Updated: August, 2022.
Imagine a job where you could live, work and play in the great outdoors. Summer camp jobs might just be the best jobs in the world. Get paid to go on active adventures, make new friends, learn valuable life skills and become a child’s hero.
But why stop there?
Work at a summer camp abroad and get paid to see the world. And for the cream of the crop, you really can’t beat the UK. Our UK Camps Program is now taking applications for 2023 summer camps, and if this sounds like your cup of tea, read on to discover all you need to know about how Canadians can work in the UK, residential summer camp jobs and travelling across this delightfully diverse continent.
First things first, why work at a summer camp? Camp jobs enable you to develop a whole roster of valuable life skills. No day is ever the same and you will get the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, fun environment, develop leadership skills, network and build a community. Working at a summer camp abroad in the UK also brings a whole heap of additional benefits. On our UK Camp Program, you’ll receive:
Don’t be fooled by the UK’s small size – it fits into Canada 41 times – this island nation carries a serious punch. While it’s hard to narrow down a list of highlights, any visit should include scouring the streets of London, a city so rich in history, attractions, events and restaurants (the list goes on), that multiple trips are a necessity.
Party in Manchester, step back in time in Edinburgh and drink Guinness in Belfast. Rent a car and take the scenic route to explore quaint countryside villages, feast on fish and chips wrapped in newspaper in sleepy seaside towns; explore ancient castles, Roman ruins and mysterious monuments (we’re looking at you, Stonehenge) and book a festival or two for the summer – the UK boasts some of the best music festivals in the world.
Need to save up some cash for all that exploration? Camp jobs run from February to November, and we can arrange for you to start working the moment you land, giving you the flexibility to work earlier (and later) in the year if you’re keen to save some dosh (Brit slang for money) for some summer adventures.
Great, so you’ve decided to work in the UK. Now you’ll need to get a UK Working Holiday Visa, otherwise known as the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa. This is a work permit that allows Canadians to live and work in the UK – including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – for up to two years. The whole process can be quite complicated, but don’t be put off. You can discover more about the process in our UK Working Holiday Visa guide, and we can provide step-by-step work visa application assistance and help you get set up for living in the UK (we’ll even get you a SIM card).
Working at a summer camp is one of the best outdoor adventure jobs in the UK. Fancy leading trips to kayak, climb, hike, and swim (the list goes on) the UK’s most iconic countryside landscapes? Receive paid training to become an activity instructor (insider tip: these roles fill up fast, so we encourage you to get in touch to secure your spot).
There’s also a plethora of other roles to suit every interest, experience level and schedule. For camp job placement, you will need to be the following:
There are 11 different camps across the UK to choose from, each with unique characteristics. Stay in remote countryside mansions nestled in woodland, lake and seaside settings. All camps are within a train or car ride to major urban centres, so you can have the best of both worlds.
You’ll be working with local school groups and for adventure holidays for children all over Europe. Each camp features several activity centres, which, depending on the location, will be equipped with climbing walls, zip-lining, canoeing, kayaking, soccer fields, BBQ areas and so much more.
There are a variety of different jobs available at each camp, with the most popular being the Activity Coordinator, Retail Assistant and Cooking positions. Most of the roles don’t require qualifications, and you’ll receive paid training on the job, so it’s a win, win situation.
Camp staff work seven to eight hours a day, five or six days a week. On your days off there are plenty of opportunities to explore, whether paddling, climbing or hiking the local wilderness, or heading to the local town. You’ll build up vacation time each week, which you can accumulate to plan trips to destinations further afield.
Sold on the UK for your summer camp job abroad? We don’t blame you – it’s great.
2023 summer camp job applications are now open for our UK Camps Program. Our most sought-after positions tend to fill up quickly, so what are you waiting for?
Get in touch in the form below for more information on how to apply.