Youth Worker at nature camp for teenagers from disadvantaged, VME or rural backgrounds.
We desperately need volunteers from 20-23 June 2019 at Compton Martin & Chew Valley near Bristol.
Mya-Rose Birdgirl Craig
Photocopyright Mya-Rose Birdgirl Craig
Camp Avalon 2017
Photography copyright Mya-Rose Birdgirl Craig
Volunteer tasks
By 17 June 2019 – split between volunteers
to prepare an Eventbrite report with contacts for children/volunteers.
to finalise the camp programme and e-mail parents/volunteers.
to finalise a breakdown of tasks with who is responsible for what.
to prepare and print parent consent forms.
Camp Avalon 2017
Photo copyright Mya-Rose Birdgirl Craig
On 20 June 2019 Campsite 10 am and 6 pm
to help move camping equipment from storage to the campsite;
to help put up 6 large tents;
to help set up all equipment needed for the campsite; and
to help do food shopping.
21 June 2019 1.00 pm to 3.30 pm
to finish setting up at the campsite.
21 June 2019 3.30 pm to 5.00 pm
to travel back to Bristol with our driver.
to pick up the minibus before picking up children.
to ensure parents sign consent forms.
to remind parents that they need to both come to pick up their children for a camp feedback session and so the children can have their free gift.
Camp Avalon 2017
Photo copyright Mya-Rose Birdgirl Craig
21 June 2019 5.00 pm to 22 June 4.00 pm
to be nature volunteers engaging teens in nature activities; or
to work as a youth worker engaging with VME children age 7-11 year olds at our nature camp;
to talk to children about nature;
to talk to children about how going outside helps with mental health;
to talk to children about the need to protect the environment
to talk to children about what they can do to help the environment and wildlife
to support nature volunteers who are providing expertise;
to supervise football games
to help with camp cooking, supervising toasting marshmallows, washing up and tidying up, serving meals;
to ensure children have the equipment needed for sessions;
to ensure children pack up all their belonging.
Working on our camps will leave you feeling incredibly positive about the future.
Media – to take photographs and video footage, interviewing the children about their experiences at the camp, how they have benefited and about how it made them feel from a wellbeing/mental health point of view.
Camp Chew 2017
Photo copyright Mya-Rose Birdgirl Craig
22 June – 4 pm to 6.30 pm
to travel back in the minibus with the children;
to help set up a table and Gazebo outside St Pauls’ Resource Centre with literature from Time to Talk, a mental health charity;
to talk to parents with their children about the camp, how the children enjoyed getting outside, how it was good for their mental health and academic achievement, what the parents can do to carry on with that in terms of continuing to take their children outside and enjoy nature.
to then talk to the parents about mental health in order to raise awareness of the issue;
to let the children have their free water bottle after these discussions have taken place;
to if possible, video the parents about what they feel the benefits for their children have been.
23 July 10 am to 5 pm
To take down tents, pack up campsite and put into storage.
About The Author
Hi, I’m Dr. Mya-Rose Craig. I am a 19-year-old prominent British-Bangladeshi ornithologist, environmentalist, diversity activist as well as an author, speaker and broadcaster. At age 11 I started the popular blog Birdgirl, and at age 17 I became the youngest person to see half of the birds in the world.
Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood
This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.
Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood
This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.
