At Scout Activity Centres we know that our most important asset is our staff. These are the people that will work with you to make your trip a success. They are also the reason that so many of our customers come back again and again to our centres.

Not only do you have the satisfaction of knowing that, by booking your outdoor experience with Scout Activity Centres, you are helping to support one of the UK’s largest and most well known charities. Everything we do is guided by our 100-year ethos of quality and service.

Our dedicated team will work with you to support your trip and help it run smoothly from the moment you begin planning to your time on site and beyond. We do the hard work so you can relax and enjoy your visit. Want something different or have particular objectives but are not sure where to start? We are always happy to offer advice and ideas.

Our fully qualified and trained instructors are experienced at working with a range of groups and ages at our centres – from five years old to 50 plus. They are skilled at tailoring each activity to a group’s particular abilities and skill levels, and will ensure that everyone in your group is engaged and involved.

Interesting in joining the Scout Activity Centres team? We have a range of opportunities available to all. Whether you are looking to get involved in your spare time as a volunteer or you are looking for a full time career in the outdoor industry.

Volunteer opportunities
The Scout Association relies upon the help and dedication of volunteers, whether that’s helping at a local group or getting involved at County level. Did you also know though that you can volunteer at one of our Scout Activity Centres?

We welcome a range of volunteers to our sites from all over the UK and abroad, of all ages and backgrounds. Although volunteers with specific skills such as carpentry are always required, the main skills we ask for are simply a willingness to learn and join in.

Opportunities are varied and there’s something to suit everyone, whatever your experience. Those handy with a hammer or trowel could find themselves helping with the maintenance of our buildings or grounds. Or if you particularly enjoy meeting people, why not consider helping out in one of our shops, receptions, at one of our events or even instructing activities?
Worried about how you’ll find time to get involved? Opportunities range from just a weekend on site helping to support an event to longer term placements lasting from three months to a whole year.

Volunteering is not just a one way street. By helping out at one of our centres you will of course receive full training. You can gain valuable experience and even external qualifications that can help in both looking for work and progressing your career. A sense of fun and achievement is also included.

Long-term full-time volunteer opportunities
These roles are often taken by international volunteers, both with and without a Scouting background. We frequently take on those wishing to take a gap year abroad with a difference. Our volunteers have come from across the globe including, Australia, Korea, Ecuador and Russia. All we ask is that you have a passion for working outdoors.

We will provide food and accommodation in a shared unit and the chance to train across a wide range of adventurous activities. You’ll also have the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications.

We aim to recruit longer term volunteers (three months +) to start on specific dates through the year. This is to ensure that you can attend our intensive training weeks designed to give you the best preparation for working on our centres.

Current and past volunteers:
'I think this experience is very rewarding and allows you to become independent over a short period of time. Overall it is a great place to be.' Richard (Australia) – Gap year student, Summer 2007.

'The best thing I’ve received from Gilwell Park are friends! Through the hard work and lots of fun together, now we are all good friends for our entire lives.' Nuri (Korea) – Scout volunteer, Summer 2007.

'All I had to do was take six short months out of my life, but I will remember it forever. I got everything I need here, a challenging job, friends from around the world and a beautiful working environment.' Bence (Hungary) - Scout volunteer, Summer 2008.

Vacancies
We employ staff in a number of roles across our centres. These could include instructing staff working directly with groups on activities, to guest service co-ordinators helping people to book and plan their visits with us, centre managers and more.

Many of our staff are from a Scouting background, but this is by no means essential. What we do look for is enthusiasm and a passion for outdoor adventure.
Details of these positions, as well as other vacancies within The Scout Association, can be found at www.scouts.org.uk/jobs