Volunteering
The young people who join ATE as volunteers are known as Monitors. They work directly with the children on our residential holidays.
ATE’s programme of training has been developed over more than 50 years, and is highly regarded by all those who have experienced it. For many it is a life-changing and beneficial experience.
We think anybody would benefit from coming on our Monitor Training Course and working as volunteers. People who might gain most include:
- Young people who want a fun and rewarding experience over the summer
- College and University students looking for work experience, or building their CV
- Sixth formers who want to add to their University applications
- Anyone looking to take the first steps towards a career with children, including aspiring teachers, youth workers, and coaches
- People who want a fun way to gain their Duke of Edinburgh residential qualification.
What do our volunteers do?
As a Monitor you will lead a group of about 8 children, taking part in all of their activities: you will eat at their table, join in their games, put them to bed in the evening, and wake up with them in the morning.
Monitors are responsible for keeping their group happy, safe and cared for. You will get to know the children really well, and will become an older brother or sister figure to them. For many children, the relationship they develop with you will be the highlight of their holiday.
“I thought that the monitor course would be primarily focused on lectures and theory. I was really surprised to find out that we actually got to play games all week! Everyone was so friendly, and it was easy to fit in even though I hadn’t come on a Superweek before.”
Trainee
Please note, we ask trainees to pay a small fee to cover their costs on the course. However, we do not want you to be put off by this; if the fee is a barrier to your participation, please in get touch. We are typically able to offer a handful of full or part bursaries to the course.
Applications for our 2025 Monitor Training Course are now open.