CAMP AVALON KIT LIST For teenagers being dropped off
Please note: This list is for guidance
Please label everything with the child’s name
General Small holdall or bag to carry belongings (no large suitcases, large bags or plastic bags) Completed and signed parent consent forms Camping Gear 2 Season sleeping bag or duvet 1 Folding camp or garden chair
1 Torch/phone with a torch
Mealtimes
Plastic drinks bottle (to carry a drink during activities)
Extra blanket for sitting on (if you have one)
1 small packet of snacks or sweets (must be vegetarian and nut-free eg jelly tots)
Clothing (in addition to what they arrive in)
The number of clothes must be sufficient for 3 day/2 nights with a spare set of clothes in case of rain or cold
1 Warm comfortable clothes for bedtime (it might be cold)
3 T-shirt
2 Warm tracksuit-top/fleece/hoodie
2 Outdoor trousers or tracksuit bottoms (jeans are not ideal but acceptable) 3 Pairs underwear & socks (thick socks if you are wearing wellies or boots)
1 Walking boots, wellies or old trainers
1 Warm waterproof coat 1 Cap (so no hair styling needed)
1 Woolly hat (if the weather is cool)
Other items
1 small towel or flannel
Washing kit (minimum of toothbrush and paste & comb)
Bin liner (for wet/dirty clothes) Suncream and hay fever medication
Medication – must be named, in a clear plastic bag and handed in or if needed kept in a safe place
1 mobile phone may be brought but is not needed
1 pair binoculars (if you have or can borrow them) 1 digital camera (if you have one or can borrow one)
Do not take to camp: Anything electronic, except a mobile phone, such as electronic games, MP3 players, I-pods, etc. They are too easily lost or damaged Shell suits/nylon clothes – extreme fire injury risk Aerosols, matches, lighters, or any other flammable liquid or gas – these are dangerous Anything valuable Any food items
If you are not sure of anything on, or not on, this list, or do not have items then please ask Helena Craig, who can be contacted on 07798 818772 or campavlonuk@gmail.com
Hi, I’m Dr. Mya-Rose Craig. I am a 19-year-old prominent British-Bangladeshi ornithologist, environmentalist, diversity activist as well as an author, speaker and broadcaster. At age 11 I started the popular blog Birdgirl, and at age 17 I became the youngest person to see half of the birds in the world.
Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood
This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.
Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood
This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.
CAMP AVALON KIT LIST Please label everything with the child’s name
Please note Please do not send your teenagers with any food (it will be taken away), duvets, sleeping bags, pillow or cushions. We will provide sufficient food and snacks, have to be careful of allergies and do not want a group of teenagers on a sugar rush.
General Small small school backpack to carry belongings (no large suitcases, large bags or plastic bags)
Clothing (in addition to what they arrive in) The number of clothes must be sufficient for 3 days /2 nights with a spare set of clothes 1 Warm comfortable clothes for bedtime 2 T-shirt 1 Warm tracksuit-top / fleece / hoodie 1 Outdoor trousers or tracksuit bottoms (jeans are not ideal but ok) 2 pairs underwear and socks (thick socks if you are wearing wellies) 1 pair old trainers (as it might be muddy) 1 waterproof coat 1 Cap (so no hair styling needed)
Other items
1 drinks bottle (to carry a drink during activities) 1 thin blanket (if you have one) 1 small towel or flannel Washing kit (minimum of toothbrush & comb) Plastic bag (for wet/dirty clothes) Suncream and hay fever medication as pollen counts higher in the countryside Medication – must be named, in a clear plastic bag and handed in or if needed kept in a safe place 1 mobile phone may be brought
Do not take to camp: Any food items including sweets/snacks Anything electronic such as electronic games, MP3 players, I-pods, etc. They are too easily damaged or lost Shell suits/nylon clothes – extreme fire injury risk Aerosols, matches, lighters, or any other flammable liquid or gas – these are dangerous Knives or pen knives Anything valuable
If you are not sure of anything on, or not on, this list, or do not have items then please ask Helena Craig, who can be contacted on 07798 818772 or helenabcraig@hotmail.co.uk
Hi, I’m Dr. Mya-Rose Craig. I am a 19-year-old prominent British-Bangladeshi ornithologist, environmentalist, diversity activist as well as an author, speaker and broadcaster. At age 11 I started the popular blog Birdgirl, and at age 17 I became the youngest person to see half of the birds in the world.
Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood
This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.
Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood
This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.
Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig
Book onto this amazing nature camp for young people aged 12-18 years. Into its 4th year, Camp Avalon has attracted a number of teenagers to the Somerset Levels near Glastonbury, to spend the weekend birding and getting involved with nature. It is aimed at those who have no experience of nature and have never been to the countryside or camped as well as those already interested in being outdoors. These are the links to Birdgirl’s blog posts about the 2015 weekend.
This year we hope to have lots of teenagers who are Visible Minority Ethnic (VME) and or live in the city’s areas of deprivation as well as those who live in the countryside. We will have plenty of activities for both groups.
VME or inner-city teenagers may be accompanied by an adult if they wish but do not need one to attend.
Girls and boys are in separate tents with adults. DBS checked adults will be with the teenagers at all times. All food will be halal.
HW – Ham Wall RSPB Reserve, park in the new Ham Wall Car Park if open or Shapwick Heath Car Park opposite, Ashcott Road, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9SX
MP – Stockhill Woods, Priddy, Mendips, Somerset BA5 3BE (drive through Wells and then follow A39 towards Bristol and Bath, turn left onto Priddy Road and at the crossroads (with the Hunters Rest on the corner) turn right, the woods are on your right and park in the pull-in before the car park).
HWCP – Ham Wall RSPB Reserve Car Park, Ashcott Road, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9SX
Bittern, Shapwick Heath, Somerset Levels, March 2015
Photograph was taken by and copyright Mya-Rose Craig
Cost
£20.00 per person including food and camping costs
Grants
Free places are available to those young people (and parents/family if they wish to come) from an area of deprivation or who are VME. Camp Avalon recognises that there are almost no young birders from black or minority ethnic backgrounds and so hope that these grants will encourage disadvantaged young people to be able to attend. All equipment needed will also be loaned for the weekend.
Thank you to the volunteers who have offered their time in order to pass on their knowledge to young birders.
Black2Nature
Thank you to Paddington Farm and the many people who have supported Black2Nature and these camps and to Chew Valley Ringing Station and the birders who have offered their time in order to pass on their knowledge to young birders.
Thank you to Opticron for the donation of five pairs of compact binoculars and discounted optical equipment to this project and to Bristol Ornithological Society for the donation of £2500 for 20 pairs of binoculars.
Thank you also to Go Outdoors for discounted camping equipment and Blenheim Scouts for discounted use of their minibus.
Thank you also to Burns Price Foundation, Quartet Community Funding, Community Access Support Services and Alpkit for helping to fund our projects.
Transport
Free transport is available to and from Bristol, with pickup from St Paul’s Learning Centre, Grosvenor Road, St Paul’s.
How to Book
Please book on Eventbrite or e-mail helenabcraig@hotmail.co.uk or text 07798818772 with your name, address, phone number and date of birth and your child’s name and date of birth with any dietary requirements. Please also get in touch if you would like to get involved by volunteering.
About The Author
Hi, I’m Dr. Mya-Rose Craig. I am a 19-year-old prominent British-Bangladeshi ornithologist, environmentalist, diversity activist as well as an author, speaker and broadcaster. At age 11 I started the popular blog Birdgirl, and at age 17 I became the youngest person to see half of the birds in the world.
Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood
This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.
Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood
This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.
Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig
Book onto this amazing nature camp for young people aged 12-18 years. Into its 4th year, Camp Avalon has attracted a number of teenagers to the Somerset Levels near Glastonbury, to spend the weekend birding and getting involved with nature. It is aimed at those who have no experience of nature and have never been to the countryside or camped as well as those already interested in being outdoors. These are the links to Birdgirl’s blog posts about the 2015 weekend.
This year we hope to have lots of teenagers who are Visible Minority Ethnic (VME) and or live in the city’s areas of deprivation as well as those who live in the countryside. We will have plenty of activities for both groups.
VME or inner-city teenagers may be accompanied by an adult if they wish but do not need one to attend.
Girls and boys are in separate tents with adults. DBS checked adults will be with the teenagers at all times. All food will be halal.
