Outdoor Camp Volunteer

1,250 USD

β“˜ View full fee details

March or April for up to 10 months

Are you prepared for a dynamic and socially rewarding role that offers the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of young people amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Canada?

As an outdoor camp volunteer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the camp, nestled in the heart of Canada’s stunning natural environment. In addition to overseeing maintenance and cleaning duties, which constitute approximately 30% of the role, you will also have the opportunity to assist and even lead a diverse array of exhilarating outdoor activities. From archery and swimming to hiking, climbing, canoeing, high ropes courses, group games, and sailing, your passion for the outdoors and working with young people will inspire and encourage them to fully engage and enjoy themselves.

Comprehensive training is provided, offering the opportunity to gain formal certification and become a proficient instructor. If you are ready to join an international community of like-minded colleagues who share your zest for adventure, all while immersing yourself in the unparalleled beauty of Canada’s natural landscapes and making a tangible difference in the lives of young people, then seize the opportunity and apply today!

Locations

The outdoor camps are in the heart of Canadian nature in Alberta, near Calgary, and British Columbia, near Vancouver.

Work Schedule

Be willing to accept that the ethos of an outdoor camp is very much about lifestyle and not a 9-5pm Monday to Friday job. Keep β€˜work hard/play hard’ in mind. Volunteers have time off to explore before and after the season.

Age Requirements

Visa requires volunteers to be at least 18 years old at the point of arrival.

Allowance

Volunteers receive an allowance of approximately $90 USD per week.

Teamwork

Outdoor camps are friendly and sociable, with a large international community and lots of teamwork. Connect with other international volunteers, local staff and young people in an exciting outdoor environment while making unforgettable memories and friendships.

Food & Accommodation

The whole team share meals together in the dining hall. Volunteers will occasionally be on the cooking rota and can look forward to traditional Canadian food. Together with other staff, you will stay in a wood cabin dormitory with a shared bathroom.

Case Study | Outdoor Camp Volunteer

Hannes recounts his dynamic role, where he initially focused on preparing the camp and hosting smaller groups for outdoor school activities. From instructing archery classes to organising campfire stories, Hannes relished every moment of his experience. Immersed in an international community of around 70 people, he forged lasting friendships and embarked on memorable adventures, including road trips through the West.

β€œI loved working with kids, planning and organising activities, learning forest skills, making fire, and improving my English. It was epic!”

School Volunteer

1,650 USD

β“˜ View full fee details

September for 11 months

Are you prepared to work flexibly and demonstrate initiative by engaging in all aspects of school life?

Our education placements are situated in traditional boarding schools, including two girls’ schools and one mixed primary and secondary institution. During term time, students reside on campus, and volunteers play a crucial role in managing boarding house duties. Responsibilities include wake-up routines, meal supervision, laundry tasks, organising bedtimes, and other essential housekeeping duties.

Volunteers will also actively contribute to various activities such as homework clubs, evening and weekend events, sports, and excursions. Additionally, there will be duties to fulfil during the school day. If you possess skills in areas such as language, art, music, drama, or sports, there will be opportunities to support relevant departments and enrich the educational experience.

Locations

The schools are in British Columbia and Winnipeg.

Work Schedule

Expect to be a busy and valued team member during term time, fitting in with the schedule of the school. Volunteers have plenty of opportunities to explore the Canada during the school holidays.

Age Requirements

Visa requires volunteers to be at least 18 years old at the point of application. Some placements require volunteers to be aged 21 and over.

Allowance

Volunteers receive $90 USD per week.

Teamwork

Schools in Canada accept up to 4 volunteers at a time, so there will always be other volunteers around. Volunteering at a school means working closely with a diverse team of all ages and being a member of the wider staff team.

Food & Accommodation

Three meals a day will e provided, and an extra food allowance will be given during holiday times. Expect maple syrup pancakes! Volunteers either stay in a dormitory at the school or with a host family.

Case Study | School Volunteer

Meike’s role as a School Volunteer involves assisting teachers in various tasks, from academic support to boarding house duties. Despite initial challenges, Meike finds immense joy in working with the children, particularly to see how the girls are having fun to learn something new every day.

