At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire children aged 10-14 through fun activities at our summer camp.
- Company: Barracudas, the UK's top children's holiday camp provider.
- Benefits: Competitive weekly salary, seasonal contract, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to child welfare and personal growth.
- Why this job: Create unforgettable experiences for kids while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a passion for engaging activities.
Work Hours: 08:30 – 17:30
Contract Type: Seasonal Fixed term.
Salary: £516.78 - £663.48 salary per week (dependent on age, experience, and qualifications).
Reportable to: Camp Senior Team, Area Manager and Central Office.
Barracudas is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and act in the best interests of children at all times. Adhering to our safeguarding policies and procedures including safer recruitment practices, staff should play an active role in creating a supportive, safe, and protective environment for all children and young people.
About Us
Barracudas is the UK’s leading provider of children’s holiday camps, helping young people build confidence, develop new skills and make new friends through a wide range of activities. With 45 camp locations across the UK, we offer exciting programmes including Sports, Arts & Crafts, Drama and more. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every child feels supported and valued. Safeguarding and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do.
Role Purpose
Group Leaders (10) play a vital role in supporting older children at camp, creating a safe, structured, and engaging environment tailored to their age group. By delivering exciting activities, managing behaviour positively and building strong relationships, they help children aged 10–14 feel confident, included, and motivated to take part. Through clear communication, active supervision and a supportive approach, Group Leaders ensure every child enjoys a rewarding and memorable camp experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Set up and maintain a welcoming base room, ensuring it is tidy, organised and inviting for children.
- Follow all policies and procedures to ensure a safe, enjoyable environment throughout the day.
- Deliver the daily activity timetable, ensuring children experience the full variety of sessions promised by Barracudas.
- Plan and deliver structured, age-appropriate activities using available resources and adapting ideas to suit older groups.
- Actively supervise children at all times, including during transitions, breaks and lunch periods.
- Get to know each child as an individual, incorporating their interests into their day to enhance engagement and enjoyment.
- Work collaboratively with other staff, supporting colleagues to deliver high-quality sessions.
- Encourage participation and positive behaviour, helping children feel confident and involved.
- Manage challenging behaviour appropriately, using strategies suited to children aged 10.
- Ensure the safe use of equipment during all activities.
- Uphold safeguarding responsibilities, reporting concerns immediately to the Senior Team or Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Carry out additional duties as required, in line with the needs of the camp and the organisation’s objectives.
- Support additional camp activities, including Skills Builder sessions (where required) and swimming sessions.
Requirements
Essentials
- Experience working with children aged 10 in a school, club, camp, or similar setting.
- Ability to plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate activities for older children.
- Strong communication skills and a warm, enthusiastic, and supportive approach.
- Confident supervising groups and responding calmly to unexpected situations.
- Able to build positive relationships and encourage participation from children of varied ages.
- Organised, proactive and able to use initiative when preparing and delivering sessions.
- Able to adapt to changing situations and manage behaviour positively.
- A proactive approach to safeguarding, inclusion, and wellbeing.
Desirables
- Qualifications or training in sports, arts, dance, or drama.
- Experience supporting children with additional needs.
- Experience delivering structured sessions (sports, arts & crafts, games, drama, team challenges, etc).
- Paediatric First Aid qualification.
- Safeguarding training or certificate.
Employment in this role is subject to completing all pre-employment requirements, including being aged 18 or over by the start date, providing proof of eligibility to work in the UK, supplying satisfactory references, and holding or obtaining an Enhanced DBS check. All staff must complete mandatory training, including online modules, an in-person Induction Training Day and any additional role-specific briefings delivered by Central Office. This role involves working with children and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. A successful applicant will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check of the children's barred list. Applicants are not required to disclose convictions or cautions that are considered "protected" under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013 & 2020). This information will not be taken into account. Guidance on protected convictions and cautions is available from the Ministry of Justice.
Locations
Contact Details:
Barracudas Activity Day Camps Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Leader 10 - Summer - Canterbury, Kent
✨Get Involved in Local Community Events
Dive into your local community! Attend social work fairs, community service events, or workshops that can help you connect with potential employers like Barracudas Activity Day Camps. This is a fantastic way to meet people in the field and get your foot in the door.
✨Leverage University Career Services
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Join social work groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. These communities often share job leads, seasonal opportunities, and even advice from experienced pros. You’d be surprised how much support you can get from people who’ve been in your shoes!
✨Highlight Seasonal Availability
When reaching out to hiring managers or applying for roles like Group Leader 10 - Summer - Canterbury, Kent at Barracudas Activity Day Camps, don’t forget to highlight your seasonal availability. Let them know you’re ready to jump in during peak times, as this can set you apart from other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Leader 10 - Summer - Canterbury, Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Compassionate Side:In social work, empathy and compassion are key. Your CV should reflect experiences where you've helped others, whether through volunteering, internships, or relevant coursework. Make sure to include any specific instances that demonstrate your ability to connect with people in challenging situations.
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Keep Your Intentions Clear:In your cover letter, make it crystal clear why you're excited about this seasonal role at Barracudas Activity Day Camps. Express your passion for social work and the impact you hope to make this season. This not only shows your motivation but also lets us see your fit with our mission and values.
Bring Your Unique Experience:Mention any unique experiences or perspectives you bring to the table—maybe you’ve worked with a specific community or tackled particular social issues. Tailoring your application to show how your grassroots experience aligns with what Barracudas Activity Day Camps values can make a big difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barracudas Activity Day Camps
✨Get Familiar with the Challenges
In social work, it's all about understanding the community you're serving. Brush up on current social issues and think of how they might come up in your interview. Be prepared to discuss real-world scenarios you might face in the role with examples of how you would handle them.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, you'll want to demonstrate your understanding of empathy and active listening. Consider sharing personal experiences that highlight your ability to connect with clients, especially in seasonal roles where you might be working with diverse populations in need of support.
✨Speak to Seasonal Considerations
Since this is a seasonal position, be ready to discuss your availability and how you can adapt quickly to the fluctuating needs of your community. Employers want to know you can jump in at peak times and remain resilient, so come prepared to talk about your flexibility and commitment.
✨Prepare Your Collaborations
Social work often involves collaborating with other professionals and organisations. Think about your past teamwork experiences and how you can contribute to an interdisciplinary approach. Mention any relevant partnerships or community initiatives you've been part of that could resonate with the team at Barracudas Activity Day Camps.
