Highly rewarding. 4 Day weeks Cons - Can be physically and emotionally challenging. Bad weather isn’t for everyone

Pros – Everyone we work with. The children. Having a fun, great job. Mid day coffees. Cons – Falling on your arse 100 times a day.

The thing I find most special about this job is watching the genuinely huge impact we have on the lives of the children who come to us. We get to form really close bonds with the children and their families and spend our days playing and helping them to follow their imagination. We have an amazing Crew of people who really care and everyone brings their own unique magic/chaos to the job. It’s important to say that children come to us with history, and some days can feel very hard on your body and on your mind. We help them to regulate and work through difficulties which is really important work but can feel heavy and challenging. It is such a special job and personally I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

I actually can’t believe I get to do this as a job. It brings out my most natural side. I love the children we get to work with and the challenges it brings. It’s beautiful to see the turn around of the kids after only a short time with us. Nothing is perfect and there are really tough moments. But even on the worst weather days these can be the most enjoyable as everyone huddles around the fire telling stories and playing games.

This job is like a marriage. That sounds weird, but let me explain how they’re similar. I have a deep, deep love for it and can’t see myself wanting to be anywhere else. That doesn’t mean it can’t stress me out and wear me down at times. I laugh every single day. Some days I also cry (usually tears of joy/pride, but not always!) Children enhance it and fill it with joy, often in unexpected and unintended ways. They can also make it an extremely challenging environment and I have to step up when it becomes that because I care. The fun I have has absolutely no limits but I do have to tidy up afterwards.