Funded by the Jack Petchy Internship Programme, Maya Hall-Balfourth has joined Cudham Environmental Activities Centre as an Assistant Intern for a 12 month placement. This programme is designed to support organisations that provide opportunities for young people to flourish, whilst creating pathways for young workers to develop their skills and achieve their full potential. The programme is funding 19 internships across London and Essex, as well as providing a learning and development programme, to ensure all interns get the most out of this opportunity.
Maya’s role will be to support all things Cudham, a well-loved Woodcraft Centre in the North Downs. She will be performing site maintenance, managing the new woodland, working with volunteers and other staff to clean and take care of the property, monitoring the inventory and supporting groups that are visiting Cudham. She’ll also be working with the wider Woodcraft Folk community – helping other Woodcraft Folk centres and youth projects, as well as working with a local group to expand its membership.
Discussing the role, Maya said: “I’m over the moon to have received this internship, I can’t wait to spend a year working at Cudham! I’m thrilled to be working for an organisation that shares my values of youth empowerment through education and providing access to nature for all. Plus, as a zoology graduate, I’m very excited to get to know all of Cudham’s wildlife!”
Maya has been a member of Woodcraft since she was seven years old, and she has always loved the outdoors. Over her time in Woodcraft she has always seized the opportunity to go on camps and residentials, refreshing her connection to nature and spending time with lots of wonderful people. She leapt at the chance to work for Cudham as she wanted to be a part of making special memories for the next generation of Woodcrafters, and anyone else who might use the site.
Maya can’t wait to get stuck into the role, and is eager to see what the next year will have in store for her.
Deer spotted at Cudham by Maya who is enjoying embracing the local wildlife at the centre