What's involved?

Being an Explorers Volunteer is a rewarding experience. The role is full of variety, flexibility and a lot of fun! We inspire children and young people about our canals and rivers, using the waterways as a tool to build life skills, raise aspirations and connect children with the great outdoors.

We're after enthusiastic volunteers to:

• Lead school and group trips in the great outdoors.
• Deliver life saving water safety education to children in schools.

You will need to be able to volunteer flexibly to respond to group requests, committing to 3 or 4 activities a month (usually during school hours and term-time). We mainly work with schools along our canal network, hosting guided tours at Limehouse Basin and the Olympic Park. 

What's in it for you?

The opportunity to learn more about waterway heritage and wildlife; use your skills and learn new ones; be in an attractive environment; meet new people and of course, inspire children!

We give you full training and provide resources for leading groups of children, with a number of training days and team meetings. You will have the support of a Learning & Skills Co-ordinator as well as the other volunteers in your team. We reimburse you for all travel costs.

What skills are we looking for?

• Previous experience of hands-on learning with children, or a strong desire to gain experience in this area.
• The ability to enthuse young people through talks and activities.
• The ability to volunteer flexibly, particularly during school term times, and to work within a team.
• This role involves regulated activity with children and adults at risk, as defined by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. Therefore, an Enhanced Criminal Record check will be undertaken and references will be sought. A criminal record is not necessarily a bar to volunteering with us.