
Volunteer Work Placements at Summer Camps in Europe
Camp Europe is a non-profit organization that wants to bring young adults and kids the joy of being part of an international camp. We offer great opportunities for volunteer positions in European Camps with children and staff from more than 60 nations.
All placements that we offer include full room & board. Some placements are Stipend Paid. Camp Europe offers mainly four different type of placements, according to the program's nature and length. Although must of our programs run for about 8 weeks through the summer months (end of June, July and until late August); we also provide longer term placements such as a 3-month Internship & a 6-month Outdoor Education Diploma.
All of these Experiential Learning Programs are provided along with extensive training sessions.
Feel free to explore the different possibilities and choose what suits you best. We are looking forward to receiving your application form and have you in our next season's team!
International Outdoor Education Training
In order to take place in any of Camp Europe´s programs, you must attend an intense International Outdoor Education Training, that will allow you to learn first hand, a wide array of topics, to later on put them into practice during your placement and the rest of your life. You will gain new hard-skills, develope soft-skills, and enhance your world vision and expand your criteria by simply living out of your comfort zone and spending a wonderful summer with marvelous people like you, from all over the world.
Our intensive International Camp Counselor (ICC) training session focuses on your personal skills with the aim to offer you a specific profile-oriented preparation for the role you will perform within the different camp program areas, for which you will get special training sessions.
Furthermore, you will obtain a Bronze Cross -Life Guard- Course & Certificate, complementary to the ICC.
Optionally you can also participate in a 1 and a half day First Aid course.
All in all, you will get started with a professional complete 7 days training session through which you will be able to considerably broaden your personal skills. So, you can expect…
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A fantastic week full of an energetic crowd gathering in a patch of forest, ready to have some outdoor fun.
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An opportunity to meet like-minded people and enjoy experiential learning through educational and recreational activities, games & group dynamics.
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A lot of action at our campsite in Walsrode. where you’ll meet other international faces with whom you will spend a wicked summer.
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The contents of the International Camp Counselor Training are many. From knowing how you can entertain children and young people to what to do accurately with homesickness: passing through legal aspects, on how to develop presentation skills to perform in front of large groups and other counseling techniques for instructing various activities such as survival, team building, etc.; our coaching team has prepared a full training pack for you. The only thing you must bring, is your own fantastic & motivated good feeling vibe to start the summer!
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If you don’t have a first aid certificate or your old one has expired, you can complete this course after the International Camp Counselor Training at our campsite in Walsrode.
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The camp-specific seminars, they all take place directly at each camp-site, during this occasion you will meet with the rest of the team, explore the premises, etc.
Take a look at the amateur video below, created by Paige Seagall, one of our summer 2018 participants.
Following next, take time to watch the 14 min. documentary about Camp Europe´s philosophy and its approach to
Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning.
Volunteer Work at Camp
-Placement Programs Available-
Long story, short...
Our programs are designed to allow young people to travel to Europe, meet people from many different countries, to benefit from a top class Outdoor Education Intense training and get a few certifications along the way. Then, having met cool people and being pumped up by the training, you might find some time to do some traveling around Europe with your new international friends. Travel, enjoy and relax to then show up at your designated campsite to perform as a role model, spend time playing outdoors like a kid, experience working in a team-based environment, and have the time of your life.
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Learn or practice a new language.
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Meet people from all over the globe with like-minded interest.
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Acquire teaching experience through a variety of stimulating, fun and safe activities for children and youth.
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Mainly, there are 2 different placement positions available each summer: Camp Counsellor & Language Coach.
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Camp Europe participants receive an Official Certificate of Participation in an International Internship Program.
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Camp Europe programs are most often bilingual; offered in English as well as in the native language of the host country.
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Locations are concentrated mainly in Germany, Austria, Ireland, Spain, and France.
Testimonials
Reviews
Application Process
1- Apply On Line
- Read ALL the information regarding Camp Europe’s programs including:
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Once you have opted for a specific program that suits your interests and fits with your time availability, fill out & submit the Online Application Form.tings and press "Manage Questions" button.
2- Interview
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Once our selection committee has reviewed your application, you will be contacted by email to set up an interview.
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All Interviews are conducted via Google Meet.
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Note> Prior to the interview you will be required to submit a 75 Euro deposit required to confirm the interview.
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This pre-interview deposit is refundable to you in all cases where, after the interview, Camp Europe is unable to offer you a placement.
