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FAQ's

Work for Us - FAQs

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Below are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about the application process and working on camp. 

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Application & Recruitment Process

How old do you need to be to work on camp?

As most of our roles involve unsupervised work with children, candidates must be over 18 to work on camp. Exceptions are made for the following roles: Lifeguards can work from 16 in a supervised capacity but will not be counted in ratios. Early Years Instructors can work in a supervised capacity from 17 years and will be counted in ratios. Early Years Instructors should ideally have a minimum Level 2 qualification in Early Years/Childcare. Staff members under 18 may work different hours than older staff and will be paid a pro-rata amount accordingly. 

Do I need experience to work on camp?

Yes! All our staff need to have some experience in working or volunteering with children. The level of experience required will depend on the role for which you are applying, with senior or specialist roles requiring additional expertise and/or qualifications.

Be sure to read our JOB DESCRIPTIONS thoroughly to determine the role that’s right for you.

I live abroad. Can I still apply?

We welcome all applications to work with us during every season we run, but in order to move forward with your application we need proof of your right to work in the UK. We are able to offer work to candidates who already hold work visas, UK ancestry visas, pre-settlements, settlements, and student visas that allow a number of working hours outside of term time.

We will need a sharecode for your right to work. This can be done by going onto the government website https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status

If you apply to work with us, you need to make sure you can commute every day to work, by finding suitable accommodation. At the moment, Ultimate Activity Camps are unable to provide accommodation

Also, we are only able to offer accommodation on our Ultimate Survival programme (camping at or near the venue). Therefore, you will need to arrange your own accommodation if you are relocating to work with Ultimate Activity Camps.

Do I have to work the whole season?

Normally we offer flexible part-season roles that can fit around your own availability. However, minimising mixing children and staff between groups does mean there is less flexibility with part-season roles and days off during October half-term. We want to keep the staff team as consistent as possible so please keep this in mind when you apply.

Do I have to commit to working all seasons during the year?

No, not at all! Just make it clear on your application what holidays you are applying for. We have opportunities during the Summer, and Half Term holidays (camp dependent) so there are opportunities throughout the year. We are sure you will love working for Ultimate Activity and will end up working all the holidays you can anyway! To find out when your nearest camp is running this year, check out our LOCATIONS information page.

Do I need a DBS check?

You do not need to already have a DBS check before you apply to work with us. But if you do have one, it is useful to have the information to hand during your interview, as you will be asked to provide the details!

But please be aware all staff are required to have a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure suitable for working with children before they start work with us. If necessary, we can arrange this on your behalf.

Please note, staff must pay for the full cost of their DBS check.

Staff who have lived abroad for more than 3 months at a time will also be subject to overseas police checks and we will support you through the process. 

What background checks are involved?

The Ultimate Activity Company understands its responsibility regarding safeguarding, child protection, and the suitability of staff. We take the recruitment, selection and training of staff very seriously, ensuring that all staff are suitable to carry out the roles required of them in line with safer recruitment guidelines. This includes ensuring all staff are subject to relevant DBS Disclosure checks, identity checks, web search, employment history and reference checks, and international criminal record checks where required.

Sounds a bit daunting? We will help guide you through the process – don’t worry!

I've submitted an application. When should I receive a response?

We aim to reply to all our applicants within two weeks of receiving their application, regardless of the season for which you have applied. We will always keep you up to date with the progress of your application.

If we feel you have the right qualifications and experience a member of our recruitment team will be in contact to arrange a video interview.

If we feel you do not match what we are looking for, we will inform you by email that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. Due to the number of applications we receive, we are unable to give individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates.

When should I receive a response following my video interview?

If you are successful after your interview, we will either be able to offer you a position (subject to passing relevant training and vetting requirements), or you will be placed on our reserve list until a suitable role is found for you (which happens in 99% of cases!). We will contact you within one week of your interview with the outcome.

I have been placed on a reserve list, what does this mean?

If we are unable to offer you a confirmed position (i.e. set dates working on camp), we may ask to place you on our reserve list. This means that you are invited to our Central Training & Assessment Days ensuring you are camp ready as soon as a role becomes available! As we continue to take bookings and our camps get busier, or if another member of staff drops out or is ill, we will be able to offer you work.

