Helper's FAQ

"Lights Out" is the daily evening fun activity for helpers.  It's targeted at teenage or 20-something helpers, but anyone can join in if they're young at heart.  Lights Out starts at 7.30pm, and the programme will be published during Lighthouse week.  You'll also hear all about what's happening at the Wind Down and Worship session, so don't miss it!

All helpers should be on site for the daily "Pray and Prepare" session at 9.30am.  Lighthouse Keepers should be there earlier to make sure their Lighthouse's "pitch" is set up.

Although the children leave from 3.30, all helpers should stay for the daily "Wind Down and Worship" session from 3.45pm to 4.00pm. 

Lighthouse Keepers have the biggest "kit list".  You'll need to find and bring the following:

- a LARGE, sturdy box to store the children’s lunchboxes decorated with the Lighthouse’s name

- a sign on a stick bearing the Lighthouse’s name

- rugs/blankets for the whole Lighthouse to sit on

- a watch, a notebook, a pair of scissors, a Bible, plenty of pens and pencils (enough for all your Lighthouse), tissues and / or wet wipes, a 2-3 litre water container, plenty of plastic or paper cups, and a bumbag or shoulder bag for your belongings. A clipboard is also useful.

 You'll also need a packed lunch, and suitable clothes to cope with the English changeable weather.

Everything you need to know is in the Helper's Handbook, which is updated each year.  You will receive your own copy of a Handbook before the start of Lighthouse week, but in the meantime check out our download page here.

This depends on the job you want to do.

• To be a Lamplighter you need to be 13
• To help with Craft or Games you need to be 14
• To be a Lighthouse Keeper you need to be 16
• To help with Security you need to be 18
• To be an Age Group Leader or Teacher you need to be 18
• All other jobs within Lighthouse you would need to be over 16 unless it is agreed with the appropriate coordinator.

No. For most jobs do not need you to be available all week. If you can offer one or two days or maybe a couple of hours a day we will be able to find something for you.

Some jobs, particularly Lighthouse Keepers and Lamplighters, work very closely with small groups of children so it is best for these jobs if you can be there all week.

For most of the jobs at Lighthouse where you have direct contact with the chidren we need you to be Christian.  This includes Teachers, Age Group Leaders, Lighthouse Keepers and Lamplighters.

There are plenty of jobs where we would consider non-Christain help, please contact us if you are unsure.

No. Lighthouse is an entirely volunteer organization. Nobody receives any financial reward.

Yes. Lighthouse run a short training course that lasts about an hour. The purpose of the training course is to tell you about the program and the teaching material that will be used.  We also tell you all about the health and saftey issues and child protection policies of Lighthouse.  

This year the training is on the Sunday immediately before Lighthouse week, and will start at 4.00pm in the Lighthouse Tent on the Buryfield.  Training is compulsory, but as an added incentive there is a BBQ at 5.00pm. 

To round off the day and get you into the Lighthouse mood, the commissioning service follows at 6.00pm.

Usually yes, upto a maximum of four.

The children are looked after in groups, called Lighthouses, by a Lighthouse Keeper and a number of lamplighters. The number of lamplighters in each Lighthouse varies from one to four. If you want to be with friends in the same Lighthouse then put your friends names on your application form and make sure they do the same. The Age Group leader will then try to put you together but this may not always be possible.

You can make a donation to Lighthouse in a number of different ways.

You can give online right now through PayPal on our donations page.

On site during Lighthouse Week you will find collecting boxes at various locations. You will find gift aid envelopes that you can use.

If you have children attending Lighthouse you can send your donation with the registration form. There is a gift aid declaration on the children's registration form.

At any time you can send your donation to:
Lighthouse Missenden
PO Box 619
Great Missenden
Bucks
HP16 0WT

You should include a signed and dated Gift Aid statement such as:
"I wish this donation of £x to Lighthouse 88 to be treated as a Gift Aid Donation. I confirm that I expect to pay Income or Capital Gains Tax equal to the tax you will claim on my donation."

Cheques should be made payable to "Lighthouse 88"