The L&E Team - L&E : L&E

The Heart of L&E

At L&E, we believe our incredible staff is the heart of every unforgettable experience. Our L&E Team is comprised of passionate and experienced professionals dedicated to fostering a safe, nurturing and fun environment for your child. From enthusiastic language tutors to dedicated programme leaders, each member of our staff brings a unique set of skills and a shared love of learning to create lasting memories and inspire young minds.

Ready to meet the amazing individuals who will make your child’s experience unforgettable? Scroll down to discover them!

Sam R L&E Founder & Director

Sam R

L&E Founder & Director

Sam Ridgway has worked in youth education and experiential learning for the past two decades. Having grown up in Yorkshire he started his teaching career at Marlborough College (Wiltshire, UK) before moving to Forres Sandle Manor Preparatory School (The New Forest, UK) as a History, Sports and House Master. In 2009 he founded Learn & Experience with the idea of creating opportunities and bringing together young people from different backgrounds and cultures. He moved to Vancouver in 2017 with his wife (Randa) and two children (Maddie and Dottie) to enjoy all that British Columbia has to offer. He is still fully involved with the day to day running of L&E

Cam S Operations Manager

Cam S

Operations Manager

Cam has worked for L&E for the past 4 years and is a very important member of the team. She is a firm favourite of the children. A qualified teacher, she lives in Bristol and loves to travel. She has visited many countries but her favourite is probably Kenya where she helped build a school. She loves going on adventures in her camper van and spending time with her family.

Mike D Camp & Languages Director

Mike D

Camp & Languages Director

Mike has been involved with L&E since 2014 establishing our programmes in Spain and France in 2016. With a background in international education, Mike teaches ESOL in-person and online to students around the world. He is also a Professional Tennis Coach.

Tyler T YGL Lead

Tyler T

YGL Lead

Tyler is an energetic and enthusiastic camp leader with a passion for empowering young people to reach their full potential. With over a decade of experience in the summer camp industry he has held a variety of impactful roles in camps in the USA and UK including Evening Programme Coordinator, Group Leader, and Camp Director.

What did you want to be when you grew up? WWE champion (genuinely). The dream was to be the Rock, retire and use all my millions to set up international summer camps for young people.
Favourite place to travel? Montego bay in Jamaica!
Fun fact about yourself Started Cuban salsa lessons last year, absolutely loving it

Sam B Experiential Learning

Sam B

Experiential Learning

I’ve been working with L&E since it began almost 15 years ago now! So I’ve had many great summers at camp and seen the impact the camp has on kids as they return year after year. I came to my first camp when I was only 19 years old and at that stage the camp was still working out what it would become in the years to come. We had some really great kids that first year, although we almost had as many staff as kids that year, which did make the staff vs camp dodgeball quite easy! As has always been the case year on year, the kids that are attracted to this camp are always great fun. An amazing aspect of camp is that each week is a completely new experience. While you may have the same size camp, in the same place, with the same staff, the camp will still feel unique, as what makes a camp is the kids and each week is made up of a new, totally unique set of characters, whose mix of personalities make the camp what it is. I’ve seen so many kids come for their first camp as little 8 year olds, very shy and unsure of how their week is going to work out, and then return for the next 6 years, making life long friends and growing up into really great people. This is what makes L&E so special.

What did you want to be when you grew up? I’ve wanted to do different things at different times growing up, but for most my life I wanted to be a sportsman.
Favourite L&E activity? L&E Dodgeball
Favourite L&E memory? Making the camp videos for theme night was always a treat; particularly being able to witness the tutors incredibly and versatile acting skills.
Best thing about L&E? Seeing the camp transform over the week from a group of shy and nervous kids into one big family.
Fun fact about yourself! I once owned around 100 hats.