Whilst there is no guarantee of employment, if the past seasons have proved anything it is that we rely on our reserves and so a strong attendance at training will ensure you are at the front of the queue when work becomes available! If you do not wish to be on the reserve list, just let us know.

I have been offered a role, what next?

The employment and vetting process can seem a little daunting at first, but don’t panic! We have put down a simple step by step guide to the process. If you have any questions or queries, then our Recruitment Team will be on hand to answer any questions.

Company Information: Read any key documents, policies and procedures relevant to your role.

New Starter Details: Check your personal information is up to date, complete your emergency contact information and request your uniform size.

Right to Work: Upload evidence of your right to work in the UK.

DBS: Upload a copy of your original DBS certificate.

Key Qualifications: Upload copies of qualifications relevant to your role – e.g. coaching, first aid, teaching or childcare qualifications.

Pay Information: Complete your pay and tax information.

Training: Make sure you understand the full training requirements for your role. We have online and face-to-face components.

References: Upload at least two professional references. These can be academic or relating to employment.

Contract: Once you have completed your onboarding, you will be able to digitally sign your Contract of Employment. Please refer to this document for information regarding your statutory rights, expectations and requirements of your role, details of pay days and more.

 

And don’t forget to follow us on social media! Check our Instagram and Facebook pages.

Do I have to reapply in the future if I want to work again?

We love that so many of our staff choose to return to camp for multiple seasons! It is great to have a good mix of returning and new staff on camp, and so a good performance on camp will certainly ensure there is plenty of future work available to you if you wish to come back season after season.

It’s really easy to reapply for seasons – head to our careers page, log in and reapply to your preferred role and location. Your application will auto-fill with your details so just make sure your availability is up to date!

Each season that you work is a new term of employment with Ultimate Activity. Therefore, if you are appointed for multiple seasons you will receive new employment paperwork each time you work. This helps to ensure your suitability to work with children remains up to date as you will be subject to the same background checks (such as a valid DBS status) each time you work. 

 

Who can be my references?

Your professional reference must be from a company email address, not a personal email account. 

Your personal reference can be from a friend or colleague, but please note it cannot be from a member of your family.

reference, references

Training & Assessment

What training do I need to complete before working on camp?

Our staff training varies depending on what programme you have applied for, but most programmes involve and combination an online competency test and face-to-face training. Your Recruiter will explain the training procedures in full detail during your video interview.

Staff attend face to face Instructor Central Training & Assessment Event held at a central location if the following applies:

  • They are new to Ultimate and have not attended training previously.
  • They are a Returning Staff Member but have not attended Central Training previously.
  • They are a Returning staff who has previously attended training but has not worked for 2 or more years.

When is my Central Training & Assessment Day - Ultimate Activity?

We host central training and assessments days per programme and season. 

2024 DATES

When is my Central Training & Assessment Day - Ultimate Survival?

We host central training and assessments days per programme and season. 

2024 DATES

When is my Central Training & Assessment Day - Ultimate Tech?

We host central training and assessments days per programme and season. 

2024 DATES

What is a Camp Induction and when is it?

Image removed.Camp Induction Day is the final part of training and takes place at your camp usually the weekend before camp opens. It is a chance for you to meet your colleagues, get familiar with the site and most importantly, get ready for the children! All our staff are required to attend a Camp Induction prior to each season they work. Staff are paid for their attendance at a Camp Induction Day.

  • Ultimate Survival Induction lasts for 6 hours.
  • Ultimate Activity Camps Induction lasts for 3-4 hours.

You will be sent the exact dates and times with your employment paperwork.

How often do I need to retrain?

Your Central Training & Assessment attendance covers you for 2 years of working on camp. However please note, if you take on a new role you will be asked to attend any additional training days relevant to your new role. For example, if you move from being an Instructor, to a Manager, you will need to attend a relevant manager training day. Equally we reserve the right to ask any staff members to re-attend a Central Training & Assessment day if we feel their performance on camp would be improved in attending.

Do you offer any additional training or professional development?

