Blog post content
The Barracudas Family: From Camp Kids to Camp Parents
At Barracudas, camp is about so much more than school holidays. It’s about friendships, confidence, unforgettable memories and, for many of our staff, becoming part of something that lasts a lifetime.
For some people, Barracudas starts with a summer of fun as a child. For others, it becomes a first job, a place to grow leadership skills, lifelong friendships and even meet future partners. And now, many of our team are coming full circle; trusting Barracudas enough to send their own children to camp.
We spoke to three members of our team, Emily, Matt and Nat, about their Barracudas journeys and why camp still means so much to them today.
Emily’s Story: From Camper to Head of Recruitment
Emily’s Barracudas story began when she was around 11 years old.
“I remember having lots of fun and making new friends,” she says. “I was excited to take part in the JSLA programme (now our BX+ course) the following year, where I got to help with the younger groups while learning how to deliver activity sessions.”
That early experience sparked something bigger. After finishing sixth form in 2007, Emily returned to Barracudas as a member of staff, working as a General Activity Staff member while studying at university. Over the years, she progressed through several camp roles including Group Leader, Multi Activity Instructor and Senior Sports Instructor.
Her Barracudas journey didn’t stop there.
Emily had actually completed her Year 10 work experience at Head Office in the Recruitment Team before officially joining the company in 2010. Since then, she’s worked across customer service, operations, recruitment, training and staffing before becoming Head of Recruitment in 2018.
“No day is ever the same,” Emily explains. “I’ve been fortunate enough to work in lots of different roles, which has given me a really rounded understanding of the business.”
What she loves most is building the seasonal teams that make camp so special.
“I love interviewing potential staff and creating great camp teams. Seeing children and parents rave about our seasonal staff makes me incredibly proud. We work hard behind the scenes to recruit and train amazing people, so it’s brilliant seeing that recognised.”
Now, Emily’s Barracudas story has come full circle in the most special way possible; as a parent.
“My four-year-old son Charlie attended Barracudas for the first time this Easter. It honestly felt like a full-circle moment dropping him off at the same camp I attended as a child.”
Although naturally a little nervous at first, Emily knew camp would help prepare Charlie for starting school.
“He had a great time and can’t wait to come back in the summer. His favourite activities were Billy Hunt and face painting - we were greeted with a tiger in week one and a cheetah in week two!”
Matt’s Story: Leadership, Family and Lifelong Memories
Matt first joined Barracudas around Easter 2010 when he was 20 years old. Since then, he’s taken on a variety of roles including Assistant Camp Manager, Senior Sports Instructor, Early Years Manager, Camp Manager and now Area Manager. He’s also part of the Multi Activity training team.
Coming from a sporting background, Matt immediately connected with the energy and variety camp life brings.
“I love the huge range of activities and getting involved in sessions,” he says. “I also enjoy working with different people from all kinds of backgrounds.”
For Matt, Barracudas has also played an important role in his professional development.
“The leadership opportunities at Barracudas really supported me in my teaching career and helped me develop into my current role as an Assistant Principal.”
And there’s another huge reason Barracudas means so much to him; family.
“I attended Barracudas as a child with my brothers, and Jess and I actually met through Barracudas.”
Now their own child attends camp too.
“As a parent, I can’t believe he’s now attending himself. He loves being active and trying new things, and the staff are always so supportive and welcoming. It’s fantastic value for money and somewhere we completely trust.”
Nat’s Story: From First Day Nerves to Watching His Daughter Thrive
Nat joined Barracudas at Easter 2015, and his very first day turned out to be life-changing.
“My DBS hadn’t come through in time, so I had to be accompanied around camp all day,” he explains. “The person who accompanied me eventually became my wife!”
Since then, Nat has progressed from Camp Manager to Area Manager, supporting camps, staff and families across the region.
“What I initially loved was creating a safe, fun and high-quality holiday experience for children,” he says. “As I moved into the Area Manager role, I’ve really enjoyed helping develop staff and supporting them as they grow into leadership positions.”
One of the most rewarding parts of the job for Nat is seeing young staff progress through the ranks.
“It’s incredibly satisfying watching people start as Red Team staff (activity leaders) and eventually become Camp Managers or Area Team members. Many also go on to careers in teaching and other industries with skills they developed at camp.”
And now, like Emily and Matt, Nat has experienced Barracudas from a parent’s perspective too.
His daughter Zara attended camp for the first time this Easter after eagerly waiting to go to “Daddy’s camp”.
“She had the most wonderful experience,” Nat says. “She loved the staff, made new friends and especially enjoyed Explore and Play, Motorsports and the Minnows activities.”
As someone who works behind the scenes, seeing his daughter enjoying camp firsthand was particularly special.
“I was walking around camp and saw the Minnows playing ‘What’s the Time Mr Wolf?’ Zara was literally jumping up and down with excitement. Afterwards, she proudly told me how to drive home after her go-karting taster session!”
More Than a Camp
The stories from Emily, Matt and Nat all reflect something incredibly special about Barracudas.
For many people, it starts as a place to have fun during the holidays. But over time, it becomes somewhere that builds confidence, careers, friendships and families.
Many of our staff stay with us for years because they genuinely love what they do, the people they work with and the positive impact they make on children every single day.
And perhaps the greatest sign of trust is this: they choose Barracudas for their own children too.
That says everything about who we are.
At Barracudas, you’re never just attending a camp or working a summer job; you’re becoming part of the Barracudas family.
