Working in an office environment does not suit all of us, so if you would like to make the great outdoors your place of work, and you would like to earn a wage by teaching people how to take part in a wide range of land and water based outdoor pursuits, then you need to find out who is recruiting. You also need to know about their reputation and how they treat their staff. The companies below have worked with us for a number of years and we have got to know them very well. We would not hesitate to recommend any of the following if you are considering a career in the adventure industry. To find out about them, and their current course and job opportunities, please click on any of the links below.
UKSA
We don't just offer certification and training, as a youth maritime charity, we can offer that something extra. We really look after our young people. Our careers students benefit from mentoring, access to our careers network, realistic careers advice and help with CVs. We have a fantastic fleet, a
Bray Lake Watersports is a long standing water sports centre priding ourselves on high quality teaching alongside a club atmosphere with regular members and club sessions. We offer dinghy sailing, windsurfing, paddle sports, winging, foiling and open water swimming.
We have an onsite retail shop
Lots of activity centres are just about having fun. While this is an important part of learning, we like to make the most of the educational and personal benefits of outdoor pursuits by maximising the experience for every child who stays with us.
We invest our profits back into the training of ou
Delphi Resort is located in the heart of the scenically breath-taking Delphi Valley, near Leenane, Connemara, Co. Galway. It has everything the outdoor enthusiast is looking for in a workplace nestled between spectacular mountains to climb and with stunning beaches at your doorstep.
Instructors c
Buzz Active is a non-profit organisation, run by East Sussex County Council. Our vision is to provide access to outdoor activities to all, in stunning locations in East Sussex. We run nationally accredited courses, taught by qualified instructors, for individuals, groups and families, for children f
We invest heavily in our team's training and personal development. Feedback from our guests proves that this sets us apart from our competitors.
Each one of our instructors has a real passion for the outdoors and they strive to instil this enthusiasm in the groups that come to us.
As a Christ
At OutdoorJAC we know what it takes to work in the outdoor adventure so we can offer great advice that will put you ahead of the competition. We work hard every day to find out first about new job vacancies and updated training courses so that we can keep you informed about what is available when c
Our signature is being on the beautiful beach on a coastal location that is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Exmouth camp is in lovely grounds not far from the beach. Exmouth beach is a mile of golden sand and Orcombe point where we teach is very safe and the children really en
EA training programs are the gateway into the competitive outdoor industry. Build a career and travel the world doing what you love. EA students are guaranteed a paid job offer.
At Portland, Instructors can expect to really use their awards while developing skills and experience. A normal week will involve Coasteering at Portland Bill, running Climbing sessions at one of our numerous local venues and delivering a selection of Water-sports from Portland Harbour. Portland Out
We bring adventure to the city. The venues we operate from are iconic and the views from our sites are totally unique. Our aerial adventures offer a stand out combination of adrenalin and city sightseeing.
The Great Escape offers physically and mentally challenging roles out in the fresh air like no other - both fun and rewarding. There's a great sense of camaraderie and connectedness within the team. We feel strongly about living life more adventurously and encouraging and helping others to do so t
South West Lakes Trust provides a perfect setting for a great day out, be it for a stroll, to play, nature watch or enjoy adventurous activities such as stand up paddle boarding, kayaking or sailing.
A job with Fit For Sport is ideal for anyone looking for active, exciting employment, in an enjoyable and rewarding setting, whether you are wishing to start or further your childcare, sports, or outdoor industry career, or maybe you simply want to work with like-minded people in a supportive enviro
JCA
To help grow our reputation as a leading provider of high quality residential activity holidays, at JCA we recognise that our centre staff and instructors are among the most vital parts of our business. As an activity instructor you have daily contact with our guests and it is your dedication and e
Avon Tyrrell
We believe in creating memories that last a lifetime.
Our staff are dedicated to providing a high quality, friendly and personable service.
Our skilled team of activity instructors play a large role in the success of the centre, supporting and encouraging individuals to realise their potentia
The Bushcraft Company
Our staff work together becoming part of a close-knit team, always working towards a shard goal: to make our school trips unforgettable.
Working across several UK woodland activity camps, from Yorkshire to Kent, our outdoor jobs are all about a love of adventure, education, fun and of course the g
Kingswood
Stubbers Adventure Centre
Stubbers has the widest range of activities in the South East including High ropes towers, Archery combat, Banana boating, Stand Up Paddle boarding and All Terrain Boarding. We are renowned for providing excellent customer service through a friendly, engaging and professional team who challenge the
Voyager
Voyager's commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our groups is second to none. Safety is always our number one priority and we never compromise on it.
