face painting activity easter summer activity jobs
face painting activity easter summer activity jobs

FAQs

Working at a summer camp, English school or day camp might be a new experience or something you have done before, either way, we are sure that you will have lots of questions to ask us...

If we haven't answered your questions please get in touch with us jobs@xukcamps.com!

Before Applying

Which role should I apply for?

We have lots of different roles at our residential and day camps. Your interests, availability and experiences should influence your decision. Some roles require specific qualifications. Please make sure you have read through the job descriptions.

Where are the camps?

Our camps are all around the UK. You can find out more about each venue by clicking on the links below.

Day Camps - North London

Residential Camps - Wiltshire

I haven't worked with children before, can I apply?

Yes, we find the most important attributes from our staff are hard workers, resiliance and being a fun / happy person.

You will be assessed against people who have varying levels of qualifications and experience working with children.

Can I apply with my best friend/partner/sibling?

You are both more than welcome to apply, however your applications will be assessed on an individual basis. If you are successful at an interview, we will place you at the camp we see as the best fit to your skills and personality.

Camp is all about making friends!

Is a residential job for me?

You must think about this carefully before applying, residential jobs are not for everyone!

After training, you’ll be thrown in at the deep end when camp begins. The days are long and tiring and you’ll be living out of each other’s pockets!

Each week you will have a 24 hour period off.

But our staff who return every year think “it’s the hardest job you’ll ever love!”

To work on a residential camp you must be resiliant, energetic, hard working, kind and love other peoples company!

When is the best time to apply?

We will be taking application forms from November for our Day Camps and Summer Camps. The earlier you apply and attend an interview, the more positions we are likely to have available.

Do you have to be a university student to apply?

Definitely not! We have team members from all different backgrounds, some are students, qualified teachers, sports coaches, nurses and parents. We even have staff returning who take annual leave from their full time jobs to return to camp each year because they love it so much!

As long as you share the XUK Philosophy, and are 18+, age is nothing but a number at XUK!

What happens if I have an event to attend during camp?

It is vital that we know the dates that you can work and any events you must attend e.g. weddings and graduations when you apply. Most of the time we can work around this!

I'm not available at the start of camp, is this a problem?

Afraid so! Over the training weekend, we go through how camp runs, safeguarding training, our policies and procedures and of course set up our camps. It is compulsory that you attend the training weekend and are ready for work for the duration of your contract.

Do I have to work for the whole duration of camp?

It depends! You will need to be available for a minimum of 2 weeks! Most contracts offered are 5 weeks and depend on the dates you are available, your skills and the position we think you are most suited to.

Do I need to have qualifications to apply?

No! A passion to share the XUK Philosophy, resiliance, a strong team ethic and a can do attitude are the most important qualities you can have, however for some positions, e.g. lifeguards and EFL teachers, qualified staff are required.

We are keen to hear from applicants who can run quality sessions in any one of the following:

  • Sport
  • Art & Crafts
  • Cookery
  • Drama
  • Film
  • Dance
  • Photography
  • Adventure / Bushcraft
  • Initiative Games
  • Climbing Wall

I'm not from the UK, can I apply?

You can but you may need to arrange your own suitable visa prior to application giving you the right to work in the UK.

We are unable to assist with visa applications.

Can I send you my CV instead of filling out the application form?

No. Our application form found on our website is a key element of our safer recruitment policy.

Any other forms of application will be rejected / ignored unless you have been advised to send a CV by a member of our recruitment team.

I have a criminal record, should I apply?

It depends …

Some convictions will automatically disallow working with children, though not all. We recommend you get in touch to discuss specifics.It is fundamental you are open and honest with us.

All successful applicants will need to complete a DBS and/or provide an Overseas Police Check.

Safeguarding our campers is always our priority.

Can I choose which camp I work at?

When you apply, you will apply to work at either our day camp (Mini Minors & XUK Day) or our residential camps (XUK Activity, XUK English & XUK Excel). If you are successful at the interview, you will be recruited to work at the camp that best suits your skill set and personality.

Application Process

Do I need to attend an interview in person?

Yes.

The only candidates we will interview online are potential English teachers who are presently teaching abroad.

Everyone else must attend our group interviews.

Managers may be asked to have a follow up interview in addition.

I have submitted my application form, what happens next?

We will be in touch shortly to let you know whether you have been successful in gaining a place at our interview days.

My availability has changed, what should I do?

You must let us know immediately. Please email jobs@xukcamps.com as soon as you can!

Where are the interviews held?

We normally hold our interviews at: Brookland Infant School, Hill Top, London NW11 6EJ.

Do I get reimbursed for travel costs to and from the interview

No. You'll need to finance travel to the interviews yourself.

How long are the interviews?

The interviews last around four hours. This gives you the opportunity to get to know us and us you!

Working at Camp

What will I be required to wear?

We will provide you with XUK t-shirts. These must be worn on the first and last day of each week at day camps. On other days you wear sensible and practical clothing.

If you are working on a residential camp, you will wear your XUK t-shirt on changeover and trip days, and your own sensible and practical clothing the rest of the time.

What will we cover at the training?

We will go through a lot to prepare you as much as possible for the start of camp, including:

  • Safeguarding training
  • Policies and procedures
  • Day to day running of camp
  • Responsibilities
  • Activity training (applies to residential camps only)
  • Set up

Will XUK provide accommodation and food?

If you are working at our day camps, you will need to have your own accommodation and bring a packed lunch each day.

Our team members at our residential camps will have onsite accommodation and three meals a day provided for the duration of their contract (even on days off).

Is transport provided by XUK?

You will need to make your own way to our day camps each day, XUK will not provide this for you.

If you are working at one of our residential camps, on the arrival day you can make your own way or hop on our coach departing from North London.

Will I have my own room if I work at a residential camp?

Our accommodation ranges in shapes and sizes! Some are individual and others are shared (2 - 6) - expect to have a dorm buddy!

Do you need to know my activity preferences in advance?

When you apply you will let us know your skill set and your strengths and weaknesses on the application form.

Do I get any breaks while I'm working?

Team members working at our day camps will have a half an hour unpaid lunch break each day.

If you are working at our residential camps, you will have one continuous 24 hour period off each week alongside shorter breaks each day.

After Camp

What is the rate of pay?

This depends entirely on your role and where you work. Have a look at our residential and day camp job pages for more information.

Do I pay tax on my wages?

All wages are subject to Tax, National Insurance & Student loan contributions at the rate set by the Inland Revenue based on the information you give XUK before camp starts.

All deductions will be shown clearly on your payslip.

When will I get paid?

You will be paid after your contract has finished. The date you will be paid by will be specified in your contract information.

As a guide, if you work at our Easter day camp, you will be paid by the end of April and you'll be paid for summer work by the end of August.

What happens if I want to return to work next year, do I need to apply again?

If your contract is successful, you will be invited back – no need to interview again and your application form is much shorter!