So, here’s the thing. In every walk of life, volunteers make the world go round. Whether it’s for the WI, the scouts, sports clubs, Wikipedia – generally for something to succeed – it needs passionate, committed and dedicated folk to help it along.

It’s the exact same for Commscamp with the fantastic volunteers who give up their time to make it happen. And this year in 2018, in Sheffield on 27 April, we’ve seen it more so than ever before. So here’s a list of why this year’s Commscamp North volunteers are the very best.

1. We asked for help and you responded in your droves – in fact nearly 70 people put their hand up to get involved. For an event that is for 160 people in total, that’s a mega high proportion of willing people who have offered to help. Sadly so many said they wanted to help out that we’ve had to turn a huge number away as there just weren’t the jobs to go round. It shows how willing to help the public sector comms community is.
2. The flexibility of everyone who has said ‘yup I’m in.’ Everyone’s been happy to muck in and take on any of the jobs that need sorting, whether that’s been making tea, getting people to the venue or baking cakes.
3. We’ve had not one but two people come forward to lead runs on the day. Not just any runs – a runch – that’s a run over lunch led by Jeni Harvey which is taking in the musical landmarks of Sheffield and a bunch – a run over breakfast led by Loz Harvey taking in the famous film locations of the city. Find out more here. While we know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, its shows just how passionate and willing people are. And no sadly there are no shower facilities on site – you’ll just have to use a wet wipe like you’re at a comms festival no less if you choose to take part.
4. The cake table led by the queen of cake Kate Bentham from Shropshire Council is unlike anything you’ll have ever seen before. Think summer fete cake stall and then multiply it by 10 at least. The cake that wonderful people bake and bring along is just amazing. It also raises lots of money for a great cause. This year it’s the Sick Children’s Trust – an amazing Sheffield charity that provides free accommodation for families with children on intensive care wards at Sheffield Hospital.
5. The way volunteers are happy to put themselves out there, learn new skills and meet new folk. It is so unlike any other gig in that way. Friendships and skills are forged for lifetimes. I myself have met so many lifelong friends through commscamp and I do think it’s pretty unique in that sense. We hope you’ll agree.

You can get all the skinny on commscamp north here.

If you were lucky enough to get a ticket and can’t make it, do let us know as we have a waiting list as long as your arm and don’t want people to miss out.

A role of honour of our lovely volunteers will be added shortly.