For those wishing to gain additional qualifications we offer heavily subsidised first aid courses for our staff. This is a great way to add to your CV and it will put you first in line to be offered guaranteed work for future seasons. We offer the following courses:

  • Outdoor Pursuits First Aid 16 hour: Suitable for Ultimate Survival Staff

  • Paediatric First Aid 12 hour (Ofsted compliant): Suitable for Ultimate Activity and Ultimate Survival staff.

Our in house courses are free to all staff members!

If you have been asked to attend an external course Ultimate Activity will pay for the course upfront and then the cost of £30 will be deducted from your wages.

When are your first aid courses?

Our first aid courses are delivered in a COVID-secure manner by a qualified and experienced member of our Operations Team, in partnership with Pro Trainings. The dates and locations of our internal first aid courses are:

12 Hour Blended Paediatric First Aid*:

  • 2024 Easter and Summer First Aid Courses are to be confirmed.

Outdoor Pursuits First Aid 16 Hour:

  • 2024 dates TBC

 

If you cannot attend any of the courses, we offer then we can consider booking you on to a more local course to you run by an external company, for which we are happy to subsidise.

So, if you are appointed for a role with us, and want to complete a relevant first aid course, then let your Recruitment Coordinator know asap so we can support you through the process!

* Please note that our 12 Hour Blended Paediatric first aid course consists of two parts: 6 hours online preparation, and 6 hours face to face training on the above dates. The 6 hours online preparation MUST be completed before you attend the face to face training in order for you to obtain the qualification.

Working on Ultimate Activity Camps

What are the working hours?

Our camps are open to accept children from 8am – 6pm.

Therefore, Camp Managers, Early Years Managers and at least one first aid qualified staff member will work 8am – 6pm..

All other staff typically work 8.30am – 5.30pm, which is when most of the children are present on camp, but busier camps may require more staff on the longer hours.

All staff receive a 30-minute unpaid lunch break which will be timetabled by the Manager.

Our camps are open Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays.

How big are the group sizes?

The ratios for our groups, per instructor, are usually as follows:

  • 4 & 5 year olds 1:8 (often 2 staff members will work together in a group of up to 16 children)
  • 6 & 7 year olds 1:14
  • Over 8 year olds 1:16

Are your camps residential?

Ultimate Activity Camps are day camps so therefore we do not offer accommodation and staff must commute daily. With over 30 locations nationwide there is sure to be a site near you so click on our LOCATIONS to find a camp near you

What will I be doing during a day on camp?

Our days are action packed!

8am - 9:30am During a typical day children start arriving from 8am, so Instructors will be delivering some small ice breaker games to help welcome children to camp.

9:30am Camp Managers and Early Years Leaders will lead their morning welcome to introduce the staff, camp rules and expectations and get children excited for their day of activities.

9:40am Activities begin! There will be two 50-minute activities back-to-back, followed by a 20-minute break to give the children an opportunity for a quick snack, and one more 50-minute activity.

12:30pm - 1:30pm Lunch time. Staff will be assigned a half an hour lunch break. The first half an hour will be spent supervising the children and helping keep the lunch hall tidy. From 1pm, the Instructors will start to deliver some small, controlled games until activities begin in the afternoon.

1:30pm Afternoon activities resume, with a 20-minute break between the 5th and 6th activity.

4:30pm Activities finish! Parents will start arriving to collect their children, but Instructors will keep the children occupied with more small 5-minute games until it's time to get picked up.

5:15pm Most of the children will have been picked up, except for those on Extended Day Pass. Time to start tidying and resetting camp ready for the next day.

6pm Camp closes! Hopefully you are excited to return for another busy day tomorrow.

 

Is there a uniform?

Yes! New staff will be given 2 company branded t-shirts and 1 hoody before starting work. This first complete uniform set is provided free of charge to all employed staff, but additional uniforms in future seasons can be purchased at additional cost. Staff will need to provide their own tracksuit bottoms/shorts/leggings and trainers in a dark colour and whistle.

What should I bring to camp?

