Our Staff

Amy Garner Buchanan

Manager
MA, BAHons

Amy's work with young people began over fifteen years ago in her home of Australia, teaching Drama and taking various roles in youth, community and professional theatre work, including Pastoral Carer, Production Manager, Writer, Director and Administrator. She began working at Camp Canary in 2019 as a Playworker, and then introduced Drama into the Camp timetable as Drama Leader. Amy became Manager in 2021 when the Camp reopened after lockdown. When not working at Camp Canary, Amy continues her passion for theatre, writing, performing in and directing plays.

Amy's relevant training is extensive and international. It has included Drama teacher training through Bigfoot Arts Education and Hope Stone (Houston, USA); pastoral care and safeguarding training from the Social Worker at Fresh Youth Theatre (Melbourne, Australia); and health and safety training from R&B Safety and St John's Ambulance.

"The children we take care of are precious and have the right to play safely and enjoy themselves. I want our Campers to look back at their holidays here and remember feeling happy, safe and cared for, where their interests were allowed to flourish and their development was supported. We can achieve that through being organised, committed and caring."

Hannah Forster

Managing Director
BMus PGCE

Hannah Forster is a qualified primary school teacher and established Camp Canary after a colleague started it as a holiday club in 2014. She has extensive teaching experience spanning over 10 years, across all age ranges, from music services to London primary and nursery schools. Hannah is passionate about giving children new and creative experiences, which is why she writes our programmes herself. 

Hannah is committed to delivering a safe and fun experience for children and families ensuring all safeguarding requirements are met and the staff feel well supported. 

"Camp Canary is more than just a place where children can be kept busy during the holidays. It is a chance for children to make new friends, develop confidence, explore new ideas and learn to get along with others. We talk about kindness every day with the kids, how its better to talk about our feelings rather than take them out on others or things, how we treat people the way we wish to be treated. We sing songs together, we congratulate others on their achievements. We hold our heads up high and we accept ourselves for who we are."