Our tried-and-tested procedures backed up by both internal and external auditing, epitomise industry best practice.
Xplore The World
For more than 30 years Xplore has offered activity camps across the UK for children and young adults. Our centres are all in stunning countryside locations across the UK and the working environment is friendly and professional with accommodation on site.
Plas Menai
Plas Menai has been inspiring people for over 35 years and is recognised as a centre of excellence in the development of outdoor professionals that go on to work all over the world.
Our unrivalled reputation, superb facilities, extensive resources and stunning location make Plas Menai the number
Girlguiding
We build girls' confidence and raise their aspirations. We give them the chance to discover their full potential and encourage them to be a powerful force for good.
In 2 Action
The standard of training and activity provision delivered by In2action is held in very high regard within the travel and leisure industry. Many of the leading companies such as Center Parcs, Hoseasons and First Choice work with In2action to improve their delivery and create brochure highlights.
W
Rockley Watersports
Rockley has always put people first, be that any of our thousands of customers or any of our team. What sets Rockley apart is always the fantastic team who go the extra mile for our customers, which is why our customers return year after year and so do our staff.
Acorn Adventure
We believe in getting back to basics and using the real, natural environment for our activity sessions, including lakes, mountains, rivers, beaches, crags and caves.
Over 35 years, we have built up an excellent reputation for safety and delivering quality activity programmes and now have 11 accre
Wildpacks
No registration fees and higher salaries (allowing applicants have some decent spending money for after camp, rather than an age based pocket money scheme you'll find elsewhere) make Wild Packs stand out from the crowd!
Most importantly Wild Packs allow you to have choice and input into what type
Robinwood
At Robinwood we are very proud of our staff, we listen to them and value their ideas, and they have made a huge difference to both the children we work with and the growth of the company.
We are proud to have been listed in the 'Sunday Times Top 100 Best Companies to Work for' for the last six ye
Camp America
Established in 1969, we’re the biggest international summer camp staff provider recruiting thousands of young people each year to work on hundreds of amazing summer camps all across the USA.
Our programme fee of £599 includes return flights to the USA, medical insurance, nine weeks food and ac
CMC Adventure
We are located in an idyllic position with the Rhinog Mountain Range behind us and Llandanwg Beach in front of us. One of our centres is located on the Artro Estuary and therefore we have immediate access to the water for water sports, and or other centre, Bryn-y-Moel, just 3/4 of a mile up the hil
Camp Leaders
Camp Leaders provides flexible pricing and higher placement opportunities, securing you a job at one of the best camps in America with cost-effective payment options tailored to suit you. Not only that, we work hard to go above and beyond in everything we do.
Essex Outdoors
Essex Outdoors is an outdoor education provider and part of Essex County Council. We are made up of four centres that all offer a different and exciting experience.
Bradwell
Our coastal sailing and powerboat centre. A season here could see you out on the water, leading sessions on the beach or
Club Correze
CLUB CORREZE offers a warm and reassuringly safe environment for the development of each child's social skills. Fellowship and teamship are developed and encouraged between the children and their group and activity leaders.
* Travelling to a new destination
* Exposure to a different culture
Blackwell Adventure
We are a friendly outdoor centre who operate for the sole purpose of giving young people an outdoor adventurous experience. We are a charity and therefore our goal is not money but to give young people experiences that last forever. We offer accommodation free of charge and give all our staff access
Whitehough Outdoor Education Centre
Whitehough Outdoor Centre is nestled in the beautiful Pendle Countryside, a stones throw from Pendle Hill. We are operated by Burnley FC in the Community, meaning a variety of groups use the site, from veterans to Primary School groups, to corporate away days.
Devon Windsurf & Canoe Centre
Perfect venue for beginners as non tidal, no currents, light winds and always flat water. Best venue in the South West for beginners.
Ultimate Survival
We are all about authentic outdoor learning experiences, not the conveyor-belt industrial outdoor education you find at some establishments. Children have the option to visit us for a full week or just a single day getting involved in a fully immersive narratives to really get the most out of the ex
Mark Warner Summer
With over 40 years’ experience we have grown into one of the most highly regarded independent travel companies in the UK. We have received numerous accolades and are very proud to have recently been voted ‘Best Family Tour Operator, Best Activity & Adventure Operator, Best All Inclusive Operator
Allnatt Outdoors
Over 90 years of industry experience. Allnatt founded the first ever School Journey Centre back in 1924.
We are holders of the Learning Outside the Classroom and Adventure Mark badges and members of the British Activity Providers Association (BAPA).
Direct links with our Heads of Teaching at both
New Reflexions
We can offer:
•A company culture where people are valued, supported and their contributions are recognised.
