Adults at Kids' Training Week

Why are adults important?

Kids' Training Week is an important time for the Ffestiniog Railway. Not only is it an opportunity to do many of those 'tidying' jobs that just wouldn't get done otherwise, it is a chance to introduce children - the volunteers of the future - to the Railway. Although the emphasis is on the children themselves, the week can only happen thanks to a small army of adult volunteers who give their time to make it work.

What do adults do during the week?

There are a wide range of jobs which adults can undertake. There is always a need for adult supervision on jobs. Adults with particular skills and experience are needed to keep an overall watch on what's happening, there is also a general need for a number of adults to join in with the kids and work alongside them. Other adults give their time during the evenings. This gives the 'day' adults a chance to rest and recover before the onslaught the following day! Another task is in the preparation for the week. This starts up to a year in advance, and builds up to frantic activity in the fortnight prior to the kids arriving. Extra assistance during this period is also welcome.

Note: We actually get quite wonderfully good kids - I'm always amazed that they are so willing, pleasant and rarely misbehave. The notion that our kids are like an average gang of kids on the school bus or in the classroom is what put people off from helping. Those who join us always remark that they are so surprised at how cooperative and willing our kids are. Over the years we've had no more than a handful of discipline problems thank goodness.

Do I need any special skills to help?

Generally, no, just the ability to get on with children and work in a group situation. The Ffestiniog Railway may ask that all adults working on Kids' Training Week complete a Criminal Records Bureau check.

How do I find out more?

For more information about Kids' Training Week, contact Eileen Clayton on (01766)770860 or at eileen@eileenclayton.net or Tricia Doyle on (07919)414885 or at tricia.doyle@festrail.co.uk. To register your interest in helping on Kids' Training Week, complete the booking form and someone will contact you as soon as possible.