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The pre interview deposit is a requirement, as it acts as a filter and demonstrates serious commitment with the program.
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3- Preliminary Placement Offer
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Upon a successful interview & after a second review of your profile by the selection committee, you will receive a Preliminary Placement email containing three documents:
- A Memorandum of Understanding for you to read and sign and send back to us as a pre-agreement.
- A Placement Guarantee.
- The Preliminary Placement Offer Package which includes:
- A welcome letter from the camp head director.
- A Catalogue of what each camp site has to offer.
- Information regarding training sessions.
- Information Regarding logistics; transfers and shuttles.
- A description list of duties and responsibilities for each position at camp.
- A description of what a regular day looks like.
- A packing list.
- A list with hints and advice for traveling, cheap and light.
- A list of ALL documents you must provide us.
Within that same email you will find a set of three deadlines to comply with:
- Signed MOU
- Payment of the Program's required deposit
- Transportation Ticket to Training + Document Checklist.
4- Documents
You will need to submit:
- Signed acceptance of the Memorandum of Understanding
- Signed acceptance of the Preliminary Placement Offer
- Copy of your valid passport
- Copy of transportation ticket to Hamburg or to Walsrode in order to attend the Training session.
- Valid First Aid Certificate
- Recent Non-Criminal Record Check
- A doctor's Note of good health
- European Health card or Travel Insurance valid for the plcement's length
- Program´s corresponding Confirmation Deposit payment in order to confirm commitment and participation in the program
5- Confirm
Money is always tight, specially for students; we know that, we were students ourselves not too long ago.
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In order to confirm your participation in this volunteering program, we require to collect a deposit -to be sent once you have been offered a placement and you want to confirm it.
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This deposit is intended to secure your participation in the program. Once you complete the first four weeks of placement, you will get back the deposit.
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For every extra week (after the 4th), starting with your 5th week of placement, you are elegible to obtain a 75 euro transportation compensation pocket money - weekly stipend.
With the Deposit, you ensure to obtain a Volunteering Service at no cost, that offers you in exchange for your time and commitment:
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Personalized Interview Service
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Full Room & Board - during Training and placement(s)
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Airport Shuttle Service (Pick-up) - only for main training session in late june
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International Camp Counselor Training
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1 out of 4 different Specialized Training Sessions
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High ropes
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Water sports
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Creative & drama
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Field sports
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Inter-Placement Transfers
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T-shirt
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Interview and file handling costs
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Admin fee
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Processing Fee
All International participants must send their Deposit through this link.
Or through Direct Bank Transfer to:
Beneficiary: International Camps Network CC0001 33019 1995390
Bank of Montreal
SWIFT BIC CODE_ BOFMCAM2
International Banking, Head Office, Montreal
Branch: 2I0 4307 13Oth Avenue SE, Calgary, AB.
Direct Payment Routing Number CC0001
BRANCH TRANSIT NUMBER: 33019
Account Number: 1995390
For German Participants> Click here.
Empfänger: Camp Europe e.V.
Bank: Hamburger Sparkasse
IBAN: DE04 2005 0550 1035 2144 18
Frequently Asked Questions
When Does The Training Take Place?
2021 Training sessions will take place in Walsrode (Northern Germany):
- NOTE: If you are unable to attend any of the training, then we can not offer you a placement.
What To Expect From The Training Session?
Our intensive 7 day International Camp Counselor (ICC) training session will focus on your personal skills with the aim to offer you a specific profile-oriented preparation for the role you will perform within the different camp program areas, for which you will get special training sessions whether it be:
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High Ropes
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Language Coaching
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Survival & Adventure
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Arts & Crafts
Furthermore, you will obtain a Bronze Cross -Life Guard- Course complementary to the ICC.
Optionally you can also participate in a 1 and a half day First Aid course.
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- A fantastic week full of an energetic crowd gathering in a patch of forest, just an hour away from Hamburg.
- An opportunity to meet like-minded people and enjoy experiential learning through educational and recreational activities, games & group dynamics.
- A lot of action at our campsite in Walsrode. where you’ll meet other international faces with whom you will spend a wicked summer.
The contents of the International Camp Counselor Training are many. From knowing how you can entertain children and young people to what to do accurately with homesickness: passing through legal aspects, on how to develop presentation skills to perform in front of large groups and other counseling techniques for instructing various activities such as survival, team building, etc; our coaching team has prepared a full training pack for you. - The only thing you must bring, is your own fantastic & motivated good feeling vibe to start the summer!
