Camps International Adds Zambia and South Africa to Its 2025 Expedition Line-Up

Camps International, a social enterprise renowned for providing school expeditions for student volunteers worldwide, including the UAE, has announced the addition of two exciting impact destinations for 2025—Zambia and South Africa. With a mission to deliver life-changing, ethical, and experiential travel opportunities, the 2025 service-led expeditions and adventure trips will allow UAE students to engage in cultural immersion and outdoor adventures, where students can explore cultural immersion and outdoor adventures, from hiking Lion’s Head and visiting Table Mountain in South Africa to experiencing Victoria Falls and community projects in Zambia.

Sharon Palmer, Managing Director at Camps International, spoke about the exciting new destinations, saying: “Zambia and South Africa are the latest additions to our portfolio of expeditions; they exemplify our mission to empower young travellers to make a positive impact while experiencing the beauty and challenges of the destinations they visit.”

These expeditions offer students opportunities to engage directly in impactful projects that bring lasting benefits to partner communities while immersing themselves in diverse cultures and environmental challenges. Through these unique experiences, students step out of their comfort zones, grow as individuals, and develop leadership skills alongside a strong sense of global citizenship. They return home not only as adventurers but also as change-makers, equipped to make a difference in the world.

Camps International’s 2025 expeditions offer transformative experiences for students, blending cultural immersion, outdoor adventure, and meaningful community engagement. So, what is in store for the children?

• South Africa – Cape Town: Students will embark on a journey that combines cultural immersion, community engagement, outdoor adventure, and historical exploration. They will visit iconic landmarks such as the Castle of Good Hope, Kirstenbosch Gardens, and Table Mountain, and will hike up the popular Lion’s Head. Furthermore, students will engage with a community-driven NGO that provides educational and sporting opportunities for primary school children. This involvement promotes fitness, teamwork, and self-esteem while addressing gaps in physical education, particularly benefiting young girls. The activities align with UNSDGs 3 and 5, fostering physical fitness, gender equality, and community collaboration.
• Zambia – Livingstone: Situated in the heart of Livingstone, students will experience the breathtaking Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and explore Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on safari. Community impact projects include planting trees to create a school orchard, participating in a sports day with local children, and constructing eco-structures using repurposed materials. A guided village tour, led by women from the local community, will shed light on global challenges such as limited access to education and healthcare. These activities exemplify sustainable development and repurposing initiatives, in alignment with UNSDGs 3, 6, and 12.

These transformative experiences aim to inspire students while providing opportunities for them to make a lasting impact. Reflecting on the benefits of Camps International’s expeditions, Jaemie McCluskey, Student Performance Improvement/AP and GATE/PE Lead Teacher at the Canadian International School in Abu Dhabi, stated: “Our students and staff have enjoyed access to Camps International experiences for over five years. Throughout each trip, our students’ safety has been prioritised, as well as their ability to understand, analyse, and create a meaningful impact on the local communities we visit internationally. What we continue to appreciate about Camps International is the passion they instil in our students for sustainable project work during the trip. Our students gain a comprehensive experience, showcasing the beauty of the culture in which they are immersed and highlighting the significance of engaging in work that will have a lasting impact even after they have departed.”

With over 23 years of experience, Camps International provides life-changing expeditions at its permanent camps across seven countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Borneo, and Cambodia, while actively contributing to several UN Sustainable Development Goals, such as SDG 4 Quality Education and SDG 13 Climate Action. In 2024, Camps International organised 47 school expeditions involving 937 students from the UAE. These journeys ranged from coral restoration projects in the Maldives to language exchange and school improvement initiatives in Sri Lanka, all aimed at inspiring young minds and promoting sustainability-driven action. Camps also offer expeditions in Latin America for schools seeking longer programmes, featuring destinations such as Peru, Ecuador, and Costa Rica.

Last Updated on 2 days by News Desk 1