What is Experiential Learning?

Experiential learning is the process of learning through doing, reflecting and applying yourself to the situation at hand. Rather than simply absorbing information, students actively engage in real-world situations that require them to think critically, collaborate, problem-solve and adapt to the world around them.

In real terms, experiential learning may involve fieldwork, service-learning projects, expeditions, internships or immersive cultural experiences. What defines it is not the location, but the method – students are placed in authentic contexts where they must make decisions, take responsibility and reflect on their growth.

When students step beyond the classroom and into unfamiliar environments, such as trekking through mountain ranges, working on community infrastructure projects, or contributing to conservation initiatives, it teaches them strength and global context that are hard to replicate within the classroom.

The cognitive development through overseas experiential learning is  mainly reflected in the perception of oneself (self-awareness and self-understanding), other people (social communication), and other things (international perspectives, cultural and global diversity, racial, ethnic diversity, and complexities of global issues) (Tian and Lu, 2018).

Mary, a student traveller who visited Cambodia, mentioned she now feels “more confident”, and that “this trip has reassured me in my journey of becoming an adult. As I now feel like I have – or am developing – the essential qualities which makes a successful person”.

The Rise of Global Citizenship and Growth Mindset

Today’s students are growing up in an interconnected world. Everything is chronically online and available instantly at their fingertips, which is both exciting and dangerous in equal parts. Exposure to global challenges, whether environmental sustainability, inequality, or conservation, creates a deeper understanding of responsibility and impact and takes them out of the digital world that they find themselves ever immersed in.

Experiential learning, especially on expedition, allows students to gain a wider understanding of different cultures and traditions, and exposes them to different global issues that are faced around the world. When students work alongside communities in different cultural contexts, contribute to sustainability initiatives, or witness global challenges firsthand, they begin to see themselves not only as learners, but as contributors and true global citizens

At the same time, these experiences naturally foster a growth mindset. In educational settings, developing a growth mindset helps students build resilience and self-belief. It encourages them to take ownership of their development, seek feedback and reflect on how they can improve. This not only improves their confidence, but teaches them how to keep trying when the going gets tough, which is a skill that sets them up for future careers and life paths.

Ronnie Masters, one of our Regional Expedition Coordinators and Dean Bates, the Regional Manager for the North, were interviewed on HMC’s podcast mini series in which they spoke about the need for extra-curricular skill building and how an expedition can be the catalyst for developing a growth mindset;

“It’s about getting young people comfortable with being uncomfortable. That really helps them to develop confidence, self-belief, resilience, self-awareness, all these really hard to come by skills. They’ll get an abundance, you know, certainly after a four-week expedition overseas. That’s when you go into something called your stretch zone, that’s really where the magic happens. That’s where your brain is engaged, that’s where you go into this growth mindset, and that’s where these skills are really developed.”

“[Expeditions help] to get young people out of that comfort zone and into the stretch zone where they can develop these skills that will just help them, you know, beyond school, and deal with the ups and downs of life.”

In this way, global awareness and personal growth develop hand in hand. Students return not only with a deeper understanding of the world around them, but with the confidence and resilience to shape their own futures within it.

Student Traveller Lauren, who took part in one of our Borneo expeditions in 2023, told us that “The highlight of my journey was experiencing the cultures and taking part in the local community, with either project work or having the opportunity to engage with the children and locals. The setting and environment were beautiful in the Borneo jungle, with the river boat ride in the sunset. The journey had a significant impact on me and kick-started my career based on the passion I’ve always had for wildlife, conservation and preserving the environment. The experience of travelling across the globe has changed my life.”

Balancing Experience with Evidence

Schools today are increasingly tasked with preparing students for an unpredictable future. The value/cost perception is under continuing scrutiny and parents want to make sure that their students are getting the most out of every experience, whether inside or outside the classroom. Data plays an important role in helping teachers understand what’s working, where students need more support, and how to keep improving.