HW – Ham Wall RSPB Reserve, park in the new Ham Wall Car Park if open or Shapwick Heath Car Park opposite, Ashcott Road, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9SX
MP – Stockhill Woods, Priddy, Mendips, Somerset BA5 3BE (drive through Wells and then follow A39 towards Bristol and Bath, turn left onto Priddy Road and at the crossroads (with the Hunters Rest on the corner) turn right, the woods are on your right and park in the pull-in before the car park).
HWCP – Ham Wall RSPB Reserve Car Park, Ashcott Road, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9SX
Bittern, Shapwick Heath, Somerset Levels, March 2015
Photograph was taken by and copyright Mya-Rose Craig
Cost
£20.00 per person including food and camping costs
Grants
Free places are available to those young people (and parents/family if they wish to come) from an area of deprivation or who are VME. Camp Avalon recognises that there are almost no young birders from black or minority ethnic backgrounds and so hope that these grants will encourage disadvantaged young people to be able to attend. All equipment needed will also be loaned for the weekend.
Thank you to the volunteers who have offered their time in order to pass on their knowledge to young birders.
Black2Nature
Thank you to Paddington Farm and the many people who have supported Black2Nature and these camps and to Chew Valley Ringing Station and the birders who have offered their time in order to pass on their knowledge to young birders.
Thank you to Opticron for the donation of five pairs of compact binoculars and discounted optical equipment to this project and to Bristol Ornithological Society for the donation of £2500 for 20 pairs of binoculars.
Thank you also to Go Outdoors for discounted camping equipment and Blenheim Scouts for discounted use of their minibus.
Thank you also to Burns Price Foundation, Quartet Community Funding, Community Access Support Services and Alpkit for helping to fund our projects.
Transport
Free transport is available to and from Bristol, with pickup from St Paul’s Learning Centre, Grosvenor Road, St Paul’s.
How to Book
Please book on Eventbrite or e-mail helenabcraig@hotmail.co.uk or text 07798818772 with your name, address, phone number and date of birth and your child’s name and date of birth with any dietary requirements. Please also get in touch if you would like to get involved by volunteering.
About The Author
Hi, I’m Dr. Mya-Rose Craig. I am a 19-year-old prominent British-Bangladeshi ornithologist, environmentalist, diversity activist as well as an author, speaker and broadcaster. At age 11 I started the popular blog Birdgirl, and at age 17 I became the youngest person to see half of the birds in the world.
Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood
This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.
Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood
This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.
A nature weekend for teenagers aged 12 to 18 to enjoy Having fun outside in nature Trying new things like camping Making new friends
How to Book
Text or phone Helena on 07798818772 or e-mail campavalonuk@gmail.com
£20 per child with free places offered
Free transport from Bristol
Food all halal or veggie
Location – Paddington Farm, Glastonbury Young People supervised at all times by DBS checked adults
About The Author
Hi, I’m Dr. Mya-Rose Craig. I am a 19-year-old prominent British-Bangladeshi ornithologist, environmentalist, diversity activist as well as an author, speaker and broadcaster. At age 11 I started the popular blog Birdgirl, and at age 17 I became the youngest person to see half of the birds in the world.
Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood
This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.
Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood
This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.
A nature weekend for teenagers aged 12 to 18 to enjoy Having fun outside in nature Trying new things like camping Making new friends
How to Book
Text or phone Helena on 07798818772 or e-mail campavalonuk@gmail.com
£20 per child with free places offered
Free transport from Bristol
Food all halal or veggie
Location – Paddington Farm, Glastonbury Young People supervised at all times by DBS checked adults
About The Author
Hi, I’m Dr. Mya-Rose Craig. I am a 19-year-old prominent British-Bangladeshi ornithologist, environmentalist, diversity activist as well as an author, speaker and broadcaster. At age 11 I started the popular blog Birdgirl, and at age 17 I became the youngest person to see half of the birds in the world.
Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood
This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.
Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood
This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.
Our video plea to Ontario Teachers about the impact of Bristol Airport expansion plans ‘Your retirement income will cost us our health, our well-being and our environment. Are you happy with this?’