β€œI love working with the kids. They are high-energy and demand a lot of attention, which has helped me realise that patience is a skill of mine. I have learned a lot from seeing how teachers manage challenging situations.”

Programme Manager

Supporting volunteer journeys

The Canada Programme Manager, Beata, prepares volunteers for their placements and provides ongoing support.

Beata has worked in international volunteering for 17 years and made over 800 worldwide friends. Her biggest perk is meeting people who are willing to help others. Apart from professional achievements, Beata has a black belt in Aikido and has completed a 48-kilometreΒ trek in two days in the Tatra mountains, Poland. Her Whippet, Uke, helps Beata stay fit by accompanying her on walks and runs, covering at least 10 km daily. Lastly, Beata is a lover of cinema and enthusiastic about film festivals.Β Β 

Fee and Other Expenses

Why NVW charges a fee
New Ventures Worldwide is a UK-registered nonprofit charity. The fee contributes to our operating costs and allows us to continue our mission of arranging volunteering placements for our global network of nonprofit organisations. A financial report is published annually to the UK Charity Commission.

 

Included in the fee
Support acquiring a sponsored visa, a thoroughly vetted placement, an appropriate volunteer role based on age, experience and interests, a placement mentor, any necessary training, preparation guidance, ongoing support, accommodation, food and a spending allowance.

 

Other expenses

In addition to the placement fee (Outdoor Camp $1,250 USD) & (School $1,650 USD), you’ll need to budget for:

  • Return flights
  • Visa and any related processing or medical fees
  • Travel insurance (must meet the requirements of the host country)
  • Police check from your home country
  • Medical clearance, if required for your visa
  • Legalisation or notarisation of documents (where applicable)
  • Personal spending money for travel and free time

Exact costs can vary depending on your nationality, location, visa type, and personal circumstances. We recommend checking the latest official guidance β€” and we’ll happily go through what’s likely to apply to you during your interview.

FAQs

Click each question to reveal the answer

What is the enrolment process?

After completing the application form, our team will check if you are eligible for your chosen program before inviting you to a Welcome Video Call. The interview is where you get to know the New Ventures Worldwide team, ask questions and get matched to your perfect program. Various background checks are then conducted before you are officially enrolled in the program.

What are the benefits?

  • See the world while experiencing a new culture
  • Experience personal growth, becoming more confident and independent
  • Make an impact working with international non-profit organisations
  • It looks great on your CV
  • Learn new skills for life
  • Gain perspective and understand what life is all about

Do I need flights and travel insurance?

Yes, you will need to arrange your own flights and travel insurance. You’ll need to send us your travel insurance policy details before starting a program.

Can a friend and I enrol on the same placement?

Being on a volunteering placement means you’ll always have a network of people around you, including locals and other volunteers. Providing a readymade community with local knowledge to explore, share, and create incredible memories. However, if you want to travel with a friend from home, let us know, and we can usually arrange for you to be on the same placement.

What happens if there is a problem during the placement?

New Ventures Worldwide has a Ladder of Support so you can see who to contact if you need help. Your placement will assist you in almost all situations. However, we also offer background support, mainly if a more serious issue arises.

Application Form

The journey of a lifetime starts here!

Applicant Details

Our placements are for those aged 18-30 years old
Choose from the drop-down menu
Choose from the drop-down menu
If applicable

Placement Details

Choose from the drop-down menu
Choose from the drop-down menu

Requirements

Fee and Other Expenses

Before you submit your application, please confirm that you understand the financial commitment involved. The fee for this placement is (Outdoor Camp $1,250 USD) & (School $1,650 USD). In addition to this, you’ll need to budget for return flights, visa costs (including any processing or medical fees), travel insurance, a police check from your home country, medical clearance if required, legalisation or notarisation of documents if applicable, and personal spending money for your free time and travel. Costs vary depending on your nationality and individual circumstances. We’ll go over what’s likely to apply to you during the interview.

Applicant Experience

Please aim for 50 words
Please aim for 50 words