Summer Camp Counsellor / Residential Programme Assistant
Oxbridge Scholars Summer Programme | Cambridge | Summer 2026
Oxbridge Scholars is looking for enthusiastic, responsible and friendly summer staff to support our residential academic programme in Cambridge.
This is a great opportunity for university students or recent graduates who enjoy working with young people, want meaningful summer work, and are interested in gaining experience in education, youth leadership, safeguarding, events, or international student programmes.
Our students are ambitious 14–17-year-olds from around the world, joining us for a two-week pre-university summer experience in Cambridge. Students choose one of three academic pathways: Medicine, Business & Finance, or AI & Computer Science. Teaching is delivered by our academic tutors, so this is not a teaching role. Your role is to help make sure students are safe, supported, engaged, and having a brilliant summer experience.
The Role
As a Camp Counsellor / Residential Programme Assistant, you will live on site with the programme team and help support the day-to-day running of the camp. This includes student supervision, pastoral care, activities, excursions, evening programming, and general operational support.
We are looking for staff who are confident, reliable, good with teenagers, and able to bring positive energy to a residential summer environment.
Key Responsibilities
Your role may include:
- Supporting the welfare and safety of students throughout the programme
- Helping students settle into residential life and feel comfortable on site
- Supervising students during meals, free time, evening activities, and excursions
- Assisting with check-in, arrivals, departures, rooming, and daily logistics
- Helping run social activities, games, group events, and campus-based sessions
- Supporting excursions and off-site trips, including headcounts and group management
- Acting as a friendly and responsible point of contact for students
- Helping the senior team respond to student issues, homesickness, or minor concerns
- Maintaining a positive, respectful and inclusive camp environment
- Working closely with teachers, programme managers and other residential staff
What We Are Looking For
We would like to hear from applicants who are:
- University students, recent graduates, or applicants with relevant youth experience
- Confident working with students aged 14–17
- Friendly, energetic, mature and dependable
- Strong communicators who can build trust with young people
- Calm under pressure and able to use good judgement
- Comfortable living and working in a residential environment
- Willing to help wherever needed during a busy summer programme
- Interested in education, student support, leadership, travel, events, or youth work
Previous experience in summer camps, tutoring, mentoring, boarding schools, sports coaching, youth work, student ambassador roles, babysitting, volunteering, or residential programmes is helpful, but not essential.
What’s Included
- Residential role based in Cambridge
- Accommodation included
- Meals included during the programme
- Training and guidance provided
- Opportunity to work with international students
- Valuable experience in education, safeguarding, leadership and student support
- A fun, fast-paced summer working environment
Programme Details
Location: Cambridge
Dates: Summer 2026, exact dates to be confirmed
Role type: Fixed-term summer position
Pay: To be discussed during the interview process
Accommodation and meals: Included
Teaching required: No
Successful applicants will be required to complete relevant safeguarding checks and training before the programme begins.
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV and a short note explaining why you would be a good fit for the role.
We are particularly interested in applicants who are responsible, personable, good with young people, and excited to help create a safe, memorable and inspiring summer experience for international students.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for an informal interview.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and provide references. We follow safer recruitment practices to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those we support.
Pay: £488.40-£888.00 per week
Work Location: In person
