This seven-month placement, fulfilling the year abroad portion of my German BA, involved aiding the musical direction of the church services, as well as planning and leading youth programmes. Most significantly, from a linguistic perspective, the role involved preparation, internalisation and delivery of original sermons/addresses on a regular basis, besides which there was often demand for live interpretation of the Sunday services.

For the most part, this was a support role, assisting secondary school pupils with dyslexia, dyspraxia and other learning-related disabilities. Naturally, however, there was also a significant element of pastoral care for such pupils, many of whom were from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Alongside the predominant role of kayak instructor, this position involved shuttle-driving for rafting customers, bankside photography and general site maintenance.

Besides conception and execution of three-, four- and seven-week programmes of whitewater kayak instruction, this post involved maintenance of the fleet and equipment, as well as the site itself. There was also a pastoral element to the role, as I was a live-in counsellor for various groups of 9-12 year-old boys throughout the summer.