Camps International having operated for over 20 years, Camps International offer life-changing school expeditions at their permanent camps across seven countries, in Africa, Latin America and Asia. Since its inception, over 50,000 students and teachers have been on expeditions, working across 400 projects, impacting more than 120,000 lives across the globe.

1. Can you elaborate a little more on who you are and how Camps International started? 

Camps International was founded in 2002 by Stuart Rees-Jones with a vision to create transformative experiences for young people while directly supporting global communities. Starting with a single camp in Kenya, the organisation has since expanded across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Our mission is to empower students through immersive experiences that contribute to sustainable development in the communities we partner with. Over the years, we’ve grown to be a global leader in ethical travel, committed to making a lasting impact on both the participants and the local communities we serve.

2. What excites you the most about allowing young people to participate in building your camps contributing to global change?

What excites us most is witnessing young people transform through hands-on involvement in meaningful projects. By collaborating with our partner communities, they gain practical skills, cultural awareness, and a deep sense of purpose that stays with them long after the experience. This authentic off-grid experience empowers them to become global citizens who are aware of the world’s challenges (humanitarian, wildlife and environment) and are motivated to contribute positively. The enthusiasm, energy and fresh perspectives that young people bring are catalysts that drive our mission and spark lasting change for communities worldwide.

3. You have been in business for a few years now. How do you think you have had to adapt to changing travel trends and stay relevant in the youth travel industry?

To remain relevant in the ever-evolving youth travel industry, we’ve embraced a commitment to ethical, immersive and sustainable travel experiences. Our expeditions are designed to align with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring every experience has a meaningful impact. We’ve adapted by introducing our Responsible Traveller Training programme featuring online modules on personal responsibility, carbon footprint measurement, understanding projects and SDGs, travel ethics and cultural literacy and post-expedition reflection. These sessions cultivate lifelong eco-conscious habits and foster deeper global understanding. With 83 percent of Gen Z travellers prioritising sustainability in their travel choices, we continue to offer transformative, purpose-driven experiences that resonate with today’s socially aware youth.

4. How do your programs help students integrate with local communities and cultural practices in a sustainable way?

Our programmes are designed to foster meaningful, lasting connections between students and our local partner communities. By collaborating on community-led projects, students immerse themselves in the local culture, learning directly from local people, gaining insights about their traditions, values, and daily lives.

We strengthen this integration through “Connect with Camps” calls – these are live webinars where students engage in meaningful dialogue with our regional staff, who share firsthand experience of local and global issues. These interactions are powerful educational moments that foster cultural respect and empower communities. By supporting local goals and preserving heritage, our approach ensures a sustainable and mutually beneficial impact.

5. How do you ensure that the camps are meaningful and impactful for both the community and the participants?

We ensure our expeditions are meaningful and impactful by focussing on collaborative, needs-based projects that address real challenges faced by local communities. By partnering with local leaders, we identify critical areas where our efforts can make the most significant difference and work together to create sustainable solutions. For participants, we offer immersive experiences that promote personal growth, deepen cultural understanding and instil a sense of global responsibility. This dual approach guarantees that both the communities and participants experience meaningful benefits, resulting in lasting, positive outcomes that resonate long after the expeditions conclude.