- If you don’t have a first aid certificate or your old one has expired, you can complete this course after the International Camp Counselor Training at our campsite in Walsrode.*
What Are The Duties Involved On The Role I Will Be Performing?
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As a Language Coach, you have to create and run your own program for a few hours every day teaching english to kids; through games, group dynamics, sports, creative activities, etc. After your teaching sessions, you will become a regular camp support staff.
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As a Counselor, you will be in charge of a group (6-8) of children / youth. Making sure they are safe, having fun, integrating to camp life, performing their chores, and over all, motivating them to have a great summer time in the outdoors.
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As an Adventure Guide you will either assist in the High Ropes Course or run projects like Kayak, Canoeing, Survival
Do I Need To Sign A Contract?
- Prior to departure, you will sign a Memorandum of Understanding.
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During the on-site training session, any final contract particulars can be discussed with CE coordinators and senior staff.
Do I Need A Work Permit?
No.
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Your participation in the program is structured under European laws as an Internship exempted from paying any sort of taxes. -
The money you receive is mostly intended to help you recover your transportation expenses.
How Old Are The Other Counselors And Where Do They Come From?
Counselors are generally between 19 and 35 years old. Conforming mixed age groups where tolerance and respect for diversity is found and is expected at all times during training as well as in our camp groups.
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Germany -
Ireland -
England -
Canada -
USA -
Australia -
New Zealand -
France -
Egypt -
Spain -
Mexico -
South Africa -
South America -
India
Do I Get Any Time Off During My Placement?
- Every 2 weeks, you get one night off (from dinner time and until breakfast time the next morning).
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Also, every camp session starts on a Sunday evening and it ends the following Saturday morning. So, between Saturday noon (after clean up) you have time to go out and relax, either on your own or with the rest of the camp’s staff crew.
Do I Have To Be Able To Speak The Hosting Country’s Language?
No, but be prepared to get immersed in the local language, and be open to the idea of exploring the culture, the food and traditions of a foreign nation.
Do Camps Provide Alternative Meals?
There is always a vegetarian meal option at all camps.
Do I Need A Visa?
Depends.
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For all participants in the 6-Month Outdoor Education Diploma program: -
Yes, you need to obtain a working holiday visa.
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For all other programs: -
Citizens from the EU, Canada, USA, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia, you do not need any Visa. -
Citizens from th rest of the world will need to obtain a regular Tourist Schengen Visa. -
In this case, upon receiving a Preliminary Placement Offer, you will also receive a Format Letter directed to the German consulate of your country, in order for you to include it in the list of documents that are required. -
Please note that this letter does not guarantee you will obtain the visa, as it is not Camp Europe's decision.
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Why Do I Need To Pay To Get A Volunteer Placement?
We do not offer any sort of jobs.
We are an International Placement Partnership Organization.
We offer International Placement Opportunities> Summer Staff - Internship - Diplomas.
About the 2 deposits you must submit to Camp Europe:
Pre-Interview Deposit
This is required prior to the interview. It is refunded to all those to whom Camp Europe is unable to oofer a placement. This same money acts as the Administrative fee for all those who get accepted in the program.
Confirmation Deposit
This is required to ensure participants are committed and will show up on time to the training session. It is refunded after certain amount of time, according to each program.
By receiving the confirmation deposit, Camp Europe can cover with certainity many different expenses incurred on, by offering a full service package, which includes:
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Full Room & Board
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All Program’s Materials,
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Airport Shuttle
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Transportation to Hosting Camps,
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T-Shirt,
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Plus, all required Administrative Costs.
In return , you get:
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4 different exhaustive training sessions that will develop and enhance your personal, physical and teaching skills, such as:
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International Camp Counselor Training.
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Bronze Cross Lifeguard Training
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A life-time experience
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Plus: your Confirmation Deposit back, upon completing the 4th week of placement.
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And a weekly stipend of 75 and up to 250 euros/week from the 5th week of placement onwards.
Are There Any Additional Expenses I Should Be Prepared For?
Depending on your plans, but basically:
- Your plane ticket,
- Any hostels you might need to stay at, and all meals while you are not at camp / training,
- Any other required transportation,
- Souvenirs & any personals.