Staying Organised as a Challenge Leader

Hi, Amelia here! The challenge leader for NTU’s Everest Base Camp team.

If you’re reading this and wondering whether you should sign up to be a Challenge Leader, I’m telling you now. SIGN UP! It has given me skills I would have never gained from my degree. I’ve met the best people and learned so many important skills which employees love for a job, like teamwork, leadership, and, most importantly, staying organised!

I would recommend having a spreadsheet with everyone’s names in the team and tracking their fundraising progress. Remember, it’s not your responsibility to do it for them, you’re there to guide them. The more organised you are, the more group fundraisers you’ll be able to host, meaning more of your team will be able to join you on the trip.

The easiest fundraiser you can book with your SU is a bake sale. I booked several at the beginning of the year (one every month) which really took some weight off my shoulders. Through organising the larger events such as a fashion show and a murder mystery night, I found a new love for event organising which is now a career I'm thinking of going into!

My Spreadsheet advice for team organising:

I have a tab for everyone’s Just Givings links and what group fundraising events they attended, and then a tab for each group fundraiser we did to track the money raised. We hosted ‘Fundraising Planning Parties’ where the team just got together and planned fundraisers together along with team social ideas. This was so helpful for me as a Challenge Leader and also gave the team a chance to get involved.

In summary

Being a Challenge Leader isn’t just about preparing for the challenge in the summer —it’s about building a team, developing leadership skills, and making unforgettable memories along the way. From planning fundraisers to leading team socials, you’ll gain real-world experience that sets you apart in any career.

Plus, with the right planning and teamwork, you can make the journey more affordable and accessible for your team. If you’re looking for a rewarding, CV-boosting, and life-changing experience, this is your sign to sign up

Step up, take the lead, and make next summer your best yet! 🌍💪✨

Written by:

Amelia Garmain, NTU, Everest Base Camp Challenge Leader, 2024/25