Volunteer Spotlight: Sam from Bury (just outside of Manchester), UK
Sam arrived at the Barnton Bunker in March, drawn in by a listing on Workaway that mentioned “Nuclear Bunker”.
His thoughts…
“That’s pretty cool. I want a piece of that.”
At 26, Sam’s figuring out what’s next in life. Visa challenges had paused other plans, and volunteering at the Bunker seemed like a good way to spend some time doing something different. This is his first-ever volunteering experience, and although he admits he wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, he’s thrown himself into it.
And we mean that literally. Sam was “thrown into” building the wall in the carpark on day one, and he’s been busy ever since. From clearing the fire pit area to mounting speakers, fixing an unstable dining chair, and starting what’s now become a large wooden deck, Sam’s been involved in some of our most visible projects. When asked what he is most proud of, Sam answered, “building a massive deck and I hope to have many people sat on it one day” with a grin. Yes, he’s aware of the double meaning. Yes, he leans into it.
He’s also brought a Level 2 qualification in Furniture Manufacturing and a knack for problem-solving. Confident with power tools and all things DIY, Sam prefers physical tasks and doesn’t mind getting stuck in - though he admits cleaning and hunting for tools isn’t high on his list of favourites.
When he’s not working, Sam is usually outside in a tank top, chasing the Edinburgh sun rays and adding to a surprisingly solid tan for someone from England. He jokes that he’s “winging it” when it comes to how long he’ll stay - likely until the money runs low and it’s time to travel again. But for now, he’s made himself a steady part of the team.
He says the Bunker has helped him work on his social skills and grow more comfortable chatting with people from different backgrounds. Last year he joined a group camping trip in the US, so he’s no stranger to shared spaces and teamwork. He enjoys a mix of working with others and taking on tasks solo.
There have been a few learning curves along the way - like accidentally reversing a dump truck into some very expensive solar panels (yikes) - but Sam takes it in stride. “I think I’ll avoid driving from now on,” he laughs.
He’s also discovered that volunteering life includes more social time than he expected. “I’ve drank more alcohol than I thought I would,” he admits, “but I’ve not yet been paralytically drunk - so that’s a positive” (we’d agree).
Sam’s practical mindset and dry humour have made him a great presence at the Bunker. He came here to build things and meet people, and he’s certainly doing both - deck jokes included.
