Richard Bernstein - Director
What Richard does at
XUK:
Richard started working at a local camp when he was at school. At 19, after training as a manager at Marks and Spencer, he wanted to run his own company and make a difference.
Richard believed passionately in kids getting the most out of their childhood and wanted all children to get the opportunities he did when he was young. At this point he decided to start Cross Keys, a camp that children adore because they can focus on their passions in a cosy, friendly and safe environment.
Richard works in our office all year round, planning camps, developing booking systems, recruiting staff, and manages XUK, our residential camp.
What Richard does in
his spare time:
When he is not working, Richard spends as much time as he can with his wife Emma and 2 daughters (Charlotte and Millie). Richard loves his golf and loves playing, especially with his 3 brothers and father whenever
he can!
Favourite activity at XUK:
Evening activities (when the camp is all together)
Richard's view:
"I consider myself very lucky. I work with fantastic people to make a real difference to children’s leisure time. When I was a boy I was fortunate enough to play lots of sport and always get involved in drama activities at school. I want all children to get the same opportunities I had, embrace activities and forge new friendships."
Nick Bernstein - Director
What Nick does at
XUK:
Nick studied Japanese and Psychology at Durham University before training to become a chartered accountant. Nick concentrates on managing relationships with schools & parents. Nick looks after the day camps.
What Nick does in his
spare time:
When not in the office, Nick loves spending time with his
wife Karen, 3 daughters (Sophie, Kate & Laura) and son - James. Like
Richard, Nick is also completely golf-mad, enjoys playing when he gets the
chance, though spends more hours talking about golf than he does playing
the game.
Favourite activity at XUK:
Mr Tickle the Clown (this is actually Sophie’s favourite activity)
Nick's view:
"I love the fact that all our hard work culminates in children having great experiences at our camps. We attract youngsters and teens from all round the local area for our day camps, and as far as Australia for XUK, our UK based residential camp.
If I can help be a positive influence on these children at the same time as working with my brother then that is a perfect working environment!"
Sonia Martinelli - Office & Marketing Manager
What does Sonia do at XUK?
Sonia has worked at our residential and day camps on and off for the past 7 years. She studied Industrial Design at University before joining us to oversee marketing and to help make sure bookings for camp run smoothly.
What does Sonia do in her spare time?
Sonia loves going on long distance walks and likes to spend as much time as possible out in nature, she also loves reading fiction books and playing board games with friends and family.
Favourite activity at XUK?
I love the bushcraft activities at camp like outdoor cookery and bridge building, they’re so fun and seeing the campers work together doing activities that they might not always have the chance to try outside of camp is so special.
Reece Nichol - Operations Manager
What Reece does at XUK:
Reece has worked at our residential and day camps since 2012. Before that Reece was a camper and won ‘citizen of the week’ in 2009. Each year before summer Reece oversees equipment and plans all the activities that happen on camp, then during summer he helps manage the XUK Residential.
What Reece does in his spare time:
Reece is a keen skier. In the winter months he spends as much time as possible in the Italian Alps. He also loves going to the theatre and travelling to as many countries as possible.
Favourite activity at XUK:
Reece loves going on the Aqua Park trip, its such good fun and very amusing watching everyone fall off! He also loves the inflatable obstacle course on camp and enjoys racing with staff and campers!
Rebecca Drake - Operations
What Rebecca does at XUK:
Rebecca first worked with us during the Covid year of Mini Minors in 2020. Since then Rebecca has become a vital part of the team, Managing the 7-12s and in 2023 did 2 weeks as Head of House at the residential Camp. Rebecca is in charge of scheduling & equipment - a vital job for campers and staff!
What Rebecca does in her spare time:
Rebecca loves the theatre, both watching and taking part. She has had many roles such as The Caterpillar (aged 3) and Manon (in Jean de Florette) more recently! Rebecca also enjoys collecting tea spoons and glass pigs!
Favourite activity at XUK:
Acrobatics - Such fun and brings out the best in all the children partaking in this exciting activity.