•A Working environment that can be challenging at times but also extremely rewarding. You can make a real difference to the lives of others.
•Industry-leading training, including a
Peak Activity Services
Since 2000, we have helped thousands of people scale the heights and reach their peak, whatever it may be.
With a team of fun, enthusiastic and highly qualified individuals, we only deliver the best customer service and give you a time to remember!
With tailored programmes to suit you, we prioriti
Ocean Elements
Here at Ocean Elements we like to stay active all year round, once our winter program finishes, we don our bathing suits and head out to Greece for sun, sea and a whole heap of water sports and land-based activities.
We are looking for active people who are in their element by the beach and ocean
Hampshire Outdoor Centres
We take the time to train and induct staff to ensure they can not only deliver the activities to a safe standard, but to make sure they deliver great sessions which ensure our customers have the best experience. We are committed to supporting your development as an individual and supporting you with
PGL
PGL is widely recognised as the UK's original and biggest operator of summer camps. In this context our name became known as Parents Get Lost, but we now also operate a programme of family holidays so that parents can come too!
With the help of our staff, we make sure that every year we continue
BF Adventure
As a charity, we work with disadvantaged and disabled children and adults, as well as family groups, work groups wishing to experience first class team building events, and school groups. We pride ourselves on the guidance and encouragement that we offer to our guests, aiming to inspire, challenge
Galileo Maritime Academy
Galileo is recognised internationally for supplying first class superyacht crew.
We recruit, train, certify and place you on the finest superyachts around the world.
Our speciality is entry level crew who wish to join this highly paid career working as crew on the yachts of the rich and famo
Galloway Activity Centre
Club Excel are a leading provider in the multi-activity camps industry in Hertfordshire and provide exciting holiday experiences for children. With our mix of sports, arts/crafts and dance & drama workshops, we combine a varied fun environment with quality childcare.
Aqua Sports
We are renowned for our friendly, yet professional approach. All the team are passionate about the sports that they teach.
Woodrow High House
Woodrow really delivers what we say we deliver - facilitating the development of soft and hard skills of the young people that visit us, encouraging self-reflective practice, and prompting ideas about how these skills can be applied long after they've left Woodrow.
We also put our staff at the h
YMCA Lakeside
You'll find YMCA Lakeside hidden with 400 acres of private woodland in the Unesco World Heritage Lake District National Park. Set against the sparkling waters of Lake Windermere, we've been a centre of excellence in outdoor learning for over 60 years. In that time we've helped more than a million ch
Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor Learning
Lambourne End deliver tailored, bespoke programmes. We deliver programmes that support young people's personal development from a wide range of adventurous, farm and environmental activities.
We are flexible in our approach to ensure we meet group and individual needs. This is built on our eth
Ultimate Adventure Centre
We have some great activities that are not available anywhere else in the area, such as the Ultimate Assault and Frisbee Golf. We also have a fantastic range of accommodation types which mean we are great for famililes, groups of friends, sports tours or school/college residentials. We are able to o
X Adventure
We are a small and bespoke company who are highly adaptable to the aims and objective of our groups. We work with our customers to develop unique programmes that don;t necessarily follow the norm. We don;t make our customers fit our programmes but make our programmes fit our customers; in our eyes e
Donegal Adventure Centre
We offer a tailored experience to our customers and have a return rate of over 70% every year.
Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks
Holiday parks aren't all the same old bucket-and-spade stuff anymore... well here they're certainly not! Our guests are positively encouraged to get out and explore the area, starting with our beach voted once again the best in England in the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards 2020 where surfing,
Rosneath Castle Caravan Park
We truly believe that we stand out from our competitors in terms of our location, the calibre of our employees, and the atmosphere we generate for guests and employees alike.
Set in a stunning location on the West coast of Scotland, we can't imagine a more idyllic place to showcase your skills as
Merchant Taylors School
Since its foundation, in 1561, the school has been widely-regarded as one of the best schools in England, providing an all-round education of the highest quality. One of England’s “great nine schools” its reputation today remains that of a “top” boys’ school.
The boys enjoy a superb c
Hillingdon Outdoor Activities Centre
HOAC prides itself on being a small charity run centre with excellent links with-in the local community. Many of our summer staff have come through our in-house training program. Introduced to water activities from age 8, becoming Young Leaders from 14 and then graduating to instructors once they ar
Manor House Activity Centre
Apart from the amazing courses we run another reason that our guests return to us year after year is that when you come to stay with us, generally you will have the Manor all to yourself.
