Nicole, a 19-year-old from Germany, embarked on a transformative volunteering experience with New Ventures Worldwide (NVW) at an outdoor camp in the UK. The initial two months were dedicated to extensive training, covering activities from water rescue techniques to zip-wire rescues and orienteering. Nicole emerged from the training as a competent leader, able to guide groups of children through various activities. Her enthusiasm shines through as she expresses “lots of fun” in the process. Nicole revels in the joy of working with children, enjoying the ever-changing dynamic as each week brings a new group. She emphasises the sense of community, having arrived alone but now feeling firmly established among “great people” and having made “lots of friends.”

“The first two months were all training. I was assessed on all activities and can now lead groups of children. It’s lots of fun! I love working with children; there’s a new group each week. My team are great people. Although I came alone, I now have many friends and am part of a community.”

New Ventures Worldwide has a global network of non-profit outdoor camps who need volunteers. Discover an exciting new culture while gaining invaluable life experience and making a positive impact.

We asked Ned, manager of Blackwell Adventure Outdoor Camp in the UK since 2007, to describe the camp and volunteer’s experience.

Here’s what Ned said:

“Blackwell Adventure placements are designed and delivered to support all participants in developing their teamwork, leadership, and communication skills and learning how to provide outdoor activities to young people. However, the experiences they have are often the most valuable – volunteers face their fears, support and empathise with each other, and make connections and friends that can last a lifetime.

Young people tell us how special it is to meet others who are like them from across the World; these shared experiences create a bond and a sense of belonging that come with meeting new people and being out of your comfort zone. The skills, knowledge and behaviour that the young volunteers develop at a residential centre like ours are all transferable, lifelong skills that will prepare them for future challenges that life throws up.

This, in turn, helps develop their skills even further and provides them with experiences that they can share during their journey. It’s an exceptional experience getting to watch the journey of a Volunteer, from the first meeting to seeing them along their placement and bringing all their ideas and hard work to life.

We have always had a good relationship with NVW, and our shared values are why we have always gotten on so well.”

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.

What’s included in the fee
The fee includes a sponsored Tier 5 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.

Additional costs 
In addition to the placement fee, volunteers pay for flights, a visa, and travel insurance, usually costing around $2,500 USD (depending on the departure destination). Volunteers are reimbursed weekly towards their costs during placement. The reimbursement amount varies.