Nationwide

A peek behind the scenes: What it’s like being a Camp Quality Regional Manager

28 February 2025

News

What does a regional manager do? And what does it feel like to coordinate so much at camp?

We’re shining a spotlight on regional managers, the volunteers that spearhead camp and everything that happens within their region. (Spoiler alert: It’s a massive job!) To get a better sense of what it’s actually like on the ground, we asked our newest RM, David Montgomerie in Wellington, about his first year in the role.

From companion to manager in 13 years
Like most CQ volunteers, David first joined the whānau as a companion, supporting a camper as their “camp buddy” back in 2012. Looking to extend his support, he later started supporting the training team, helping teach and introduce other volunteers to the network. Then, when another opportunity came up to take the transport logistics role, he took that one too! 

This wide range of experience across camp made David an excellent fit for the regional manager position – and in the winter of 2024, he formally took on the new challenge. More than just a willingness to help and to use his time to support the initiatives he cares about, David says his motivation is all about the kids. 

“You’re able to create an amazing experience for them,” he says, “and we see just how meaningful and impactful it is to them through all the surveys and feedback and moments we witness during and after camp.”

What do regional managers do?
The biggest transition David noticed coming into this role was how wide the scope was. In previous positions, he was always really connected with a group of campers – whereas now, he’s involved across the whole operation. That means he gets to see a little bit of everything, seeing a new side of the campers and spending more time with volunteers and other areas of the operation.

“A little bit of everything” is a fairly accurate summary for the RM role. As the primary director at camp, they’re in charge of overseeing all the different elements and pieces that need to come together to make the whole experience great for the kids and the volunteers. That often includes coordinating guests and helpers, ensuring there’s a Plan B due to weather or cancellations, or making sure health & safety is constantly being assessed, managed, and followed through. 

“There are a huge number of things that can impact a day,” he explains. “We have to expect the unexpected. We have backup plans everywhere, we’re constantly confirming when and where people will be so that everything runs smoothly and we’re never left surprised.” It can be stressful – and by the end of the week, David said he was well and truly exhausted.

It wouldn’t be possible without each and every person involved – the staff at the camp venue, the companions supporting the campers, and the programme team who plan and organise the activities.

Creating magic
Looking back at camp, David reflects on the endless memories that were created. Fantastic weather, a truly awesome offsite day with visits from local clubs and police, activities and games in the sun, and endless smiles and laughs. 

While it was a huge amount of work to get there, David is already thinking about plans for next year. After three years in Marton, next year’s camp will be moving to New Plymouth – and with a new location comes new opportunities for big surprises! This year, he and the Wellington/Central Districts committee will be focusing on building partnerships and reconnecting with local groups in the New Plymouth area to start planning out next year’s epic adventures.

—

Without the tireless work of our regional managers, camp would not be possible. They are the glue that holds it all together – the committee, the camp volunteers, and the groups and guests who help support all the activities. Thank you to David, and all our regional managers who bring so much passion and heart to what they do for Camp Quality!

Click here to find out how you can get involved as a volunteer.