Bear Grylls Survival Academy
Here at The Bear Grylls Survival Academy we offer a variety of courses at different extremity levels and for all audiences from kids to outdoor enthusiasts to hardcore adventurers. With courses popping up all over the globe we need to recruit freelance instructors to work as a part of the team. We h
Mount Cook
Mount Cook Adventure Centre is a not-for-profit organisation currently being built in Middleton-by-Wirksworth, Derbsyhire. The Centre will open it's doors to the public in July 2016.
The aim of Mount Cook is to push the personal boundaries of our visitors and increase their confidence and skill
Wyedean Canoe Centre
The Symonds Yat Gorge provides Wyedean Canoe and Adventure Centre with the best location in the country for novice or expert canoeist. Our exclusive facilities on the banks of the River Wye comprise of 100 open canoes, 30 kayaks and 10 SUPs.
Land-based adventure activities include Rock Climbing,
Newlands Adventure Centre
Newlands Adventure Centre is an interdependently owned Centre that strives to allow Instructors to take that next step in their career.
Zip London
We are a new, innovative adventure company who are bringing the excitement of zip wires to city centres. Our customers do not have to go to the trouble of travelling to countryside and beach locations to experience the fun of a zip wire, they just have to travel to the centre of London.
American Village
What separates us from our competitors from a camper's perspective is that we stay positive. Making mistakes in English is a part of the learning process and errors are never pointed out in a negative way. Our counselors are nice, encouraging and funny!
What separates us from our competitors from
CRS Adventures
Geographically we are in the best location in the South West to offer a range of seasonal outdoor activities. These include kayaking, canoeing, climbing, caving, walking, mountain biking and whitewater rafting. We also have an extensive selection of on-site tree-top activities including a very large
Action Adventure Activities
Our aim is simply to provide you with the experience of a lifetime. Our extensive range of team building activities are ideally suited for groups of friends (Stag and Hen groups) or corporate development.
We provide activities to adult & family groups.
Carlingford Adventure Centre
We strive to create a warm family atmosphere for both our clients and our team, this is what keeps everyone coming back! We do what we do because we are passionate about the transformational effects being outdoors can have on people and we love creating opportunities for all ages, backgrounds and a
Viamonde
Viamonde's dynamic and experienced team of English-speaking staff are committed to offering a safe, friendly and fun environment for children of all ages. The international schools we work with demand the very highest standards of supervision and care for their students and we recruit only those wit
Share Discovery Village
Share Discovery Village offers a range of over 30 activities onsite meaning that every day is very different. SHARE works with a range of groups of many different of ages and physical abilities again adding to the variation of the job.
Our staff are fun and energetic wanting guests to have the
High Society
We have 20 year's experience in the industry which sets us apart from our competitors. We provide full training before we send you out to work with us.
Our staff learn how to set up for different types of events; be it formal dinner, drink reception or bar, including details such as boxing tables
Fellowship Afloat Charitable Trust
Our setting, itself, is unique. Big open skies, views across the marshes and estuary encourage relaxation, a break away from everyday life and an opportunity to try something new. That's without mentioning the unique experience of staying on a lightship!
Everything is included in a stay with FAC
Beyond Adventure
Beyond Adventure is a people focused business that cares for both its staff and customers. We feel that part of our responsibility as an industry leader is to help nurture and support others on their pathway to becoming full time outdoor professionals and to this aim we will regularly employ aspira
The Bear Grylls Adventure
The Bear Grylls Adventure is a brand new attraction due to open in Autumn 2018 and is a world first attraction of its kind.
Nick Varney, CEO Merlin Entertainments, said: “The Bear Grylls Adventure is a one of a kind attraction – bringing together Bear, one of the most celebrated and recognise
Woodlands Adventure
Woodlands Adventure and Outdoor Learning is set in 36 acres of beautiful natural woodland, centrally located with easy access to the motorway network. Each visit is tailor made for each individual group, by choosing the activities to suit their requirements, curriculum or any special needs or reque
The Pirate Castle
With a long history as a provider of unique community services in Camden Town, we have forged a trusted reputation for running effective, affordable and accessible Outdoor Education and canal boating initiatives that help our beneficiaries develop new skills, improve health and self-confidence and b
Ufton Court
Colletts Mountain Holidays
Despite being based in five spectacular mountain locations, the most common feedback from our guests is that it was the team on the ground who really made their holiday, and why they book to come back again and again. Most of us working in the UK office did many seasons on the ground, looking after
Warriors Academy
So what makes us unique to any other options
Warriors academy is accredited by the international gap year Association, which means that we have passed the rigorous, safety, and professional standards giving you the peace of mind that you are dealing with a credible and professional organisatio
Walesby Forest
Walesby Forest Adventure Activity Centre is a not-for-profit organisation and our aim is to ensure young people have the opportunity to develop in a safe secure environment to help them achieve their full potential.we also provide a wide range of educational and adventure activity programmes for sch
Broadstone Warren Scout Camp & Activity Centre
By delivering safe, high quality, educational and fun activity experiences for residential, non residential customers.
