Meet Loren Wilson, Senior Day Service Workshop Assistant at Camphill School Aberdeen

Our ‘Meet the Team’ series aims to highlight the exceptional staff and volunteers who work hard to make Camphill School Aberdeen the wonderful place that it is. Next up in our ‘Meet the Team’ series is Loren Wilson, Senior Day Service Workshop Assistant.

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What is your role at Camphill School Aberdeen and what does it consist of? 

I work as a Senior Day Service Workshop Leader at Camphill School Aberdeen. My role consists of helping Workshop Leaders run their workshops and supporting the young people taking part in the workshops.

On Mondays, I assist the kitchen workshop with bread making, I run a candle workshop four times a week for both day and residential students, and I also support the art workshop and Murtle Market whenever needed – my role is very busy!

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How long have you worked at Camphill School Aberdeen? 

I have worked here since September 2021. Previously, I worked as a Workshop Assistant before being promoted to my current role.

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How did you first hear of the role and Camphill School Aberdeen? 

I came across the role at Camphill School Aberdeen after finishing university. After graduating Gray’s School of Art, I was looking for a role in the care industry. When I saw the Workshop Assistant vacancy, I thought it was perfect for me as it combined care with creativity.

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What’s your favourite part of your role?

My favourite part of my role is my involvement in the candle workshop as it allows me to be creative. I also enjoy spending time with the young people, getting to know them and watching them grow. It’s always great to see young people manage a task independently when they may have previously needed some support. It really shows their growth and the importance of our workshops in building confidence and developing skills.

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Do you have any highlights of your time at Camphill School Aberdeen? 

The main highlights of my time at Camphill School Aberdeen so far are celebrating the festivals that are used as markers of the year. My favourite festival is St John’s as it signals the start of summer and we usually celebrate outside (weather permitting)!

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How much difference has Murtle Market made to the young people so far?

Although it’s only been a few months since Murtle Market opened to the public, its impact on the young people is clear. Interacting with customers has helped students grow in confidence.

Even young people who are indirectly involved in Murtle Market, such as baking bread and creating crafts that are sold, have been positively impacted. They feel responsible for creating something important and feel pride when they then see what they’ve created for sale in Murtle Market. It shows them the outcomes of their hard work.

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When you’re not working, how do you enjoy spending your time?

I recently got a dog so that’s taking up a lot of my time at the minute! I also enjoy walking, exploring, and seeing friends.  

I volunteer as a Girl Guide Leader and have a trip to India scheduled for this summer. The trip will consist of a mixture of travel and volunteering. I’m currently fundraising for my involvement in this experience!

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