The most effective schools are those that balance experiential learning with high academic standards. Actionable data helps leadership teams refine strategy and support staff development, while experiential learning environments, such as expeditions, help build confidence, resilience and independence – qualities that aren’t always easy to measure.

In this sense, personal development and academic performance are not opposing priorities, they are complementary. Character builds confidence, confidence enhances performance, and reflection strengthens both.

Check out our video that dives deeper into experiential learning on a Camps Expedition and the benefit of taking students abroad in your educational toolkit.

Education for the Future

Preparing students for an unpredictable future requires more than curriculum learning. It requires opportunities to test themselves, to lead, to think of things other than themselves, and to understand the wider world.

The most powerful approach utilises both rigorous academic standards and impact driven real-world experiences. When schools combine meaningful challenge with reflective practice and evidence-based improvement, they create learning environments that are both ambitious and grounded. Students leave not only with qualifications, but with resilience, cultural awareness and the confidence to thrive. In a rapidly changing world, where adaptability and global awareness are increasingly valued, experiential learning provides students with the confidence and capability to thrive beyond school.

If we are serious about preparing students for the world ahead, we must give them opportunities to experience it beyond the classroom.

Why Are the School Travel Organiser Awards Important?

Every year, the School Travel Organiser Awards shine a light on the people and organisations who make learning beyond the classroom possible. In a world where cost of living is rising and school trips require careful planning, robust safety systems and genuine educational value, recognition for those going above and beyond matters.

Awards like these are not just about the trophies or prizes, they celebrate the teachers who lead expeditions, the travel teams who work behind the scenes, and the organisations committed to delivering meaningful, responsible experiences for young people.

Educational travel is more than just the opportunity to explore a new place, it’s a powerful tool for growth, resilience and global understanding.

The Role of Educational Travel

With the rising expectations around safety and safeguarding standards, school trips become just as much about the processes that let them exist as the experience itself. School travel providers must ensure that all school trips are held to tough and deliver experiential learning opportunities in a safe and sustainable environment.

With increasing expectations around sustainability and measurable impact, it has never been more important to recognise school travel providers who prioritise responsibility, long-term partnerships and real educational outcomes.

The School Travel Organiser Awards give schools the opportunity to champion the providers who genuinely make a difference.

Why Camps International Is Proud to Be Considered

We are extremely proud and excited that Camps International can be nominated the Best School Tour Operator (Large) category this year.

Since 2002, we have worked alongside schools and communities to create expeditions rooted in purpose, combining curriculum-linked experiences, service-led projects and sustainable impact.

On all of our responsible school travel expeditions, we partner with local communities and work on projects that are led by their needs at the time. This long-term partnership enables us to work towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals while creating employment opportunities for the teams on the ground, building long lasting, mutually meaningful relationships throughout the whole Camps team.

However, we cannot enter these School Travel Organiser 2026 categories without nominations from the schools and teachers we work with.

What Makes a “Best School Tour Operator”?

The best school travel experiences challenge students to step outside their comfort zones while feeling supported and safe. It builds resilience, leadership and cultural understanding far more than can be built inside any classroom, and it helps students feel more confident, more self-aware and more curious about the world around them.

But behind every impactful school trip is a travel operator that prioritises responsibility over shortcuts.

A leading school tour operator should:

• Put safeguarding and safety at the forefront of every decision
• Work in genuine partnership with host communities
• Deliver meaningful, measurable educational outcomes
• Align with global frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Employ and empower local teams in destination countries
• Operate sustainably, with long-term impact rather than short-term gain

To be considered in any category, the provider must have consistency, integrity and purpose. It’s important that projects are impact-driven and that schools feel supported from the first enquiry to the final reflection session.

When schools nominate a provider for these awards, they are recognising not just a trip, but a commitment to doing things the right way and creating opportunities for students to become true global citizens.

A Big Camps Thank You

If nominated, it would reflect on the dedication of our in-country teams, the commitment of our partner schools, and the thousands of students who have chosen purpose-driven travel. Recognition in these awards would belong to our entire Camps family.