• Enable young people and adults to take part in activity experiences.
• Demonstrate the benefits of an activity centre through the provision of value for money high quality
Craggan Outdoors
Craggan Outdoors – The Active Heart of the Cairngorms – is based on beautiful Speyside in the Cairngorms National Park, the UK’s largest national park and home to Britain’s highest and most massive mountain range, it’s biggest native forests, wonderfully clean rivers and lochs, as well as
Sealyham Activity Centre
Sealyham is close to the only UK coastal national park with excellent sea cliff climbing, superb inland bouldering and an amazing rugged coastline to explore from a kayak or coasteering. It is an outdoor instructors paradise with plenty of opportunity for an instructor to continually improve their s
Alpine Elements
We realise that our resort staff have been instrumental in the continued success of the company and we hand pick our staff not only for their experience but more importantly for their enthusiasm and outgoing and friendly nature to run our resorts and chalets. Subsequently we want our staff to be the
Club Excel
Club Excel are a leading provider in the multi-activity camps industry in Hertfordshire and provide exciting holiday experiences for children. With our mix of sports, arts/crafts and dance & drama workshops, we combine a varied fun environment with quality childcare.
TYF
TYF Adventure are on a mission to help people fall so deeply in love with nature that it changes the way that they live. We inspire generations with low-carbon, eco-friendly, adventures and learning on the wild and beautiful St. Davids peninsular.
Mount Cook
Our mission is to provide access to the outdoor for all, especially young people who may not otherwise have the opportunity. Every member of staff shares these values and is hardworking, passionate, and talented.
Our activities and residential experiences all have in depth educational value with
Elemental UK
Our team is close-knit, working hard together creating an environment between staff memebers where they look out for each other above all. Our Managing Director's favourite quote is "We run on positivity" and this proves true when you see the staff in full swing during the summer months.
Longleat
Unique working environment in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Fantastic benefits including free entry for our staff and free tickets for their friends and family.
Generous discounts on accommodation, VIP's, Retail and Food and Beverages.
Black Mountain Adventure
This is a good opportunity for someone looking to gain additional experience for the summer session within an expanding business and meet our great team. and gain valuable experience.
Telligo UK
Telligo is a French company that specializes in organizing themed holiday camps for children aged 8 to 17. We also offer language camps to help children from France gain confidence when speaking English through fun workshops.
NSX Adventure
WE have Fantastic experience in the field and have recently rebranded with new investment so looking to open new revenue chains and expand the business after coming out of a tough covid period.
Manor Of Cadland
We are a unique Estate in the New Forest, with beaches and forest land aplenty! Our aim is to give our clients an exceptional experience either on land or sea.
Somerset County Council
An historical gem set in the Somerset countryside less than a mile from the beach and at the foot of the picturesque Quantock Hills, Kilve Court offers unbeatable outdoor education visits.
Schools, music groups, individuals, football teams... we cater for you all be it for a place to meet, a fun
Pure Exploration
Discover the world and step outside of your comfort zone, while building lasting memories in extraordinary environments you wouldn’t otherwise be able to experience. Chat with one of our adventure specialists by booking a call with us today to learn more about our programs.
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking is a hugely popular sport and the level of interest has not showed any signs of slowing since the initial boom in the early 1990s. With so many people getting involved, it is hardly surprising to find instructor opportunities available for those people wishing to get involved beyond the purely personal level. So how do you get the right qualifications that will allow you to teach other people? And should you go the MIAS route or the MBLA route? We look at everything you need to consider, and speak to some industry insiders for a low-down on each qualification.
To get an idea of the full route from beginner climber through to professional mountaineer, take a look at our career guide to climbing, further down this page. This post is all about the Mountain Leader awards which come in two flavours - Summer and Winter. They follow on from Walking Group Leader and set you up on the start of a career leading small groups in mountainous terrain.
You probably went on a residential activity holiday when you were at school; most children do. Getting a job as one of those idolised instructors is actually easier than you may think. Hundreds of thousands of school kids every year means lots of centres and each one requires plenty of instructors. For young people, the wages are pretty good considering the alternatives, and when you factor in the training, experience and qualifications you can achieve in a single season... So how do you get involved? We discuss the different options for starting out, and offer some valuable inside tips on passing a selection weekend.