Mya-Rose Craig AKA Birdgirl
Working with the Stop Bristol Airport Expansion Alliance, myself and 3 other school pupils have made a video film appealing directly to teachers in the Ontario region in Canada, asking them to take a hard look at the environmental and social impact of their pension fund investment in Bristol Airport. Bristol Airport is owned and run by the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan (OTPP).
The OTPP is one of the world’s largest institutional investors. We decided to ask the Ontario teachers if they believed the drive for profit to maximise their pensions is worth the damage further expansion of Bristol Airport would cause: ‘Your retirement income will cost us our health, our well-being and our environment. Are you happy with this? We are asking you to think about the price that we are paying for your retirement. We are asking you to take stock. We are asking for your help.’ The short film was filmed in the Mendip Hills AONB, taking in the Lulsgate site of the airport. We were making the point that: ‘The Airport site will sprawl into the protected area of the Green Belt, harming wildlife habitats, insect populations and the rural landscape around the Mendip Hills, one of our national Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.’ The film joins the national actions taken recently by school students in the UK and across the world to focus attention on pollution and climate change. The Airport is the main cause of traffic pollution and congestion to the south of Bristol. Airport expansion will destroy swathes of the Green Belt for additional parking and increase other hazards such as illegal car parking in surrounding fields and villages.
Scarlett Vesper
We were questioning why it is necessary to increase passenger numbers by 50% by 2022 when the Airport loses money on budget flights. To increase income against aviation loss, and boost the value of the airport, OTPP must suck in yet more cars for the hugely profitable parking operation: ‘The Airport is very badly served by public transport. It has one dedicated coach service and no rail links. So 69% of passengers arrive by car – a greater number of cars than in any other European airport. Your pension fund knows this and wants to take advantage.’
Traffic South of Bristol
We ended the video with a direct appeal to the teachers of Ontario to take stock and refuse to accept unethical and unsustainable investment as the basis for their pensions:
‘We are asking you to think about the price that we are paying for your retirement. We are asking you to take stock. We are asking for your help.’ For further information see:
Hi, I’m Dr. Mya-Rose Craig. I am a 19-year-old prominent British-Bangladeshi ornithologist, environmentalist, diversity activist as well as an author, speaker and broadcaster. At age 11 I started the popular blog Birdgirl, and at age 17 I became the youngest person to see half of the birds in the world.
Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood
This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.
Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood
This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.
Speaking at Association of Science (ASE) Educators Conference 2017
Today was a really interesting day, as I did a one hour talk at the Association of Science Educations (ASE) Conference 2017 at Reading University. The ASE is a membership organisation for Science teachers and I spoke to those teaching pupils aged 11-18 years.
It was interesting to visit Reading University and look around as well as Reading, I have visited Birmingham, Manchester and Cambridge.
My talk was about how they were a key part in the programme to get more BAME people into nature, by them concentrating on teaching secondary age teenagers about nature, conservation and environmental issues as well as trying to get them interested in and connecting with nature. I focused on the need to educate pupils about studying sciences, ensuring that they and their parents understand the professions that they can go into with say a biology degree, such as conservation or environmental careers.
I talked about the research, Camp Avalon, the Race Equality in Nature Conference and Black2Nature.
These are my slides and notes from my talk and it would be great if you could spread it to as many people especially teachers to read possible:
Young Birder Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig at ASE Conference Photograph copyright Mya-Rose Craig
Young Birder Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig at ASE Conference Photograph copyright Mya-Rose Craig
Young Birder Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig at ASE Conference Photograph copyright Mya-Rose Craig
About The Author
Hi, I’m Dr. Mya-Rose Craig. I am a 19-year-old prominent British-Bangladeshi ornithologist, environmentalist, diversity activist as well as an author, speaker and broadcaster. At age 11 I started the popular blog Birdgirl, and at age 17 I became the youngest person to see half of the birds in the world.
Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood
This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.
Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood
This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.