Introducing the Dream Team…
Sam Ridgway
L&E Founder & Director- What did you want to be when you grew up? A pro-footballer for Manchester United but soon realised that being Man United’s physio was more realistic or the kit man! Then it was a teacher!
- Favourite L&E activity? I love campfire nights at our camps. It’s where you really see everyone in a different light. It’s where the real friendships are formed and there’s always at least one campfire performance that really wows you.
- Favourite L&E memory? There are so many! And every year a hundred more are formed. We did a Harry Potter Theme Night in 2012 and as a finale we released dozens of sky lanterns which was so magical. Also, I loved driving Lenny the L&E Landrover around Ampleforth’s grounds looking for dinosaurs in our Jurassic Park Theme Night!
- Best thing about L&E? Meeting young people from so many different backgrounds and cultures and seeing them interact and ultimately forming lifelong friendships is such a privilege to see in action. There isn’t an hour that goes by during one of our programmes when I don’t see something remarkable. Whether it’s an amazing talent, something joyously happy/funny or just an act of kindness…
- Fun fact about yourself! I’m a qualified ski instructor and I have a collection of Cricket Almanacs that date back to the 1880s 🤓
Cam S
Operations Manager
Cam has worked for L&E for the past 2 years and is a very important member of the team. 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.
- Favourite Camp Song? I love My Name is Joe, we sang it at my school all the time.
- Superhero Alter Ego? Black Widow
- Role model? Amelia Earhart
Paul M
Senior Tutor & English- 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.
Hope W
Senior TutorFavourite campfire song?
This old man
Super hero alter-ego?
Scuba Women: can swim at lighting speed and talk to sea life.
Role model?
My older sister who is a paramedic (drives ambulances) in London.
Kenny T
Senior Tutor & Travel Mentor
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 SkySuperhero alterego?
Shang-ChiWho is your role model?
Mr. Woo (My Math Teacher)Emily N
TutorWhat 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.
Minty M
Tutor & EnglishWhat did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an artist
Favourite place to travel?
Thailand and it’s islands.
Favourite Disney character?
Stitch from Lilo and Stitch.
Fun fact about yourself?
I can ride a unicycle and used to go to circus school!
Kenzie F
TutorFavourite campfire song?
My name is Joe!
Superhero Alterego?
Captain Marvel
Who is your role model?
Frida Khalo
Emma F
English Language TutorWhat did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was younger, I wanted to be a teacher but I also wanted to be an air hostess because I really enjoyed being on planes and travelling.Favourite campfire song?
My name is Joe which I sang at campfires during Guide camp, I love how much movement there is in the song and i think it’s a brilliant ‘ice breaker’!Favourite place to travel?
Edinburgh or GreeceFavourite Disney Character?
Belle from Beauty and the BeastWho is your role model?
My secondary school Spanish teacher Miss Maddren because she inspired me to continue learning languages and become a language teacherFun fact about yourself!
I attended an event in Buckingham Palace Gardens. When I got my Gold Duke of Edinburgh, I was wished a happy birthday by Liam Payne from One Direction when I attended a One Direction concert. I have ice skated on the canals in Amsterdam. I learnt Dutch by watching Pippi Longstocking.Jess G
TutorWhat did you want to be when you grew up?
Fashion designerFavourite campfire song?
chica booFavourite place to travel?
FranceFavourite Disney Character?
MeridaWho is your role model?
Stacey DooleyFun 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 childSam C
TutorWhat 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 childJanessa C
TutorWhat did you want to be when you grew up?
A pilot! I thought flying planes was really cool
Favourite campfire song?
There are no bananas in the sky
Fun fact about yourself!
I’m a proud plant parent to a fuschia called Sir Matt Busby.
Mila
TutorWhat 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 !