But these nominations aren’t just about us, they’re about the thousands of students, teachers and community partners committed to delivering experiential learning for students of all ages, all over the UK. If we’re nominated, it’s not just about Camps employees, it’s about everyone who make Camps International what it is. If we’re shortlisted, it will be because of you.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

Life at Camp Donbiki in the Amazon Rainforest

The next day we set off from Quito and drove for nine hours deep into the province of Pastaza; our destination – Camp Donbiki in the Shiwakucha community. As the towns grew sparser, the air grew thicker and soon we were entirely enveloped by lush rainforest, the horns of cars replaced with the ululations of tropical birds. We stopped at a beautiful mirador (viewpoint), eating empanadas from our boxed lunch and taking in the majesty of the jungle. I had four!

We arrived at Donbiki mid-afternoon, equal parts knackered and excited. It is difficult to put into words how astonishing this camp is. Situated right on the banks of the raging Arajuno river, a tributary of the Amazon, the camp is enveloped on three sides by lush vegetation but is a short walk across the main road to the Shiwakucha community proper, where the project work takes place. Throughout the night, the hum of insects blends with the birdsong in a natural crescendo that is utterly disorientating yet incredibly inspiring.

The facilities were wonderful: the main building contains bunk beds with decent sized mattresses and mosquito nets; there were fully functioning toilets and showers drawing water directly from the Arajuno via a water filtration system. I half expected to have to clean myself in the river, so to be greeted with working showers and working toilets felt like a luxury. (Just make sure not to swallow the water!)

Despite the encroaching flora and fauna, the camp possesses more than adequate social space, with a huge main hut and then some beautifully scenic areas next to the river for unwinding after a hard day’s project work. I admit having been slightly nervous about the possibility of unexpected visitors in our rooms, but my fears were allayed by the introduction of the dedicated ‘snake-man’ to ward off any inquisitive anacondas. (Disappointingly I saw no snakes, but at least that means the snake-man is worth his weight in gold.)

After settling into our rooms, a staff of locals cooked us incredibly hearty food; and, with the signature six bowl system in place, hygiene was top priority and not a single one of us felt the slightest bit poorly despite the unfamiliarity of the food. For a camp that is so remote, it is fair to say we all felt remarkably at home in a short space of time; we spent the night there, drifting off to sleep on our extremely comfortable mattresses, protected from bugs by robust mosquito nets.

Into the Jungle: Trekking to Camp Ceibo

However, as off the beaten track we thought ourselves in Donbiki, nothing prepared us for our sojourn to Camp Ceiba, the satellite camp named after the towering trees that stand sentinel on its borders. We began our trek early, the rain relentlessly hammering the road, me kitted out in a spare rain poncho courtesy of Claire (naturally I had forgotten to bring my rain jacket to a rainforest). Led by Theo, our guide and Pastaza native, we left the road and headed into the thick jungle. Theo’s intimate knowledge of the jungle was astonishing to witness; he drew our attention to the Toquilla plant, whose strong fibres can be woven into Panama hats; without missing a beat, he then opened a blister on a plant to reveal a line of bright yellow ants marching steadily along the branch of the tree. Remarkably, Theo then swiped a few hapless ants and ate them there and then. Turns out, the ants, scientifically known as Myrmelachista schumanni, release a citrus scent when crushed or bitten. It was genuinely humbling to be led by someone so attuned to the rhythms of the natural world.

We eventually arrived at the camp and put up our hammocks, which did their best to repel the driving rain that did not relent once for ten hours. (Well, they don’t call it a dry forest do they?) _ Although remote, this camp is extremely well staffed, and we ate an extraordinarily good meal despite the paucity of cooking equipment. I was initially worried that the satellite camp might be a bridge too far for the pupils, but after having experienced its slick management, I am now incredibly excited for them to experience it. Simply put, nothing else compares to falling asleep in a hammock to the surreal sounds of the jungle.

