The last 10 months were absolutely amazing. I have made unforgettable experiences and learned a lot of new things in Whitemoor Lakes and in the whole UK.

Even with no prior experience, you will be taught how to use ropes properly and what it needs to be a good canoeing/kayaking instructor. There are loads of qualifications that you are able to get, such as the Paddlesport Instructor or Archery Instructor.

To be honest, it wouldn´t be the same without the people here. It´s the other volunteers and instructors that make this place worth it. I love spending time with them here – whether it´s just after work, in the pub or during trips. Whitemoor welcomes everyone, resulting in a variety of volunteers from France, Germany, England, Ecuador and other countries. Together we went to a variety of places. My favorite ones are definitely London, Snowdon, Edinburgh and Liverpool.

However, I have to admit that the work can be very demanding, especially during the busy season. The average day starts at 8:30 am and finishes at 6 pm, with some breaks of about half an hour in between. Sometimes, there is also an evening session from 7 to 8 pm after dinner, e. g. a campfire with the children. Nevertheless, working with children can be really funny and it is very rewarding. You can often see that they really enjoy the session and sometimes gain confidence as well. There is a variety of sessions that you will have with the children – climbing, zipwire, canoeing, team games, circus skills, fencing, abseiling, …

The food is provided during this placement and kitchen staff always cooks something for the volunteers here which is normally the same food as the children get. One downside is definitely that the meals repeat itself very often so it can get kinda boring.

But the people working here are open for criticism and really care about everyone. The time that you work longer will be given back to you with some more rest days and in May there´s also a trip to Wales with all the volunteers where we went outdoor climbing, hiking and caving. Every Tuesday evening we can go and play football which is always good fun. The bedrooms are usually single or double, depending on how many volunteers there currently are.

I can definitely say that it was the right decision to come to Whitemoor Lakes for my gap year. I will never forget all the amazing memories and I´m happy about every person that I have met during my time here. Hopefully, I can visit some friends from England, Ecuador or France at their home one day. This year helped me to gain lots of experience in teaching children outside of the classroom and to improve my level of English significantly.

My experience working with children at PACCAR has changed my life and perspective. It’s taught me to strive to ensure everyone enjoys every second of the activities. To be honest, I learned to appreciate every single laugh and smile because we make a difference in children’s live. Also, being surrounded by nature pushes you to be more active and always on the move. Volunteering opened my mind and gave me the opportunity to travel throughout Europe and the UK. I can tell you it wasn’t easy, sometimes you really need to face your fears and push your limits in ways you’ve never experienced before, but every sacrifice has a reward and recognition in the end. Finally, this experience will give you lifelong friends around the world that you’ll never forget. I think we need to remember that that’s the whole point, to experience and connect with people, even if you grew up in different worlds and with different cultures, traditions and even languages. The love you feel around you and with other volunteers with always lingers in your heart. Thank you all. Thank to PACCAR. Most importantly thanks to the gappers 2024-2025.

I personally went from volunteering in schools in Spain to scout camps in the uk; from travelling alone in this world to forced to live with strangers

It’s been the greatest transition in my adventure of this world, I have loved every moment.

Scout camp volunteer has its high and lows but some of the best rewards, like strong work ethic, the closest friends you will ever make and strange but useful skill sets.

I can easily say the past year of working hard have taught and given me the best lesson and memories.

I am leaving my camp teary eyes with a full heart and full head of knowledge.

I would and will recommend this program and PACCAR to anyone willing and interested in hands on and big adventures

Thank you Paccar