Outdoor Camp Volunteer

1,250 USD

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July or August for 9-10 months

Do you love the great outdoors and are passionate about working with children? We have a fantastic opportunity for you to volunteer at a New Zealand outdoor camp!

As a volunteer, you’ll work alongside our qualified camp instructors to run a range of thrilling activities for groups of 20-30 students at a time. There’s never a dull moment, from archery and rock climbing to abseiling and high ropes. You’ll also have the chance to get your hands wet with raft building and canoeing and explore nature with hiking and orienteering. Volunteers should have a keen interest in the outdoors, a love for mentoring children, and a can-do attitude. They’ll be confident assisting group activities and encouraging kids to join in, working as part of a team to create an unforgettable experience for the campers.

In addition to the helping activities, the role also includes duties like cleaning, maintenance, cutting grass, day-to-day running, and meal prep. This is an opportunity to make lifelong friends, build new skills, and make a difference in the lives of young people.

Volunteers are matched to camps based on their individual skills and experience, meaning responsibilities will vary accordingly.

Locations

Rural locations near Christchurch, Wellington, Wainui and Taihoa.

Work Schedule

Not a typical 9-5, this role requires volunteers’ flexibility as working hours depend on the season. Expect to work approximately 40 hours weekly, with two days off each week and holiday leave.

Age Requirements

Visa requires volunteers to be at least 18 years old at departure.

Allowance

Approximately $150 NZ 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

Camps provide three meals daily; you’ll usually eat with staff and camp visitors. You will also have access to basic cooking facilities to prepare food in your own time as needed. You will live in shared staff accommodation with a shared bathroom, communal area and kitchen facilities.

Volunteer Case Study

Over nine months, Juan immersed himself in outdoor activities, connected with a diverse international team, and learned more about himself and the world around him than he ever imagined.

β€œI became more extroverted and confident giving instructions. If I’d gone straight to university, I would have missed out on learning how to live life.” – Juan

School Volunteer

1,750 USD

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July for 11 months

Are you looking for a rewarding volunteering opportunity working with children and young people?

Volunteers have the chance to make a real difference in the lives of students. We’re seeking mature, responsible individuals who enjoy working with young people. Previous experience volunteering or working with children or youth is ideal, and an interest or background in sports is beneficial but not essential.

You’ll support the school in a variety of areas, including assisting in the office, library, or sports department, and supervising extracurricular activities such as after-school clubs and social events. Your role will involve helping students build confidence, mentoring, and developing strong relationships with young people. You’ll also have responsibilities around the boarding house, including helping students get ready for the day, ensuring they have breakfast, and maintaining a welcoming environment.

Volunteers are matched to schools based on their individual skills and experience, meaning responsibilities will vary accordingly.

This is an excellent chance to challenge yourself, build new skills, and positively impact the lives of young people.

Locations

Small towns such as Masterton, Dunedin, Nelson, and Marton.

Work Schedule

This role requires volunteers’ flexibility to cater to a residential school’s needs and is different from a typical 9-5. There is a variable rota that includes mornings, evenings and weekends. Expect to work approximately 40 hours weekly with two days off per week plus school holidays.

Age Requirements

Visa requires volunteers to be at least 18 years old at departure.

Allowance

Approximately $120 NZ per week.

Teamwork

Volunteering at a school means working closely with a diverse team of all ages. You’ll usually have at least one fellow volunteer by your side while collaborating with the entire local staff team.

Food & Accommodation

Some placements offer access to a shared kitchen, but mostly volunteers share meals with the team in the dining hall. The schools cater for a wide range of dietary requirements. Volunteers have a room on campus, which could be in the boarding house or a staff flat, and a bathroom shared with other staff members.

Volunteer Experiences

Bella

I literally rave about it because it was the best time of my life! I became confident in many different ways and made amazing new friends from all around the world πŸ™‚

Kudzai

Adventure was something I always wished for, and New Ventures Worldwide made it possible. The process was smooth and the experience exceeding my expectations beyond what I could imagine!

Emily

Complete immersion in a new and vibrant new culture gave me life experiences which I will never forget.

Hannes

I think it’s one of the coolest places on earth where you meet the best people. That’s why it is my second home now. Thank you NVW!

Madeleine

Volunteering with NVW has been the best decision I have ever made and I thank them for making the whole thing easy for me. I recommend it to anyone who wants to explore the world while making a difference.Β 

Programme Manager

Supporting volunteer journeys

The New Zealand Programme Manager, Verity, prepares volunteers for their placements and provides ongoing support.

Verity, with 14 years dedicated to youth development, is passionate about international volunteering, facilitating impactful experiences abroad. She cherishes connecting with volunteers, witnessing their growth, and drawing inspiration from their travel tales. Embracing adventure, she’s embarked on multiple “gap years” across Europe, Australia, and Asia, immersing herself in diverse cultures and relishing local cuisines. Lately, she finds solace in camping across the UK’s picturesque landscapes and indulges in hiking adventures in the enchanting Peak District.

Fee and Other Expenses

Why there’s 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 $1,750 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

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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
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Placement Details

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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 $1,750 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

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