Enthusiasm, a sense of humour, and commitment to inspiring children! That is the best place to start! You should also wear your UAC uniform (provided) along with dark coloured shorts/tracksuit bottoms/leggings. Bring lunch and snacks as you may not have time to leave camp to visit shops during your lunch break. If swimming is offered at your location then it is a good idea to bring swimwear every day, towel and spare clothes in case you end up going in the swimming pool. You will also need to bring your own whistle and a watch. 

Personal mobile phones are not permitted on camp, but these can be safely left in the staff room until you have finished work.

Working on Ultimate Survival Camps

What are the working hours?

Working hours on camp are 8am - 6pm, with a 30-minute lunch break. Staff working hours will be extended during our Thursday night camp outs. Each of our camps are open Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holidays.

How big are your group sizes?

The ratios for our groups per instructor are 1:12. The age range for Ultimate Survival is 7 to 14 years and groups are arranged by ability and age.

Are your camps residential?

The children attend camp during the day only, on Thursday we have our campfire cook outs where children have the option to stay later (21:00) but not overnight.

For staff, Ultimate Survival offer on-site camping accommodation across some of our locations at no cost, so you can apply to all our location no matter where you live!-  please note we do not provide any  camping equipment or catering. 

We provide the Thursday evening meals for those children who Book to stay for the Camp fire Cook out.

 

What do I need to bring on camp?

 

Enthusiasm, passion, and commitment to inspiring children in the outdoors is a great start!

If you will be camping at one of our sites, we also recommend bringing the following to bring with you:

  • Tent
  • Sleeping bag
  • Roll mat
  • Pillow
  • Wash kit
  • Towel
  • Boots
  • Torch
  • Water proof jacket & trousers
  • Warm clothes
  • Spare clothes
  • Food-we do not offer any catering
  • Battery pack for phone/ tablets.


NB. These are the essentials items. You are more than welcome to bring additional items to make your stay more comfortable! Laundry facilities may not be available.

 

Is there a uniform?

Yes! New staff will be given two company branded t-shirts and one jumper before starting work. This first complete uniform set is provided free of charge to all employed staff, but additional uniforms in future seasons can be purchased at additional cost.

Staff will need to provide their own outdoor appropriate clothing including trousers, jackets and boots.

What does a typical day entail?

 

Camps are open from 8am until 6pm (except on Thursdays when children are invited to stay for the evening Campfire and meal!).

The children are split into groups based on ability and age and led through a timetabled day of activities. Staff will be assigned to the groups and activities that best suit their skills and expertise.

The general structure of a day on camp is:

DROP OFF 8am to 9.30am - The children will arrive from camp from 8am onwards. During this time staff will lead structured play time, leading activities focusing on fun and participation. Staff are encouraged to use ice-breaker activities to help the children settle into their surroundings and make new friends.

MORNING WELCOME & REGISTRATION: 9.30am to 9.40am - Staff will welcome the children to camp and complete a full register for all groups on camp.

ACTIVITY 1

MORNING BREAK - Staff supervise children whilst they are on their break.

ACTIVITY 2

LUNCH 12:30pm to 1:30pm - During the children’s lunch break, the staff will take their own 30-minute lunch break according to the rota. The children’s break is split into two parts: The first 30mins are for eating their packed lunch, with staff supervision. In the second 30 minutes the staff will deliver fun play activities encouraging structure, fun, and participation.

ACTIVITY 3

AFTERNOON BREAK - Staff supervise children whilst they are on their break.

ACTIVITY 4

END OF DAY WRAP UP 4.20pm to 4.30pm - Staff will say goodbye to the children before pick up begins.

PICK UP 4.30pm to 6pm - The children will be picked up from 4.30pm before camp closes at 6pm. During this time staff will lead structured play time, leading activities focusing on fun and participation.

Campfire cook out- on a Thursday the Children are able to be booked to stay  for  a campfire meal and activities, the evening meal is prepared by  the Course leader and the campfire and activities lead by the instructors. Final pick up is 8:30-9:00pm

 

In 2022 we are running two different course programmes as part of Ultimate Survival. For more information about the courses and for example timetables, check out the following links:

Working on Ultimate Tech Camps

How will I be trained?

