Working at Ferny Crofts
At Ferny Crofts we pride ourselves on our brilliant Team of staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to ensure all our Guests have a fantastic visit to Ferny Crofts, whether that be for a simple overnight camp or a week-long programme of activities.
We are a hard-working, positive and forward-thinking team, and we think Ferny Crofts is a great place to work. Find out below about opportunities to work or volunteer with us.
Job Vacancies
Seasonal Outdoor Activity Instructor
Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre are looking for a number of Seasonal Instructor to join our busy team. The centre operates all year round, however our peak time is April to October.
The successful candidate will be a key member of the activities team. Whilst delivering activity sessions is a core part of the job role, it entails a mixture of tasks not limited to instructing activities. Ensuring the maintenance and upkeep of the site is essential and will also be a part of the day to day responsibilities.
The successful candidate should hold at least 1 National Governing Body Qualifications from the following: GB Archery, NSRA.
ERCA instructor, CWI, Paddlesport Instructor (old UKCC Level 1), First Aid (16 hours) would be desirable.
Applicants should have at least 1 year experience working in the outdoor industry with excellent communication skills.
You will be guaranteed a minimum of 30 hours per week, though during peak time this will increase, at £7.70 per hour for people under 21 years old, or £8.20 for over 21’s. We are also committed to staff development and try our best to help you gain the skills and qualifications you require to develop as an instructor. The centre has supported previous and current employees by allowing them time off to attend courses, and at times contributing towards the cost.
Accommodation and food is available onsite. (At a cost of £50 per week)
Please note: this role will involve weekend and evening work!
Ferny Crofts is set in 31 acres of the beautiful New Forest, our location is idyllic.
For customers, the centre offers indoor accommodation in the form of two 32 bed units and one 6 bed unit which can be either catered or self-catered. Camping for up to 500 is also on offer; campsites of various sizes are available both in the woods and on open fields.
A range of onsite and offsite activities add to the attraction, including Abseiling, Archery, Bushcraft, Climbing, High Ropes, Raft Building, Kayaking, Mountain Biking and Team Building games. The applicant will be able to run all activities to our main customers: Scouts, Schools and Youth Groups.
Closing date for applications is Friday 20th March. Start date is negotiable depending on your notice period, but we are looking for Instructors to join us from late April.
To apply for the above position, please complete and return both the Application Form and Equality Monitoring Form to
WORK EXPERIENCE
Are you interested in a career in the outdoors? Currently looking for a work experience placement for your school or college course? Then why not look at a placement at Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre?
We can offer 10 week placements for college students and 1 to 2 week placements for school students. The 10 week placements are residential and include food and an allowance for other expenses.
We welcome those who wish to complete their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Residential module. If you would like more information, please contact the office to discuss with a member of our team to ensure that we can meet all of your required criteria.
Please email for more information about Work Experience placement opportunities.
FERNY CROFTS INSTRUCTOR APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME
The Ferny Crofts Outdoor Instructor Apprenticeship is aimed at helping young people develop personal skills, gain experience in the outdoor industry, and gain recognised training and qualifications. The scheme is full time, residential, and runs from October for 12 months.
Completion of the Scheme results in the Apprentice gaining an NVQ Level 2 Certificate in Activity Leadership, a Level 2 Award in Assisting Basic Expedition Leadership, and a Level 2 Award in Employment Awareness in Active Leisure and Learning.
The Apprentices also get full on-site training to instruct Ferny Crofts' range of Activities, as well as a number of external National Governing Body qualifications dependent upon the individual and their aspirations.
Please email for more information about the Ferny Crofts Instructor Apprenticeship Scheme.
VOLUNTEERING
Ferny Crofts offers a range of volunteering opportunities.
Our team of Crofters volunteer on a weekly basis for one morning a week, helping out with jobs around the Site.
We can also offer 2 to 12 month volunteering placements, which can be residential, and includes opportunities for for volunteers from overseas.
Please email for more information about Volunteering at Ferny Crofts.