Anne-Sophie D Camp Nurse

Anne-Sophie D

Camp Nurse

Anne-Sophie is a qualified nurse in Quebec, Canada and loves the outdoors. You’ll often find her on the trails either running or on her mountain bike! “My favourite camp activity when I was young was horse riding and campfire nights. I do remember some campfire song as ” les aventuriers, ursule, saute crapaud” sorry French song! ;)”

Sarah C L&E Senior Leader

Sarah C

L&E Senior Leader

What did you want to be when you grew up? An astronaut
Favourite L&E activity? Absolutely, without a doubt it has to be icebreakers!
Favourite L&E memory? So many memories! My fondest memories are of our rising stars. Every camp are full of these wonderful children who overcome challenges to become L&E legends!
Best thing about L&E? Family, no matter the size of the camp. By the time Friday comes we are family.
Fun fact about yourself! I secretly want to be a contestant on bake off (not so secret after all!)

Hayley M L&E Senior Leader

Hayley M

L&E Senior Leader

What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be either a dance teacher or someone who sells chairs (antique furniture shop). One of those dreams came true.
Favourite L&E activity? Scuba-diving. Each Tuesday we try to encourage every child to have a go at Scuba-diving. Some of the children are very apprehensive at first and the staff spend time reassuring them. It’s awesome to see them being brave and giving it a go – what a sense of achievement they get!
Favourite L&E memory? I was lucky enough to be a Travel Mentor for Teen Travel Euro in 2019. Our first city was Amsterdam and the teens were still getting to know one another. The teens decided to rent a canal boat and everyone had a shot of steering it, it was a lovely bonding experience and a good way to jump right in to taking ownership of their trip. What an amazing way to see the city…picnic with a view!
Best thing about L&E? With the range of activities and staff members it caters for all different types of children and that individuality is celebrated.
Fun fact about yourself! I perform in a cabaret dance troupe called Hustle and we have performed many times at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Paul Mac Activities Coordinator

Paul Mac

Activities Coordinator

What did you want to be when you grew up? When I grew up I wanted to be a footballer, in particular I wanted to play striker for Leeds United and England
Favourite L&E activity? My favourite L&E activity is hard to choose, but probably movie making in English class. The kids come up with some of the most outrageous stories and plotlines and watching them in the Oscars at the end of the week is always hilarious.
Favourite L&E memory? My favourite L&E memory would probably be when Luis won star camper in 2018. He’d been coming to camp for years and had never won it before, but after he won the award he asked Sam if he could say a few words, and delivered a genuine and unexpected speech about how camp, and particularly us tutors, had taught him so much and allowed him to grow. It was a really special moment to see a camper put into words how he felt about coming to L&E every year, and I know it was a highlight for many of the tutors.
Best thing about L&E? I’d probably split my favourite thing about L&E between two things. Firstly, witnessing so many of the campers grow into themselves, not only during a stay at camp but also seeing the differences each year they return, witnessing the children grow up yet returning to their friendships is amazing to see and be a part of. Secondly it’s the ability to be silly. There’s a big kid in all of us members of staff, and being in an environment where we’re not consumed by technology but instead outdoors playing games and coming up with outrageous activities is something I love doing. Throughout the rest of the year I’ll be looking at my degree and thinking how much I’d swap that for an icebreakers evening of chubby bunnies and egg drop – I know for sure the staff have as good a time as the kids.
Fun fact about yourself! I am unofficially recognised as Lancaster University’s most committed, yet least talented, performer of karaoke.

Emily N L&E Senior Leader

Emily N

L&E Senior Leader

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A mermaid after watching the TV show “H2O: Just Add Water” but soon realised I lacked the necessary Australian accent and mermaid tail so settled on a gymnastics teacher instead (despite never having done gymnastics??)

Favourite Disney character

I have a few (I hope that’s okay). Firstly Goofy is my all-time favourite, also Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear from Toy Story 3 (mainly because he is strawberry-scented) and Kim Possible.

Who is your role model?

My mum, she always puts everyone else before herself and gives the best advice, not to mention she’s an amazing cook (any time I visit home from university I return with an abundance of home cooking, much to my flatmates’ delight).

Favourite place to to travel?

I’m someone who never likes to sit still so any trip that is short, sweet and jam-packed is up my street. I have recently spent weekends in Budapest and Amsterdam visiting friends studying abroad which I think is the best way to experience a city, with someone who knows the place well.

Ashleigh S L&E Senior Leader

Ashleigh S

L&E Senior Leader

What did you want to be when you grew up? I always wanted to be a teacher ever since I was at middle school and I had a wonderful role model as my PE teacher. I always thought it would be PE teaching as a career but after a few years in the PE department I decided I wanted to move to the classroom and become a primary teacher!
Favourite L&E activity? My favourite L&E activity is sumo suit rounder or crash mat rounders! They are both hilarious and involve some very impressive moving dives onto the crash mats!
Favourite L&E memory? My favourite L&E memory is definitely in Aysgarth when we had a Harry Potter theme night. We created the most amazing dining hall experience and even had everyone sorted with the sorting hat! We had potion mixing and a final game of quidditch with a real life moving Golden Snitch! It’s was absolutely awesome! This potterhead was definitely thrilled!
Best thing about L&E? The best thing about L&E is 100% the people you are surrounded by! There are so many children from all areas of the world coming together to have fun and experience new things! It’s also a fantastic opportunity for the staff to meet new people from all over the world and learn new languages and cultures! It is definitely the best 2 weeks you will ever have! I can guarantee that you will never want to leave!!
Fun fact about yourself! I reckon I can answer every question is Harry Potter trivial pursuit correctly! Want to challenge me?!

Krissi L&E Senior Leader

Krissi

L&E Senior Leader

What did you want to be when you grew up? A midwife ?
Favourite place to travel? Scotland!
Favourite L&E World Camp activity? Definitely any of the adventure activities. Camp fire cooking is excellent!
Favourite L&E memory? There are lots of great memories to choose from but one that sticks out is when we had an impromptu day trip to the river which the whole camp went to and it was awesome!
Best thing about L&E? How quickly all the children and staff bond.
Fun fact about yourself! I come from a tiny island in the middle of the North Sea where there are more sheep than people!

Harriet T-B Language Tutor

Harriet T-B

Language Tutor

What did you want to be when you grew up? When I was little I dreamed of being a vet – I’ve always loved animals!
Favourite L&E activity? It has to be Monday evening icebreakers. It does what it says on the tin, gets everyone being silly together and is where new friendships begin to form.
Favourite L&E memory? This is a tough one, there are so many! One that stands out for me is when one of our lovely campers, Greta, got up the courage to sing and play piano in front of the whole camp – there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Moments like that are magical and are proof that children can and do blossom at L&E.
Best thing about L&E? I love how it feels like one big family. We wake up together, eat together, do all kinds of activities together and as a result by the end of the week it feels like we’ve known each other for years.
Fun fact about yourself! I converted my minivan into a camper called Otis and we often go adventuring together.

Mila L&E Leader

Mila

L&E Leader

What did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was a kid I wanted to become a doctor especially a neurosurgeon ! The human body has always attracted my curiosity, I was fascinated by brains !

Favourite campfire song ?

What could be better than Katy Perry to create a great atmosphere ?

‘Last Friday Night’ without hesitation !

Favourite place to travel ?

I love to travel in Italy during the summer, especially in the little village of my grandparents. It is so peaceful and calm ! Without forgetting that the sea is at one hour from the village named San Giovanni.

Favourite Disney Character ?

My favourite Disney Character is by far the princess Pocahontas ! She is beautiful, kind and brave and lives in nature.

Who is your role model ?

My role model is Cristina Yang in the series ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. She is a talented cardiothoracic surgeon and a thoughtful and proud woman !

Fun fact about myself?

One day when I was at the highschool, I forgot to put my shoes on and went to school with my slippers. Everybody was laughing including me !

