Camp Manager (Fixed Term Summer Contract) in Ardingly

Alpadia’s mission is to encourage language development through immersion and to expand the horizons of our students and staff. Our vision for your employment is an exciting opportunity to grow your professional and personal skills as an educator and youth practitioner. Deepen your understanding of child development by applying solution-focused Positive Behaviour Support strategies and conflict resolution techniques to create a stimulating and supportive learning environment. Stay ahead in the field of education and youth practice with our professional development programme designed to advance your career. You will get the opportunity to work in an international team of like-minded, positive people who are dedicated to making a difference through their work. Alpadia employment reflects our values of integrity, support, diversity, knowledge growth, and opportunity.

Join ALPADIA’s team to make summer 2026 an unbelievable experience! We are looking for highly motivated people, who have the ability to engage and inspire young students, and who are looking for an enriching and educational experience themselves. This is a key role to ensure the academic and co-curricular programmes in the camp meet ALPADIA’s high standards, quality welfare arrangements are made for our students and staff are led by example.

Key Responsibilities

• Staff Management: Manage all staff effectively and respectfully, considering their personal development and providing all necessary support to ensure they contribute to a high-quality programme that delivers on Alpadia’s aims. Lead daily meetings to drive performance and relay important messages. Lead and assist with the training and induction of staff members. Assist the regional manager with the performance management of staff in cases of deficient performance and disciplinary action.
• Student Management: Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of all students in our care. Act as Designated Safeguarding Staff. Manage all students effectively and respectfully, following all Alpadia policies and rules, to ensure they enjoy and contribute fully to all aspects of Alpadia’s programme in a spirit of respect towards other students and staff. Take overall responsibility for the behaviour and discipline of students in camp.
• Language Programme: Assist the Academic Manager in line managing all teachers and/or the Senior Teacher to ensure Alpadia’s language programme provides a developing and enjoyable experience for all students through high-quality Standard, Intensive and Individual Courses.
• Activities Programme: Assist the Activity Manager in line managing all activity leaders and/or the Senior Activity Leader, to ensure Alpadia’s activities are well prepared and delivered, with a developing and enjoyable Multi-activity, Premium, Evening and Excursion programme for all students.
• Welfare and Health & Safety: Ensure relevant safeguarding, health and safety policies are understood and adhered to. Line manage all staff, including the Night-time Supervisor, to ensure Alpadia’s welfare provision is high quality, with all staff able to implement all Alpadia policies, so students can enjoy all parts of Alpadia’s camps in a safe and inclusive atmosphere. Respond personally to all emergencies that may endanger students and staff and/or put Alpadia’s reputation at risk.
• Communication: Communicate effectively with all stakeholders in our camps, ensuring the host school and external partners find Alpadia to be a professional and respectful partner, parents/agents are kept fully up to date with all crucial elements of their student’s stay with us via our Sales and Admissions team and your line managers are aware of all key developments in the camp.
• Administration: Ensure the administration, in terms of weekend check in/out class lists, registers and pocket money etc, is well organised and delivered to ensure the smooth running of the camp and follows all Alpadia procedures and policies. Lead and contribute towards managing the camp telephone, email inbox and record keeping.
• Relationships: Manage your working relationships professionally and sensitively, providing support and feedback to your camp management team. Work closely with our school/college provider to maintain our existing positive relationship. Nurture a positive camp environment where employees feel supported and motivated to do their best.
• Financial Control: Ensure the financial procedures in the camp are handled sensitively and professionally, strictly following Alpadia’s rules and taking full responsibility for the bank card and cash held at the camp. Ensure all expenditure is controlled tightly, taking a lead to protect Alpadia from unnecessary spending at all times.
• Transfers: Take overall in-camp responsibility for the inbound and outbound airport transfers of students. The transfer manager will prepare the weekend airport schedule prior to the Camp Manager delivering a Friday night departure meeting with any students departing the next day. The Camp Manager will need a good understanding of Alpadia’s transfer processes to answer any student/parent questions.

Qualifications

• Essential Skills: Proven experience in managing or coordinating summer camps, youth programmes, or similar environments. Experience leading teams and supervising staff in a fast-paced, dynamic setting. Demonstrated experience in safeguarding and ensuring the welfare of children and young people. Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. Ability to manage budgets, logistics, and administrative processes efficiently. Knowledge of health and safety regulations and emergency procedures. Competence in conflict resolution and decision-making under pressure. Relevant degree or equivalent experience in education, recreation, management, or related field. Responsible, approachable, and resilient under pressure. Positive and motivating attitude towards staff and campers. Flexible and adaptable to changing situations or schedules. Commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable camp environment. First Degree or similar. A high degree of IT competency – Outlook & MS Office (specifically Excel).
• Desirable Skills: Experience working in international or language-focused camps. Formal qualification in leadership, education, childcare, or youth work. Experience in event planning or activity programming. Knowledge of another language (especially if working with international students). Experience with staff training and performance management. Familiarity with administrative tools, databases, or camp management software. Up-to-date First Aid and Safeguarding training (or willingness to obtain before camp starts). Management degree. Safeguarding and Welfare experience with under 18s.

We Offer You:

• A developing and enriching summer experience.
• The chance to make long term connections and friends.
• Meaningful engagement with international students and the chance to give back.
• A sense of belonging with many returning staff members each year.
• Development of your social, relationship and leadership skills.
• Join a booming community of Alpadia staff members who return each year.
• Start or continue your professional development (CPD) in a supportive coaching environment.
• An industry competitive salary.
• Role training and the opportunity for experiential learning throughout.
• An unforgettable experience in a dynamic atmosphere.
• Attractive bonus options for returners and the possibility of career progression.

Location of Our Course Centre and Dates of Commitment: Ardingly: 22.06.26 – 09.08.26

Typically a residential position with accommodation provided on site. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of our students therefore all staff employed will be required to provide / undergo an Enhanced DBS check, 3x referee details and overseas conduct certificates where applicable. Equality and diversity is part of our core purpose. Alpadia summer schools are for everyone. This applies to both our students and our brilliant team of staff.

How To Apply: Please apply via SmartRecruiters with your application, CV and cover letter. Please note, we have multiple roles available, and this vacancy will remain open until all positions are filled. We recommend that you apply at your earliest convenience. Only applicants invited to an interview will receive a reply.

Equal Opportunity Statement: At Alpadia Language Schools, we are committed to working in a diverse organisation and strive to provide equality of opportunity for all. We encourage and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or identity, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnership. If as a disabled applicant (as defined under the Equality Act 2010) you would like to request that your application is considered under Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) please let us know using this form.