Immersive experiences to unlock your potential
We want your child to feel right at home in school life in the UK. Our goal is to make sure your child has the same dreams, drive, and chances as local students.
Many ambitious UK students join extra activities like volunteering, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) or The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) to reach for success.
These programmes not only enrich their experience but also open doors for the future, as universities and employers really value them.
We provide a variety of enrichment opportunities to encourage students’ all-around personal development and help them earn awards and qualifications like DofE and EPQ.
🎓 Oxford Insight Weeks: Our Duke of Edinburgh Approved Activity
🌱 Learn more about volunteering
🏔️ More about the Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Oxford Insight Weeks: Our Duke of Edinburgh Approved Activity
Oxford Insight Weeks, 12-15 Age Group
Oxford Insight Weeks, 16-18 Age Group
Oxford Insight Weeks, University Age Group
Oxford Insight Weeks are immersive 7 or 14-day residential programmes held at Oxford University, designed to give students a deep understanding of studying a subject at the university level. Participants work in small groups on real, ongoing projects led by current Oxford PhD candidates and engage in lectures from professors, tutors, and leading researchers. The programmes also include tours of labs, workplaces, and spin-out companies to observe real research and development in action. For younger students aged 12-15, the Insight Weeks programmes offer enriching experiences during their school holidays, providing academic exploration in a supportive and engaging environment.
In addition to the residential programmes, Insight Weekends offer a more relaxed setting with salon-style discussions. Students have the chance to converse with Oxford PhDs about academic life and career journeys in the morning, followed by meetings with industry experts in the afternoon to explore how theory is applied in practice. Insight Online sessions, held monthly, provide 1–2-hour webinars with guest speakers from around the world, offering students an opportunity to dive deeper into subjects from the comfort of their homes.
Find out more about the Oxford Insight Weeks programmes on the dedicated website: www.oxfordinsightweeks.com
Volunteering
What is volunteering?
Volunteering means giving your time for free to help others.
Helping friends or family doesn’t count as volunteering. However, doing things for the environment, which helps everyone, is volunteering.
Volunteering can be organised by groups or happen informally in communities.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
Helping a cause, people, or an organisation you care about
Meeting new people
Having fun
Learning new skills and improving the ones you have
Strengthening your CV, UCAS, and job prospects
How old do you need to be to volunteer?
Some organisations’ insurance policies do not cover you if you’re under 16. You cannot work for a profit-making organisation if you’re under 14, even if you’re not paid. Volunteers who are under 16-years-old will need written consent from their parents or guardian.
Useful websites:
💡 NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations) – Supports young volunteers and provides guidance.
💪 Volunteering Matters – Focuses on youth, community, and social change projects.
🩺 NHS Volunteering – Roles in hospitals, support services, and community outreach.
🐱 RSPCA Volunteering – Work with animals in shelters and rescue centres.
🐶 Blue Cross – Helping pets and their owners through welfare programs.
🍁 National Trust – Many locations accept younger volunteers for conservation work.
🏥 British Red Cross Youth Volunteering – Includes humanitarian projects for young people.
💻 Do IT - The national database of volunteering opportunities. Search more than 1 million volunteering opportunities by interest, activity or location and apply online.
🥾 DofE - Volunteering ideas for under 16s
💼 Youth Employment UK - Volunteering Guides and Opportunities
You can also:
Check with local charities, animal shelters, and community centres - Many have roles for younger volunteers.
Ask your school – Some schools have connections with local volunteer projects.
❗️Make sure to check age restrictions before applying, as most volunteer roles require a parent's permission if you are under 16.
If you're unsure about volunteering in the UK, feel free to reach out. We're here to help with any questions you have.
DofE
Duke of Edinburgh Approved Activity Provider
Our enrichment programmes have received the honor of being endorsed by the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, highlighting their quality and effectiveness in contributing to the holistic development of young people.
Homecamp is proud to be recognised as an Approved Activity Provider. This status allows us to offer activities that meet the DofE's stringent standards for educational content, safety, and impact, ensuring that our students not only enjoy engaging and enriching experiences but also fulfill the requirements needed to achieve their Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is structured into three progressive levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—each designed to challenge students in a series of activities that encourage personal and social development:
Bronze Award: The entry level, suitable for those aged 14 and up. It requires at least 6 months of participation, introducing young people to new activities and community service.
Silver Award: For individuals aged 15 and up, this level builds on the skills developed in the Bronze Award. Participants commit for at least 12 months, engaging in more challenging situations and further developing their abilities.
Gold Award: The highest level, open to those 16 and older, involves a 12-month commitment if the participant has achieved the Silver Award, or 18 months for those who start directly at Gold. This award includes a Residential Project, which fosters teamwork and social interaction through an immersive experience.