Sam C Adventure Lead

Sam C

Adventure Lead

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to be a fireman.

Favourite campfire song?

Everywhere we go.

Favourite Disney Character?

Stitch from ‘Lilo and Stitch’

Fun Fact

I attended L&E World Camp and Teen Travel as a child

Kenzie F Creative Lead

Kenzie F

Creative Lead

Favourite campfire song?

My name is Joe!

Superhero Alterego?

Captain Marvel

Who is your role model?

Frida Khalo

Kenny T Sports Lead

Kenny T

Sports Lead

Kenny is from Australia and has travelled extensively. He is also a qualified teacher. He loves to connect to nature, visit new places and take life at a slow, chilled pace all whilst having fun.

Favourite campfire song?

No Bananas in the Sky

Superhero alterego?

Shang-Chi

Who is your role model?

Mr. Woo (My Math Teacher)

Kate T L&E Leader

Kate T

L&E Leader

What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a Doctor when I grew up so I could be like my dad
Favourite L&E activity? Water fight/ slippy slide – so many fun memories from the sumo suit.
Favourite L&E memory? So many to mention – Harry Potter theme night releasing the lanterns hiding up trees for theme nights and seeing children conquer their fears.
Best thing about L&E? Meeting and getting to work with amazing children from around the world and fantastic tutors
Fun fact about yourself! I worked on the first ever L&E camp

Jess G L&E Leader

Jess G

L&E Leader

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Fashion designer

Favourite campfire song?

chica boo

Favourite place to travel?

France

Favourite Disney Character?

Merida

Who is your role model?

Stacey Dooley

Fun fact about yourself?

I have played Rugby on the Twickenham pitch (Home of England Rugby) and I attended L&E World Camp quite a few times as a child

Cindy Z L&E Leader

Cindy Z

L&E Leader

What did you want to be when you grew up? What did you want to be when you grew up? When I was younger I wanted to be a ballerina, a lawyer, a princess or an author. I’d like to think I can still achieve this goal somehow haha
Favourite L&E activity? Definitely the Oscars! It’s such a wonderful way for the campers to celebrate their achievements throughout the week and for everyone to dance and have fun together.
Favourite L&E memory? The Avengers theme night in my second year at L&E. All the staff and campers got involved and made it such a fun evening.
Best thing about L&E? Watching the campers make new friends and become more confident as the weeks go on. It’s amazing seeing them grow and enjoy themselves throughout their time at camp.
Fun fact about yourself! I can play 3 instruments and speak 3 languages.

Sophie R L&E Leader

Sophie R

L&E Leader

What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a famous ballerina
Favourite L&E activity? Theme night! Each one is so unique and fun for both kids and tutors.
Favourite L&E memory? My favourite L&E memory was the talent show theme night. Was amazing seeing so many people conquer their nerves to put on amazing performances.
Best thing about L&E? Best thing is that all the kids (and tutors) become such amazing friends by the end of the two weeks. They are so supportive and friendly to each other
Fun fact about yourself! I am the oldest of 6 siblings, with 4 brothers and 1 sister!

Emma M L&E Leader

Emma M

L&E Leader

What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a secret agent
Favourite L&E activity? My favourite L&E activity was Theme night where we dressed up and created fun stations. We’d create the most fun, creative activities
Favourite L&E memory? My favourite L&E memory is sliding down the water slide and sunbathing in the sun
Best thing about L&E? The best thing about L&E is how homely it feels. The workers and children get on really well and even though there can be lots of people we seem to get to know one another well by the end.
Fun fact about yourself! Although I’ve been to 18 countries I cannot do a single foreign accent… As hard as I try

Iona H L&E Leader

Iona H

L&E Leader

What did you want to be when you grew up? Happy!
Favourite L&E activity? Sport
Favourite L&E memory? Chatting about silly stuff with kids
Best thing about L&E? Seeing the kids make friends and be happy together (away from phones)
Fun fact about yourself! I often choose to eat cereal for dinner ?