Exploring the Andes

Although less intrepid than Donbiki and Ceibo, the rest of the recce was no less enjoyable as we careened around the Andes courtesy of our tireless driver, Guille, visiting Camp Los Andes and Camp Kuri Kucho to scope out the project work our pupils will be completing in the summer. Nestled in the Andes, which casts its peaks over SEVEN countries, these camps lie in beautiful, fertile valleys, where farming forms the basis of the communities. Like Donbiki, these camps are based around making improvements to the facilities of the primary schools. The children did a traditional dance for us, whilst the headteachers provided a delicious lunch consisting of local produce.

Ecuador Beyond the Camps – Cotopaxi, Otavalo and Quito

As we dotted around central Ecuador (including a taste of the breathtaking Cotopaxi national park) we were put up at lovely boutique hotels in Otavalo and the outskirts of Quito. (Shout out to Hostal Colibri, so called after the kaleidoscopic range of hummingbirds who settle in its garden). Despite the constant travelling, we all felt positively pampered; it was lovely to indulge in the treasures of the country as tourist before the work begins in earnest in the summer.

After a visit to the Ciudad Mitad Del Mundo and garbed in psychedelic ponchos, we were off to the airport. Our flight home was smooth, and before you could say ‘dios del muerto’ we were back on terra firma. We said our goodbyes and I headed off, feeling immensely sorry for those making the trip to the far-flung provinces of England whilst I sloped off back to North London.

Final Thoughts: Why Every Teacher Should Join a Camps International Recce

For any teacher considering the inspection visit- just do it. You are so well-looked after; you gain an unparallelled insight into each camp as well as an entirely FREE week in a country you may never visit again after the expedition. Camps International run an incredibly slick operation, and the recce did nothing but fuel my excitement for the full expedition in the summer. Gracias Camps International;  Ecuador ama la vida!

Hear more from Peter, along with additional takeaways from a number of teachers who have joined us on a Teacher Inspection Visit across multiple destinations in the video below:

Why Short-Term Projects Can be Problematic

At Camps, we focus on long-term collaboration with the local communities we travel to, rather than short-term projects. All our service-led work is done in partnership with the local community and is based on their needs at the time. Whether it’s helping to build water storage pots in Cambodia, creating safe learning environments in Tanzania, or working on elephant deterrent fences in Kenya, our projects are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and led by the local community members themselves.

We believe that shared goals and working towards long-term outcomes is far more important than any short-term gratification. We have built relationships up with our hosts over the last two decades, and have found that when the community is invested, our student travellers are too. Plus, it makes the projects more sustainable as the communities always take ownership after the work is completed.

How Long-Term Partnerships Create Real Impact 

Often, our projects aren’t done in a year. This may sound disappointing if students are expecting to see a project from start to completion, however sustainable, responsible change takes time. Long-term partnerships with local communities allow projects to be delivered to a higher standard and have a lasting impact well beyond the time our groups return home. Having projects led by the local community also means they create more job and leadership opportunities for local residents, creating a sustainable way for them to increase their earning potential. 

For example, a project in Cambodia had the support of 2025’s student travellers, with construction of the new classrooms reaching 40% completion by the end of summer. Since then, the Camps in-country team and local volunteers have taken the project even further, with 80% of the building now complete. The walls are fully built, the roof is in place, and doors and windows have been installed. Shortly, the in-country team will work on tiling the floor and painting inside one of the classrooms so it’s ready for teaching. These projects prove how student involvement contributes to long-term, sustainable change. 

What This Means for Students

Students will gain authentic cultural exchange from the communities in which they’re immersed. Instead of having a false façade, they will learn to understand cultural traditions and norms, local languages and cuisines, and learn firsthand about global issues different communities face, giving them a deeper appreciation for the world around them.

Students also become more self-aware and confident, with post-expedition surveys from 2024 showing that 95% of students reported growth in global awareness, independence and resilience.

There are also many student travellers that go on to work within conservation, sustainability or humanitarian career roles, or go on to train to become teachers or expedition leaders. We have several past student travellers now working for us at Camps HQ too!

Sustainable travel means not only being conscious of your footprint and emissions, but also means being sensitive to cultural norms, understanding of different global issues, and gracious in learning more about the world around you. By having our projects led by local communities, we ensure that students are learning firsthand about local priorities, perspectives, and what sustainable development really looks like in practice.

Why This Matters to Schools 

From the very beginning, we’ve been committed to doing things responsibly and with purpose. Our travellers never replace paid local roles, and every project is assessed against our Ethical Guidelines to make sure they uphold the highest standards in safeguarding, animal welfare, and sustainability. This approach allows us to deliver meaningful, authentic experiences for our travellers while creating real, lasting benefits for the communities we work alongside. 

Through our Responsible Traveller Training and Real World Studies programmes, we also make sure that the experiences delivered on expedition work alongside curriculum led work done inside the classroom.  We ensure that students are learning firsthand about cultural understanding, shared responsibility, and global citizenship. 

Student safety is also at the heart of everything we do. We carefully plan and manage every expedition with qualified leaders, experienced local teams, and 24/7 support from our global operations staff. From thorough risk assessments and secure transport between each location to robust communication systems and emergency procedures, we proactively manage safety at every stage. We make sure students and teachers are fully supported, allowing them to focus on learning, growth, and making a positive impact with confidence. 

In Conclusion 

Ethical school travel is not about one-off projects or short-term impact. It is about long-term commitment, trust, and working alongside communities in ways that genuinely benefit everyone involved. By prioritising local leadership, safeguarding, sustainability, and meaningful partnerships, our ethical expeditions give students the chance to learn responsibly while contributing to lasting change. When schools choose travel built on strong ethical foundations, they are not only enriching their students’ education but also helping to create a more respectful, informed, and globally minded generation.  

Travel That Changes the World

For over 20 years, Camps International has been redefining what responsible travel looks like. Our expeditions give young people the chance to step outside the classroom and into the real world — to work side by side with our partner communities, learn about global issues first-hand and return home with a new sense of perspective and purpose.

Over the past two years, our student travellers have:

• Completed 209 community and conservation projects globally, contributing more than 450,000 hours of hands-on work.
• Planted over 6,000 trees and helped protect 85,000 acres of land since 2023.
• Reported remarkable personal growth, with 95% of students saying their expedition increased their global awareness, independence and resilience.

In addition, our UK students have shown extraordinary commitment to making travel accessible for all, with over 95% of students taking part in fundraising activities and raising around two-thirds of their expedition costs through our tailored guidance and support.

Building Shared Impact Through Travel

Our expeditions bring people together, combining community projects, environmental action and genuine cultural exchange. Every journey is built on mutual benefit, creating experiences that positively impact both our travellers and our partner communities.

From building classrooms and clean water facilities to protecting endangered ecosystems and restoring local habitats, every project is community-led and designed to meet long-term goals. Our teams live and work alongside our local partners year-round, ensuring that progress continues well beyond each expedition season.

Winning this award reinforces what we’ve always believed: when young people travel with purpose, everyone benefits.

This recognition isn’t the end of our journey,  it’s a reminder of why we do what we do. As we look to the future, we remain committed to expanding our positive impact, supporting more schools, and deepening our partnerships with the communities that make these life-changing experiences possible.

Sharon Palmer, Managing Director for the UK and Middle East, said: “This report is more than a snapshot. It reflects the scale of what’s possible when education, sustainability, and community impact come together. Whether it’s building classrooms, restoring ecosystems, or sparking global awareness in young people, our goal is long-term, systemic change. We want this report to show what responsible, purpose-led travel can achieve and invite others to help us take it further.”

Educational Projects

The 2025 report highlights strong progress across our pillars of impact. Between 2023 and 2024, the number of completed humanitarian, conservation and infrastructure projects increased from 541 to 669 with expanded reach across Latin America, East Africa and Southeast Asia. Education remains a cornerstone of Camps’ mission. Over the past year, an additional 53 classrooms were improved, benefitting thousands of children through improved access to safe, equipped learning environments. The cumulative total now includes over 310 classrooms and 146 upgraded school facilities provided to support quality learning.

Environmental Protection

Environmental protection initiatives also accelerated during the reporting period. Tree-planting efforts surpassed the one million milestone, while marine conservation programmes removed more than 23 tonnes of marine refuse from over 100 miles of coastline. Across our destinations, we now support the protection of more than 250,000 acres of critical wildlife habitat in some of the world’s most fragile ecosystems. This includes the installation of 22 Lion Lights systems around Nairobi National Park in Kenya, a solar-powered deterrent initiative that reduces livestock loss by up to 90% and helps minimise conflict between local communities and predators.

Community Health and Infrastructure

In addition to education and environmental outcomes, the report tracks impact on community health and infrastructure. More than 353 sanitation facilities and 39 community kitchens have been built to improve hygiene and nutrition. Seven medical centres have been supported across five countries, providing vital healthcare access to underserved populations. Meanwhile, sustainable livelihood initiatives ranging from livestock health interventions to micro-enterprise projects continue to empower families with practical tools for income generation and food security.

The 2025 Impact Report underscores our commitment to equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to navigate an increasingly complex world. By combining education with ethical, community-led impact, the organisation supports national priorities while inspiring the next generation to lead with purpose. Read our latest Impact Report in full.

Arrival and Camp Tsavo

When we arrived at Mombasa Airport, we were greeted by a big beaming smile, from Peter, one of our Camp Kenya staff. I was so pleased to see him, as he ran the first teacher trip that I attended, to Tanzania back in 2014 – it was like seeing a long-lost friend again! Peter’s energy never wavered throughout the trip and his smile is infectious!

We were looked after by Peter who we referred to as ‘Tall Peter’, not to be confused with ‘Small Peter’ who was with us from the airport! ‘Tall Peter’ is a bundle of energy, positivity and just kindness. He loves what he does and is always so happy to see you.

Our first stop was Camp Tsavo. We were greeted by Camp Manager Jeremiah, and warmly welcomed to our home for the next few days. Camp Tsavo is tucked away on the hillside of the Marungu Hills, with views to die for. The accommodation is traditional bandas, the toilets are long drops and the showers are cold – but it’s probably one of the most refreshing showers I’ve ever had!

Marungu Hills Trek

Our first full day started with a trek from camp, up in the Marungu Hills. It was definitely hard work with rocky terrain but if you take it ‘pole pole’ (which means ‘slowly slowly’ in Swahili) it’s very manageable.

You will soon find out when visiting Africa – there’s no rush! At the top, our efforts were rewarded by the views – they were amazing. We were accompanied by three rangers, who helped guide us up the hill, showing us local fauna and pointing out its uses, and educating us on the local wildlife.

At the top, as I was looking out over the savannah, I was joined by James, the Head Ranger. He is from the local area, and as we stood there, he said ‘this is home’. It was very clear how proud he was to come from this area of the world, and who now works as a ranger to protect its environment.

The Tumaini Women’s Group

The Tumaini Women’s Group, situated towards the bottom of the hill in Camp Tsavo, was a highlight for me. This group has been running for around 12 years, led by the incomparable Mama Mercy.

For 23 years, Mama Mercy has dedicated her life to enhancing the lives of women in the local community, through education, entrepreneurship and empowerment. This trickles down to these women’s children, who grow up knowing and appreciating the power women can have.

Tumaini means hope – and that’s exactly what Mama Mercy has made room for, for these women. The projects students can get involved in are bead making – bracelets, necklaces, key rings – and elephant dung paper.

The women educate the locals on the uses of the Elephant as opposed to seeing them as a nuisance. The elephant dung is mixed with glue and shredded papers or wrappers, and made into sheets of paper that when dried can be used for painting canvas, used in schools or made into books and cards. It’s a source of income, meaning elephants are protected and the women can earn money.

Project Work and Safari

Goat de-worming is another important project the students can take part in during their time in Kenya. Many of the local villagers rely on livestock for income, and by helping to ensure the goats stay healthy and administering medication, it allows the locals to sell them at a higher price.

The teachers administered the de-worming medication to 54 goats in the space of an hour. The grandmother of the family thanked us for our efforts and she explained that due to our work, they can now afford to send the children of the house to school. It was incredibly humbling to hear.

We were lucky to be taken on a late afternoon game drive in the Rukinga Wildlife Sanctuary. This is a protected space where the animals can roam free, under protection of dedicated rangers who patrol the perimeters to defend the animals from possible poaching.

We saw herds of elephants, giraffe, zebra, buffalo and some beautiful hornbills (that’s Zazu from The Lion King to us!) flying alongside us. Watching the sunset over the sanctuary was a sight I’ll never forget.

The Maasai Tribe

The local Maasai was an incredible experience. Their welcoming was by song and dance, with the famous jumping – which is just as high as you think it’ll be. It gave me goosebumps listening to the tribe sing, their voices sound like a full orchestra and I couldn’t stop smiling.

They are a nomadic people and move around due to the grazing need of their animals – mainly goats and cows. This tribe have been on this site for around 15 years so they’re pretty settled for now.

The Kaya Forest

The Kaya Forest is filled with natural resources, which is expertly looked after by elders of the community. One such elder is Michael. At around seventy years old, he has dedicated his life to caring for this forest and passing his knowledge onto his own children and his fellow rangers.

He guided us through the forest with expert precision, pointing out trees which were approximately 200 years old, plants to soothe upset stomachs and leaves that can potentially help relieve the symptoms of Malaria. This protected area is an example of how local people have been using the resources around them for centuries, and it may be something we all need to be doing a bit more of.

Camp Muhaka

Gladys, the Camp Manager was waving as we pulled into camp, along with Project Coordinator Fiona who spent a lot of time with us during our stay. The humidity of this area caused us to wilt a little after we arrived but after a bit of time, our bodies acclimatised and we were ready to go.

The local village of Muhaka is just outside the camp gates. The children here ran towards us shouting ‘Jambo’, wanting to follow us around, hold hands and welcome us into their community. The poverty here is obvious; there is no fresh water, food is scarce and the facilities are severely lacking.

You can see the impact Camps International teams have had on this village though. We have built 8 classrooms, 4 toilet blocks, an administration building for teachers, helped to improve local housing, among other things and whilst this is all amazing progress, there’s still a way to go.

You can read more about Camps International’s impact in their project reports.

Period Poverty

Whilst we had the opportunity to visit Diani Beach for a few hours, which was just beautiful, I don’t want to focus on that too much as the following morning, I was brought back down to reality with a bit of a bump.

As the teachers were getting stuck into mixing cement and making bricks for a toilet block which is soon to be built, I was learning about a common issue that all young girls and women in the community face.

Gladys, the Manager of Camps Muhaka, explained that in the village, young girls often miss school entirely during their monthly periods because of limited access to sanitary supplies. Over a year, this results in them losing nearly three months of education – a significant setback caused by this lack of resources.

I was told that when a team donated some reusable sanitary towels, Gladys made sure they were spread as best as possible across the village, limiting it to one per household due to how sought after they are. By having a reusable sanitary pad, the girls will have something secure and appropriate to use during their period and they will continue to go to school and improve their education – there is no need for them to remain at home.

This is such a simple need and something we massively take for granted at home. Period poverty across the world is a real issue, and it’s something I’m planning on doing something about over the next few months, to try and do my bit.

A massive thank you to the wonderful group of teachers who I had the pleasure of spending the week with. You all came with open hearts and minds, were enthusiastic, got stuck in, asked great questions, and just made it a really fun week.

I can’t wait to see how you all get on in the summer of 2025 when you return with your students. The team in Kenya are excitedly awaiting your arrival.

Photo credits: Tanya Hunter-Robinson, Francesca Allen, Amy Green and Tom Croydon.

Here is a little more about us and why we have been nominated…

Transformative Expeditions for Global Citizens

Our Global Citizens expedition connects students to the real world in diverse destinations. We believe in unleashing the power of education beyond the classroom. Our school expeditions immerse students in discovery, extending education through life-enhancing experiences and authentic community interactions.

Passionate About Exceptional School Expeditions

Our team at Camps International is dedicated to providing these opportunities. We’re passionate about delivering exceptional school expeditions that connect students to the real world in destinations like Kenya, Tanzania, Borneo, Cambodia, Ecuador, Peru and Costa Rica. We support you every step of the way, from initial meetings to the moment you return home.

What Makes Our Expeditions Special?

• Nurturing Curiosity and Inspiring Empathy: Each expedition empowers students to become global citizens, leaders, and change-makers.
• Educational Value: Our expeditions offer multi-dimensional learning experiences, transforming classroom theories into real-world applications. Students develop fieldwork skills, study ecosystems and biodiversity, practice languages, and gain a genuine understanding of global challenges.
• Authentic Experiences: Going off-grid and engaging in meaningful local interactions educate students on cultural differences, fostering mutual respect and challenging their perspectives.

Empowering Students

Our expeditions empower students to engage in meaningful activities like building amenities, planting trees, or addressing food shortages. They learn to overcome real-world challenges and develop a deep sense of empathy. Fundraising activities make expeditions accessible to all students, providing them with opportunities, knowledge, and skills for life’s adventures. We support students from the day they sign up to the moment they embark on their journey, equipping them with the tools needed to succeed in fundraising, reach their goals, and grow into well-rounded young adults.

Safety and Confidence

Travel with confidence knowing that safety is our top priority. Our experienced staff and rigorous planning ensure participants’ safety. From pre-departure training to on-site support, our robust safety measures provide a secure experience for all.

In mid July, we embarked on our much anticipated Camps International expedition to Cambodia, which had involved two years of fundraising. After clambering on and off of the minibuses which took us to Heathrow airport, we met up with the other schools, to form our whole group: Team Keng Kang. Eagerly, we boarded the plane to Phnom Penh. The journey was split with a layover in Singapore. As soon as I stepped off the plane, I was met with intense heat and humidity.

We travelled to the hotel in Phnom Penh and visited some night markets. At the markets, we met locals, bought gifts, danced and listened to live music. The following day, we visited the notorious S21 Prison and one of many Killing Fields. I found these very moving and could hardly believe the atrocities which had happened there.

We arrived at our first camp: Beng Pae. Once oriented, we dug wells, made concrete rings, learnt some Khmer, did a litter pick and were also nearly caught in a tropical thunderstorm. The showers and toilets were a bit of a shock, as there were no flushes or hot water but we did have fun in the hammocks. We visited a temple on the first day, where some of us were blessed by Buddhist monks, which involved being drenched in very cold water.

Then we set off for Koh Rong Samloem (the dive island and Sunset Beach). We spent five days participating in diving training and emergency first aid courses. I was lucky enough to achieve my PADI open water diving qualification. We spent the evenings on Sunset Beach watching the sunset, playing pool and watching films.

We returned to Beng Pae, where we were given the opportunity to teach English in a local school and to begin work on a football pitch. We completed building the two wells we had started on our initial stay.

Keng Kang were fortunate enough to visit one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World: Angkor Wat and the temple from Tomb Raider, in Siem Reap.

We arrived at our final Camp: Beng Mea Lea. We met Han, who is known as the ‘smiliest man in Cambodia’. We built concrete pots for locals to store water in during the dry season; we also built a chicken coop in two days.

Finally, we travelled back to Phnom Penh and made our way home.

My greatest take away from this experience was how fortunate I was to help others and just how lucky I am.

We would like to thank Ava for sharing her experience on the Cambodia Scuba Expedition where along with the entire Keng Kang team, they contributed to a number of sustainable projects .  The projects aim to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2. Zero Hunger, 3. Good Health and Wellbeing, 4. Quality Education, 9. Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, 13. Climate Action, 15. Life on Land.

Reposted from Mayville High School