If you have an interest in IT, tech or coding, then we will fully train you from zero to hero through a 2 day online training course.

What are the working hours?

Camp is open between 8am and 6pm, but our Ultimate Tech staff work from 8:30am until 5:30pm, except for Mondays when staff start at 8am.

If you hold a paediatric first aid qualification you may be offered the opportunity for longer hours, usually 8am to 6pm.

How big are the group sizes?

Our Ultimate Tech Camps consist of one group of 14 children.

Are your camps residential?

Ultimate Tech Camps are day camps so therefore we do not offer accommodation and staff must commute daily.

What does a typical day entail?

8:30 - 9:30am During a typical day children start arriving from 8am, so Instructors will be delivering some small ice breaker games to help welcome children to camp.

9:30am Ultimate Tech Leaders will lead the morning welcome to introduce the staff, camp rules and expectations and get children excited for their day of activities.

9:40am Activities begin! Children will get stuck into their first activity, from building Micro:bit and arcade games to website and programming, until 11:20am, when they will have a quick 20-minute break to give the children an opportunity for a quick snack, followed by one more 50-minute activity.

12:30pm - 1:30pm Lunch time. Staff will be assigned a half an hour lunch break. The first half an hour will be spent supervising the children and helping keep the lunch hall tidy. From 1pm, the children can head outside or back to their computers for some quick games or to continue what they've been working on in the morning.

1:30pm Afternoon activities resume, with a 20-minute break at 3:10pm.

4:30pm Activities finish! Parents will start arriving to collect their children, but Instructors will keep the children occupied with more small 5-minute games until it's time to get picked up.

5:15pm Most of the children will have been picked up, except for those on Extended Day Pass. Time to start tidying and resetting camp ready for the next day.

6pm Camp closes! Hopefully you are excited to return for another busy day tomorrow.

Is there a uniform?

Yes! New staff will be given two company branded t-shirts and one jumper before starting work. This first complete uniform set is provided free of charge to all employed staff, but additional uniforms in future seasons can be purchased at additional cost. Staff will need to provide their own tracksuit bottoms/shorts/leggings and trainers in a dark colour and whistle.

What should I bring to camp?

Enthusiasm, a sense of humour, and commitment to inspiring children - that's the best place to start! You should also wear your UTech uniform (provided) along with dark coloured shorts/tracksuit bottoms/leggings.

Bring lunch and snacks as you may not have time to leave camp to visit shops during your lunch break.You will also need to bring your own whistle and a watch. 

Personal mobile phones are not permitted on camp, but these can be safely left in the staff room until you have finished work.

Working on Ultimate Residential Camp

What are the Residential Working Hours?

Residential Staff will work intermittently throughout the day. Shifts are assigned weekly, with activities running between 7.30am and 9.30pm daily, 6 days a week. Weekly hours may vary and some overnight duties are required.

hours, residential

What are the Residential Activity Instructor Working Hours?

Working hours on camp are 9am - 6pm, with a 30-minute lunch break. The Residential camp is open Sunday to Saturday with Activity Instructors working Monday to Friday..

hours, residential

How big are the Residential group sizes

The ratios for our groups per instructor are 1:16 during activities. The age range for Ultimate Summer Residential is 8 to 12 years and groups are arranged by ability and age.

group sizes, ratios, residential

What should I bring to Camp as an Residential Staff member?

Enthusiasm, passion, and commitment to caring for children whilst staying at Ultimate Summer Residential is a great start!

Whilst staying on-site at Ultimate Summer Residential, we recommend bringing the following to bring with you:

-    Ultimate Residential uniform (provided) along with dark coloured shorts/tracksuit bottoms/leggings.
-    Toiletries
-    Bath Towel
-    Water proof jacket & Shoes
-    Slippers or Sliders (Shoes are not permitted within the boarding house)
-    Spare clothes for whilst off duty

These are some of the essentials items. You are more than welcome to bring additional items to make your stay more comfortable! Laundry facilities will be available.
Personal mobile phones are not permitted on camp, but these can be safely left in the staff room or personal dorm room at the boarding house until you have finished working.

Bring to camp, residential

What does a typical day entail for both Residential staff & Activity Instructors?

