Activity Leader and Language Immersion Specialist at German Language Camp - Multiple Locations Available

Alpadia Language Schools from Kaplan International Languages, offers all-year round schools in Montreux, Berlin, Freiburg and Lyon, teaching French and German. Alpadia also provides English, French and German summer courses for juniors and teens in Europe and North America. Initially established in 1996, and now larger than ever, our mission is to encourage language development through immersion and to expand the horizons of our students, to inspire their future.

A summer job at Alpadia can be a crucial step for anyone who might be considering permanent employment in Germany in the future. Having worked at a highly esteemed company in the German-Swiss education sector will make you stand out in the eyes of future employers. By the end of the summer, your resume could say: 

Activity Leader and Language Immersion Specialist 

Alpadia Language Schools, 2027

As a full-time, seasonal staff member of Alpadia Language School’s language immersion camps, I served as group leader and language immersion guide for 13–17-year-old students coming from every continent. My 24-hour responsibilities included supporting student’s social, emotional, and cultural development, designing and guiding excursions with 20-40 participants, diverse skill transfer through activity facilitation, child safeguarding and risk management. Working in an innovative, fast-paced, highly collaborative work environment also allowed me to develop crucial competences in solution-focused conflict management, child development and language teaching.

Our Activity Leaders are at the heart of the summer camp experience. They create engaging, memorable and enriching programmes that help international students build confidence, develop friendships, practise their language skills and experience new adventures.

Working within our immersive language-learning environment, you will lead activities, excursions and evening programmes while helping to ensure the safety, wellbeing and personal development of students aged 10-17.

This is a highly varied role that combines activity leadership, student supervision and operational support. Successful candidates are energetic, adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced residential camp environment where no two days are the same.

You will work closely with Teachers, other Activity Leaders and Camp Management to create an exciting, supportive and inclusive camp atmosphere that encourages learning, participation and personal growth.

Activity & Excursion Leadership

• Deliver engaging, age-appropriate activities for international students
• Lead sports, games, team-building activities and social events
• Support and supervise local and regional excursions
• Maintain high levels of student engagement and participation
• Encourage the use of German through our language immersion approach
• Adapt activities to suit varying group dynamics, interests and abilities

Student Welfare & Supervision

• Ensure the safety, wellbeing and positive behaviour of students throughout the programme
• Supervise students during activities, excursions, meals and free time periods as assigned
• Act as a positive role model and create an inclusive environment for all participants
• Monitor student welfare and communicate concerns appropriately through camp procedures
• Support safeguarding and risk management procedures at all times

Camp Operations

• Conduct attendance checks and maintain accountability for assigned student groups
• Assist with student arrivals and departures
• Support morning routines and wake-up duties when scheduled
• Support evening routines and bedtime supervision when scheduled
• Lead or assist with camp-wide evening programmes and special events
• Assist with the smooth day-to-day operation of camp
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to solve problems and support camp objectives

Adaptability & Working Pattern

This is not a traditional 9-to-5 position. Activity Leaders are key members of the residential camp community and should be prepared for a highly varied work environment that includes activity delivery, student supervision, operational support and active participation in camp life.

As an Activity Leader, you will work according to a staff rota and should be comfortable with variable and sometimes irregular working schedules. Depending on programme requirements, your duties may include:

• Morning supervision duties
• Daytime activities and excursions
• Evening activities and social programmes
• Weekend programming
• Public holiday duties where applicable

This role requires a high degree of flexibility, resilience and adaptability. Camp programmes regularly evolve in response to weather, student needs, operational requirements and unforeseen circumstances. Activity Leaders must be comfortable adjusting plans, taking on different responsibilities and supporting colleagues wherever needed.

The successful candidate will enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, remain positive under pressure and be willing to move seamlessly between activity leadership, student supervision and operational support responsibilities.

While flexibility is essential, staff schedules are planned in accordance with applicable employment and working-time requirements, including appropriate breaks and rest periods.

Essential Criteria

• Experience working with children or young people in a professional, volunteering or leadership capacity
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with young people from diverse cultural backgrounds
• High levels of physical, mental and emotional resilience
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Confidence leading activities and speaking in front of large groups
• Enthusiasm, initiative and a proactive approach to problem-solving
• Ability to remain calm and professional during busy or unexpected situations
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills
• Demonstrated adaptability and willingness to take on a variety of responsibilities
• Willingness to work mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays as required by the rota
• Availability for the full contracted summer period

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in summer camps, residential programmes or youth work
• Experience in outdoor education, sports coaching or group facilitation
• German language skills
• First Aid certification
• Experience leading excursions or large group activities
• Driver's licence and ability to drive a minivan
• Experience working in international or multicultural environments

What we offer 

• A weekly summer salary between 750-800 EUR (depending on experience) 
• 2 days of pre-summer staff training on language immersion, child development, outdoor facilitation and solution-focused, positive behavior support and conflict resolution techniques 
• Full Room and Board during the entirety of the summer 
• Travel Reimbursement up to 160 EUR 
• Recommendation Bonuses for other staff members that you send our way 
• a chance to grow and develop your skills as an educator while working in a team of dedicated youth work professionals throughout the summer. Alpadia combines 29 years of experience in language teaching with student-focused, innovative learning approaches in a summer camp setting, making it a valuable professional experience to have on your CV 

Safeguarding & Student Welfare

The safety and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority.

All successful applicants will be required to:

• Complete the appropriate background screening checks
• Provide professional references
• Participate fully in safeguarding and child protection training
• Follow all company policies relating to student welfare, supervision and conduct

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every student and staff member feels respected, valued and supported. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and actively promote equality, diversity and inclusion throughout our programmes.

Apply Now

Do you enjoy working with young people, leading activities and helping students build confidence through new experiences?

Are you adaptable, energetic and excited by the rewards and challenges of residential camp life?

We would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining:

• Why you are interested in the role
• Your experience working with young people
• Examples of activities, events or programmes you have led
• How you would contribute to creating a positive and memorable camp experience for our students