Picture this: Managing 100+ volunteers, raising £110,000 in three weeks, and dancing to festival music - all while supporting maternal and neonatal health. That was my unforgettable summer as Community Engagement Lead at Child.org, where I gained valuable insights into fundraising and discovered a source of energy I can draw from later in life.

Who is Child.org?

Child.org stands out in the charity landscape with its innovative approach to support maternal and neonatal health in Kenya. At the core of their fundraising strategy is Charity Concierge. Think of Charity Concierge as your festival helper: need a hand with pitching your tent? Fancy a drink delivered to you? Our volunteers are there to help, turning these simple services into meaningful donations that drive real change.

Leading with Purpose

As Community Engagement Lead, my responsibilities were as diverse as they were fulfilling. I coordinated over 100 volunteers across three festivals while also managing our Instagram account. Communication was central to my role - I maintained active WhatsApp groups and delivered thorough volunteer briefings. In high-pressure moments, I took on the role of crisis navigator, making swift decisions to ensure smooth operations. Most importantly, I served as a storyteller, forging meaningful connections between donors and Child.org's mission by engaging festival-goers in conversations about our cause.

During my time in this role, I directly contributed to raising £110,000 over three weeks across four festivals, significantly enhancing our fundraising efforts. Additionally, I fostered a strong sense of community among volunteers and festival-goers, which will help sustain support for our organisation and its beneficiaries in the long run.

Growing Through Challenges

Every leadership role comes with its tests, and mine came during a particularly sensitive moment at Camp Bestival Shropshire. When we needed to address a volunteer's passing during a briefing, it taught me that leadership isn't just about managing tasks – it's about holding space for emotions while keeping the team focused and motivated. It was a pivotal moment that made me realise how important emotional intelligence and adaptability are in leadership.

My growth throughout this experience was multifaceted. I developed crucial leadership skills while guiding teams through unpredictable festival environments, learning to adapt strategies and maintain team morale in challenging conditions. My public speaking abilities also grew as I delivered briefings to large groups, receiving 95% positive feedback from volunteers. In the digital realm, I honed my storytelling skills through social media management, achieving a remarkable 134.9% increase in reach. Through capturing moments of volunteering, I edited three videos and posted several photos which promoted brand awareness.

The Festival Experience

Between the responsibilities came moments of pure festival joy. From attending sunrise yoga sessions to naked streaking, each festival had its unique charm. A personal highlight was celebrating my birthday at Wilderness Festival, where the team surprised me with cards from everyone – including our CEO. It was a moment of genuine connection and gratitude that I will never forget.

Looking Forward

I discovered that authentic leadership isn't about having all the answers – it's about having the courage to take action while remaining open to learning from both successes and setbacks. The skills I've developed are just the beginning and I'm excited to continue this journey of growth. As I move forward in my career, I'll always remember the festival fields.