Children will arrive to Ultimate Summer Residential on a Sunday between 16:00 to 17:30 and are then collected the following Saturday between 09:30 to 10:30. 
 

  • Rise & Shine: 7:30 – 9:30 – Residential staff will wake up the children at the boarding House and get them ready for the day. Around 8:30, all children will head for breakfast with a camp gathering.
  • Activity 1: 
  • SNACK TIME: 11:00 – 11:20
  • Activity 2: 
  • Lunch, at the Adventure Playground: 12:30 – 13:30 
  • Activity 3: 
  • Hang out Hub, with freshly baked snacks: 15:00 – 15:20 
  • Activity 4: 
  • ‘Mad About’ Choice (4 different activities to choose from: Sport, Tech, Create, Social): 
  • Dorm Time, with the option to phone home
  • Dinner, and achievement awards: 18:15 – 19:00 
  • Evening Celebrate Activity!!!! 
  • BEDTIME: 20:30 – 21:30 – Residential Staff with lead the children to bed and Lights out by 21:30.
day, residential

Working on Ultimate Sports Academies

What are the working hours?

Our Ultimate Sports Academy coaching staff work from 8:30am until 4:30pm.

How big are the group sizes?

The children are split initially by age, at which point the Lead Coach can choose to further split the children by ability if group sizes will allow. We aim for a ratio of 1 coach to every 12 children.

Are your academies residential?

Ultimate Sports Academies are day camps so therefore we do not offer accommodation and staff must commute daily.

What does a typical day entail?

Our days are action packed!

8:30am - 9:30am Children get signed in by the Lead Coach and the other coaches deliver sports-based ice breaker games and activities.

9:30am Lead Coaches lead the morning welcome to introduce the staff, academy rules and expectations. The children then get warmed up all together.

9:45am Children are split into groups and coaches deliver the first sports sessions of the day, with a small break at 10:30am.

12:30pm - 1pm Lunch time!

1pm Coaching sessions continue, with an afternoon break at 2:30pm.

2:40pm - 3:20pm The children get to incoorporate the skills they've learnt in match play or competition settings. 

3:20pm The children come back together as a gorup for a warm down. Parents will start arriving to collect their children, but coaches will keep the children occupied with more small games until it's time to get picked up.

4:30pm The academy closes! Hopefully you are excited to return for another busy day tomorrow.

Is there a uniform?

Yes! New staff will be given two company branded t-shirts and one jumper before starting work. This first complete uniform set is provided free of charge to all employed staff, but additional uniforms in future seasons can be purchased at additional cost. Staff will need to provide their own tracksuit bottoms/shorts/leggings and trainers in a dark colour and whistle.

What should I bring to the academy?

Enthusiasm, a sense of humour, and commitment to inspiring children - that's the best place to start! You should also wear your Ultimate Sports Academies uniform (provided) along with dark coloured shorts/tracksuit bottoms/leggings.

Bring lunch and snacks as you may not have time to leave camp to visit shops during your lunch break.You will also need to bring your own whistle and a watch. 

Personal mobile phones are not permitted on the academy, but these can be safely left in your bag until you have finished work.

We provide all coaching resurces and equipment, but feel free to bring your own if you wish, although we will not be liable for any loss or damage.

Getting Paid

When will I be paid?

Work in our seasons will be paid within 10 working days of the season-ending.

October half-term payday: 11th of November

You can find your pay dates for each season within your contract.

Pay dates are confirmed in your offer paperwork each season.

How do I submit my pay information?

You will be provided with instructions for submitting your pay information with your offer paperwork. You need to provide the relevant bank details and tax information each season that you work at least 10 working days before your scheduled pay day.

Wages are paid via BACS payment and must be paid into a UK account.

What is holiday pay?

Due to the short-term nature of the contract, our staff do not accrue holiday entitlement in the form of days off. Instead, holiday pay is added to your basic pay at a rate of 12.07%.

Still Got Questions?

Contact us via work@ultimateactivity.co.uk or call 01865 582949 to speak to a member of our Recruitment Team who will be happy to help.

Further Info

Please read the following information sheets for more information: