Camps International - Gap Year Trips

Gap YeARS

VOLUNTEERING PROGRAMMES FROM 2 WEEKS TO 6 MONTHS

Gap YeARSDo something amazing!

WHY TAKE A GAP YEAR?

Gap Year Experts

We are the award-winning gap year experts that specialise in providing the highest quality volunteering experience for you whilst committing to sustainable community development and wildlife conservation across Africa, Asia and South America.

Whether you are planning a gap year, treating yourself to a much needed break after your exams, taking time out from work, trying to boost your CV and experience, or simply looking for a worthwhile way to spend some free time, our programmes offer you an extraordinary, life-enhancing experience. You will live and work as part of a rural community, contributing to ethical, sustainable and meaningful projects that improve the lives of disadvantaged communities and protect fragile wildlife habitats.

WHERE WILL I STAY?During a gap year programme with us you will experience unrivalled support from accomodation and food, to transport and around the clock communications. This is all included in the price which means that when you’re in-country, you don’t need to budget for anything other than excursions (optional), weekend trips to town and the odd spot of souvenir shopping!

In each of our destinations we have permanent camp locations. These camps are built in the heart of the communities and widlife reserves with whom we work and are staffed by local people who have lived and grown up there.

Accomodation ranges from traditional thatched buildings and longhouses to a simple dome tent or even a hammock in the jungle or on the beach. Our locally employed kitchen teams keep you well fed and watered throughout your stay.

Our camps will undoubtedly become your second homes during your time away with us. Your month of travel and length of stay will determine which camps you visit in each location - please speak to a member of our team for more details.

1. THE BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR LIFE! All our trips help you get the most out of your gap year with a huge variety of community, wildlife and environmental projects, a social life that is second to none and plenty of adventure activities to choose from.

2. DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT: Don’t be just another tourist – live as part of the community off the beaten track for the most authentic cultural experience. A gap year can be any length of time and can open the door to endless opportunities. Our gap programmes are for anyone aged 18–25 years who want to make a real difference through sustainable, lifechanging project work and at the same time have the most incredible experiences!

3. WORK HARD, PLAY HARD! Live, work and socialise with like-minded volunteers from all over the world. Spend evenings and weekends socialising, chilling on the beach, exploring the sights or enjoying the local nightlife.

4. BE ETHICAL: All projects are developed and run in partnership with local people, ensuring they are worthwhile and needed by each community. More than 40% of the cost of your expedition goes towards project funding and capacity building overseas.

5. SAFE AND SECURE PLACEMENTS: You are travelling out to our camps and our projects – there are no third parties, so we can ensure the highest

10 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD GO FOR IT!

standards of safety and care. Our camps are located in safe and secure areas, close to approved medical facilities, ensuring you receive the best standard of care possible.

6. MAKE A DIFFERENCE: All projects are sustainable; we live and work in our host communities 365 days a year, making long-term commitments to our initiatives and never leaving a project unfinished

7. SUPPORT: All trips are expertly organised and fully supported; from giving you fundraising advice to being out in country with you, we are always there for you.

8. LEARN SOMETHING NEW: You’ll

learn a host of new practical skills that you wouldn’t get the chance to at home.

There is also the opportunity to obtain the CoPE Level 3 qualification and earn 70 UCAS points by volunteering with us! This applies to all of our 1-3 month programmes. Please ask a member of our UK team for more information.

9. PICK UP THE LINGO: Learn a new language from the local people who speak it!

10. AMAZING DESTINATIONS: Work in some of the most exotic and extraordinary locations on Earth. We specialise in only a few parts of the world and where we can provide maximum benefit.

LOCATION: South coast, 50 km south of Mombasa and also bordering Tsavo National Parks, 160 km northwest of Mombasa

PROGRAMME OPTIONS:Gap Year (18–25):• CK 2 weeks • CK 1 month • CK 2 months • CK 3 months

AIRPORT: Mombasa, Kenya

ACCOMMODATION: Varies between locations; mixture of basic but very comfortable traditional thatched bandas or tented units BUDGET: Allow around £70 p/week

AVAILABILITY: Monthly departures throughout the year (excluding December)

HIGHLIGHTS:• Work alongside rural communities • Develop school and community

facilities• Improve employment opportunities

for local people• Teach children through after-school

workshops • Conservation work in private

wildlife sanctuary• National Park Safari• Chill out on idyllic tropical beaches • Socialise with like-minded

volunteers at evenings and weekends

Experience the best that Kenya has to offer. Become part of a rural Kenyan community as you work to improve living standards for local people and protect fragile wildlife habitats through a wide range of exciting project initiatives.

All programmes include school and community refurbishment, teaching assistance, habitat work within a 80,000 acre private wildlife sanctuary and a big game safari. If you stay for longer than one month you will also get the chance to take part in marine conservation initiatives. Each itinerary varies depending on the needs of the community and wildlife areas at any one time, but will include the following elements:

COMMUNITY PROJECTS:

In rural Kenya, around 70% of people are living below the poverty line and access to proper sanitation, clean drinking water, healthcare and an education are often limited or non-existent. You will play an essential role in assisting with local community projects and it is likely that you will find this one of the most rewarding parts of your trip. The core projects focus on education and initiatives that benefit the local schools and their constantly expanding classes. Project work may include building new classrooms or ablution blocks, constructing community housing, working to supply clean water to communities, teaching conversational English, sport or computer skills, desk building and much more. Project work and after school activities will give you plenty of time to interact with the children.

Our main community camp is in the village of, which is about 30 minutes from the spectacular Diani Beach. Then in Camp Tsavo, you will work to support a women’s group on the outskirts of the sanctuary.

WILDLIFE PROJECTS:

Did you know that 25% of all of Africa’s game is located in East Africa? You will take part in a working safari at a private wildlife sanctuary bordering the world-famous Tsavo National Parks. The sanctuary boasts over 50 species of mammals including elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hyenas and even the occasional lion or cheetah. Activities may include habitat regeneration, improving water catchment for wildlife, environmental education at the local primary school, wildlife monitoring and identification and making elephant dung paper (much more fun than it sounds)! The expedition also includes the opportunity for you to take in some spectacular wildlife viewing on safari in one of Kenya’s premier National Parks.

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS:

Kenya’s coastline hosts forests with some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world – but they are disappearing fast. You will get the opportunity to plant indigenous trees and educate local children and adults about the environment and its importance to their future.

If you stay for longer than one month you will spend more time working with Muhaka’s community to preserve and regenerate the sacred forest of Kaya Muhaka. This beautiful forest is home to the endangered Black and White Colobus monkey, as well as 4 other species of monkeys, including baboons. At the sanctuary you will plant indigenous hardwood trees to help reforest areas badly affected by logging and the charcoal trade.

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ADVENTURE OPTIONS:

For those looking for extra adventure, we also offer a wide range of additional activities including PADI scuba diving, mountain trekking and extra safari.

EXTRA BENEFITS OF 2 MONTH PROGRAMME:

Everything that’s included in the one month programme plus:

• Extended amount of time spent on your community projects

• Marine conservation project work• Work to protect the sacred forest of Kaya

Muhaka


Everything that’s included in the two month programme plus:

• Spend the maximum time contributing to our community projects to gain a deep appreciation of Kenyan culture

• Spend longer working alongside the local school children

ALSO INCLUDED:

• Regular trips to the beach and Diani town• Local Swahili language lessons • Cultural understanding and exchange

“ A life-changing, once in a lifetime experience. Great camps, great people! The safari was the best day of my life. Amazing!” - Emily Rebecca Shepherd

LOCATION: North coast, 10 km south of Tanga. 2 to 3 month programmes also visit Kenya – bordering Tsavo National Parks

PROGRAMME OPTIONS:Gap Year (18–25):• CT 2 weeks • CT 1 month • CT 2 months (includes Camp Kenya) • CT 3 months (includes Camp Kenya)

AIRPORT: Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

ACCOMMODATION: Varies between locations; mixture of basic but very comfortable traditional thatched bandas or tented units

BUDGET: Allow around £70 p/week


HIGHLIGHTS:• Work on important projects to

improve the standard of living for rural Tanzanian communities

• Seaweed harvesting• Visit and volunteer in Kenya –

two countries for the price of one! (2 and 3 month programmes only)

• Participate in ongoing conservation initiatives to protect wildlife and the environment (2 and 3 month programmes only)

• 1 day Safari

Based from our main camp along the Tanzanian coast, you will spend your time working alongside rural communities to experience authentic Tanzanian village life off the beaten track. This trip is ideal if you are keen to make a real difference in some of the poorest areas in East Africa by working on community initiatives to improve living standards for local people and help provide better access to education for children.

Every programme includes a focus on improving school infrastructure, supporting income generation for the coastal community and a big game safari. If you stay for longer than a month you will also get to work in Kenya, taking part in conservation activities on an 80,000 acre private wildlife sanctuary. Each itinerary varies depending on the needs of the community and wildlife areas at any one time but all trips will include the following elements:

COMMUNITY PROJECTS:

In rural, coastal Tanzania, the majority of people are living below the poverty line and there are few opportunities for employment, healthcare and a proper education. You will play a vital role in assisting with a range of ongoing community projects. Our projects are based predominantly at Camp Tanga, which is based in a small village 6km south of the town it was named after. Core projects focus on income generation via seaweed farming, as well as education initiatives that benefit the local schools and their expanding student population.

Project work may include building new classrooms or ablution blocks, constructing housing, working to supply clean water to communities, supporting eco-tourism activities for local people, teaching and marine conservation. You also have the unique opportunity to live alongside local people and children and interact with them as part of the community, not a tourist.

WILDLIFE PROJECTS:

If you book a 2 or 3 month programme you will also travel to Kenya and stay in one of our incredible wildlife camps. Here, you will take part in a working safari at a private wildlife sanctuary bordering the world-famous Tsavo National Parks. Activities may include habitat regeneration, improving water catchment for wildlife, environmental education at the local primary school, wildlife monitoring and identification and making elephant dung paper (much more fun than it sounds)!

All Tanzania volunteers will get to experience a big game safari. There are very few experiences that rival a journey through the wilderness watching animals in their natural habitat. 1 month volunteers will safari in Tanzania, and 2 and 3 month volunteers will safari in Kenya.


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This part of Tanzania’s coastline boasts a large coral reef that supports a wide variety of marine life. Mangroves play an equally important role as they act as a nursery for many fish that the local community depend on for food. However, felling of mangrove trees and destructive fishing activities are putting this area at great risk. You will work alongside fishermen and a women’s group to help them with seaweed farming and sustainable fishing, plant indigenous trees and educate local children and adults about the environment and its importance to their future.

ADVENTURE OPTIONS:

For those looking for extra adventure, we also offer a wide range of additional activities including mountain trekking.


Everything that’s included in the one month programme plus:

• Extended amount of time spent on your community projects

• Two countries for the price of one! Spend around two weeks working on an exciting conservation project in and around Camp Tsavo, which is set in the centre of an 80,000 acre private wildlife sanctuary in Kenya so you should be prepared to wake up to the sights and sounds of the African bush!


Everything that’s included in the two month programme plus:

• A relaxing 2 night stay at a beautiful beach resort in Tanzania

ALSO INCLUDED:

• Regular trips to Tanga • Local Swahili language lessons • Cultural understanding and exchange

“ Fantastic, it really was something truly unique to live in rural Africa and be considered a local...” - Ben Muller

LOCATION: Cloud forest north of Quito, Amazon and Coast south of Montanita

PROGRAMME OPTIONS:Gap Year (18–25):• CE 2 weeks• CE 1 month• CE 2 months• CE 3 months

AIRPORT: Quito/Guayaquil (depending on your programme)

ACCOMMODATION: Varies between locations; mixture of traditional dormitory buildings, cabanas and spacious tented units



HIGHLIGHTS: (some aspects are dependent on trip duration and month of travel)• Spend time in the Ecudorian Cloud

Forest, Amazon and Pacific Coast (varies based on time of year and trip duration)

• Improve school and community facilities

• Support income generation for rural communities

• Teach young children through educational workshops

• Spectacled bear conservation • Enjoy the vibrant Latin nightlife

and spend time in the buzzing capital, Quito

• Soak up the famous colourful markets of Otavalo

• Opportunities to learn Spanish

This activity-packed trip features the very best of Latin America. Nowhere else can you experience so much in such a short amount of time and make a real and lasting difference to the people, wildlife and the environment of this stunning country. Depending on your time of travel and your duration, you will spend time living in the Andes, Amazon and/or the Pacific Coast, while working on a range of ongoing community and conservation projects and exploring the culture and natural beauty of Ecuador.

All programmes include school and community improvement, teaching assistance, habitat protection and spectacled bear conservation within a wildlife reserve, plus a city tour of Quito. Each itinerary varies depending on the needs of the community and wildlife areas at any one time but will include the following elements:

COMMUNITY PROJECTS:

Due to habitat destruction and lack of employment opportunities, there are high levels of poverty within the communities in which we work. Many people emigrate to the city in search of work, resulting in the breakdown of family units. The core projects focus on improving community facilities, refurbishing the local school and creating employment opportunities for the local people. Project work may include, refurbishing and improving schools, teaching conversational English, working with the women’s group to make and sell

goods, supporting organic coffee and cacao (chocolate) farming and playing sports with the local children.

WILDLIFE AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS:

We have a stunning cloud forest camp that is situated within a 14,000 acre reserve in one of the most beautiful and ecologically important areas in the world and home to an incredible variety of animals and plants, including spectacled bears that can be seen between July and September each year. However, the future of this area is under threat due to the highest rate of deforestation recorded in South America. Wildlife poaching is also rife. You will get involved in a wide variety of projects that may include planting food trees for bears, addressing humanbear conflict, reforestation, nature trail development, habitat protection, recycling activities and teaching environmental education to children. Those who have the coastal phase included within their itinerary will also spend time working on marine conservation initiatives along the Pacific Coast.


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ADVENTURE OPTIONS:

There is no end to the number of additional activities available in Ecuador, fit to suit everyone. These include visiting the world-famous Galapagos Islands, trekking to Machu Picchu, PADI Scuba diving, whale watching, trekking around and summiting Cotapaxi.


All of our 1 month programmes will stay in the same camp for the duration of their programme.

Booking on to a 2 month Ecuador programme ensures that you experience two of our camps and also different project aims and initiatives.


If you have 3 months to spend in Ecuador, we would highly recommend it! A 3 month programme allows you to stay in each of our camps and experience the best that Ecuador has to offer!

ALSO INCLUDED:

• Explore capital city Quito, the second highest capital city in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a maze of steep streets complete with cobbled plazas and lavishly decorated cathedrals

• Visit the colourful Andean markets of Otavalo and meet the indigenous people

• Local Spanish lessons

“ There were so many unforgettable highlights; snorkeling with sea lions and alongside giant turtles was unreal.” - Jenni Pinches, Camp Ecuador

LOCATION: Among the mountains, rivers and lakes of the south eastern corner of Peru PROGRAMME OPTIONS:Gap Year (18–25):• CP 1 month• CP 2 months• CP 3 months (includes Camp

Ecuador)

AIRPORT: Cusco

ACCOMMODATION: All in permanent buildings including some community homestays



HIGHLIGHTS: (some aspects are dependent on trip duration and month of travel)• Live as part of a rural Peruvian

community• Experience the distinct cultural

identity of the local people• Improve local infrastructure,

particularly schools and children’s facilities

• Opportunity to trek to Machu Picchu • Opportunity to visit Lake Titicaca• Opportunity to visit Colca Canyon• Cusco visit and tour• Relax and enjoy the globally

renowned Peruvian cuisine

South America is one of the most incredible places on Earth and makes the perfect location for gap year travel. Our Peru gap programme offers fantastic variety in the areas that you will visit from the desert, deep canyons, the vast expanses of the Altiplano, Lake Titicaca and its surroundings at 3800 meters and, of course, the breathtaking glories of Machu Picchu. You will have the opportunity to live alongside rural communities in Peru and immerse yourself in the fantastic culture and incredible history.

Peru is a vast country, which encompasses the Pacific coast, the High Andes and the Amazon basin. Our Peru gap programme concentrates on the mountains and highland communities – and even with these self-imposed limits, the distances to travel are enormous. There is great variety in the areas we visit; with the expedition encompassing the desert, deep canyons, the vast expanses of the Altiplano, Lake Titicaca, its surroundings at 3800 meters and, of course, the glories of Machu Picchu.

Within the population of Peru there is a great range of cultures. The Quechua people are among the largest of the indigenous populations, but there are also the Aymara around Lake Titicaca - one of the world’s most ancient civilizations - and many other smaller indigenous groups. The upholding of traditions and cultural identity is a matter of pride for many of these communities, which is most obviously expressed in the colourful and elaborate

CAMP PERU

clothes that they wear. When you are in Peru, you are never able to forget you are in a very different world. Our activities are concentrated in the sierra, which means that your entire trip will be spent at altitude. Cusco, at 3400 meters, was an Incan capital and is still rich in Incan archaeological sites. Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, sits at 3811 meters and is home to its own indigenous populations and culture. This is one of the few programmes where we can safely say you will need to pack a jumper! Although that will be a small price to pay for such a unqiue and culturally rich experience.

COMMUNITY PROJECTS:

Peru is Camps International’s newest destination, which means it offers exciting new adventures for our clients and the chance to be involved in the establishing of projects and the all important relationships with communities. We are in dialogue with those communities now, and that process will continue until our first groups arrive and long afterwards.


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Our 1 month Peru programmes vary between staying at Camp Titicaca or at Camp Colca. Not all of these programmes include the Machu Picchu trek.

EXTRA BENEFITS OF 2 MONTH PROGRAMMES:

Booking on to a 2 month Peru programme ensures that you experience both of the incredible camp locations and the Machu Picchu trek.

EXTRA BENEFITS OF 3 MONTH PROGRAMMES:

If you have 3 months to spend in South America, we would highly recommend it! Our 3 month Peru + Ecuador programme gives you the best that these incredible countries have to offer. What are you waiting for!


Many areas of southern Peru have experienced heavy deforestation, in part due to the continued reliance of the people on burning wood for cooking. The fragile environments of these high altitude communities are under constant threat and we are working both with conservation groups and local populations to try and address some of these issues.

ADVENTURE OPTIONS:

Please speak to a member of our team about which adventure options will fit in to your programme:

• Machu Picchu – This iconic trek is included in many of our Peru programmes but can be added in the event that it isn’t included in yours

• We use a less populated, more remote and perhaps a little more challenging route to the great Inca city

• El Misti Volcano (two day hike from Arequipa)

• Sandboarding (near Arequipa)

“ It really is unique as you really do get involved in the community.” - Oliver Chivers

LOCATION: All camps are in the Malaysian state of Sabah, North Borneo: Kudat in the North, on the edge of Kinabalu National Park in central Sabah, Kinabatangan River in the East and off the West coast

PROGRAMME OPTIONS:Gap Year (18–25):• CB 2 weeks• CB 1 month• CB 2 months• CB 3 months (includes

Camp Cambodia)

AIRPORT: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. For 3 month programme, Camp Cambodia flight to Siem Reap can be booked in country

ACCOMMODATION: Varies between locations but generally you can expect traditional longhouses with the occasional hammock!


AVAILABILITY: Monthly departures throughout the year (excluding July & December)

HIGHLIGHTS: (some aspects are dependent on trip duration and month of travel)• Work alongside rural communities • Develop school and community

facilities• Improve employment opportunities

for locals• Reforestation and wildlife viewing

along the Kinabatangan River• Marine conservation on stunning

Mantanani Island• Visit Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary • Visit WWII war memorial at

Sandakan• Enjoy the buzzing nightlife of the

capital city, Kota Kinabalu with like-minded volunteers

We have a variety of programmes in Borneo that include school and community development, teaching assistance, reforestation along the Kinabatangan River, and a visit to Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary. We also have programmes that include spending time on the idyllic tropical island of Mantanani and working on community and marine conservation projects.

Our fantastic 3 month programme includes everything that our Borneo camps have to offer, plus you will spend the final month in Cambodia! Each itinerary varies depending on your month of travel and duration, and the needs of the community and wildlife areas, but will include the following elements:

COMMUNITY PROJECTS:

Working and living alongside a rural Sabahan community will be one of the highlights of your Camp Borneo experience. Their warmth and generosity, despite obvious hardships, is incredible. During your programme you will live and work on many of our ongoing projects designed to improve the living standards of local people. Much of our work focuses on trying to improve facilities and preserve cultural heritage within communities. Work could involve anything from low-level construction work, improving water supplies, painting classrooms, building desks, teaching, sports or assisting with daily tasks such as harvesting, planting crops, and making arts and crafts. It is important to remain flexible, enthusiastic and keep an open mind. As with all rural communities you can

become involved in the nightly games of football, volleyball or badminton or simply watch, chat and make friends with other bystanders to capture the real flavour of Borneo, off the beaten track. Many of our programmes provide you with the opportunity to visit the town of Sandakan where there is a very poignant memorial to the prisoners of war who were marched to their deaths during World War II. We also have programmes that take you to Mantanani Island where you will work alongside the villagers on a community improvement programme. Mantanani has around 800 residents and is one of the poorest areas of Malaysia.

WILDLIFE AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS:

If your programme includes Mantanani Island, you will work on an important marine conservation project. The island is an important safe haven for endangered juvenile green turtles and your activities will include beach clean ups and working with the local children on environmental education and awareness.


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If your programme includes a jungle phase you will find yourself on the banks of the mighty Kinabatangan River in eastern Sabah. Here you will participate in environmental projects, helping reforest areas where the jungle has become sparse. This is hard work in the heat and humidity of the Borneo jungle but your reward is the opportunity to see plenty of wildlife at close quarters. The banks of the river are teeming with life such as crocodiles, wild boar, occasional elephants, assorted birdlife and at least 10 different species of primate, which of course includes the spectacular, yet endangered Orangutan.

If you fail to see one of these great apes at the work site, your day trip to Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary will certainly ensure that you see a number of them and learn more about their conservation. During this phase you will also spend several nights jungle camping... and yes, that does mean sleeping in hammocks!

ADVENTURE OPTIONS:

For those looking for extra adventure, we also offer a wide range of additional activities including PADI scuba diving and jungle/mountain trekking.

EXTRA BENEFITS OF 1 & 2 MONTH PROGRAMMES:

Our one month Borneo programmes varies between Camp Mantanani (island) or Camp Batu Puteh (jungle). This alternates throughout the year and is based on your month of travel.

A two month Borneo programme offers you the chance to experience both Camp Mantanani and Camp Batu Puteh, plus you will be working on a range of projects including helping with marine conservation and forest regeneration.


Everything that’s included in the two month programme plus the chance to experience living and working in Cambodia. For more information, see Camp Cambodia on the next page!

ALSO INCLUDED:

• Regular trips to the nearest town (Kota Kinabalu/Ranau/Sandakan)

• Local Malay language lessons• Cultural visits, e.g. village tour

“ The camp manager grew up here and knows the community very well, so we got to know how the people here really live.” - Kat Poole, Borneo

LOCATION: Camp Beng Mealea 70 km NE of Siem Reap, Siem Reap town and the surrounding sites & temples, Phnom Penh

PROGRAMME OPTIONS:Gap Year (18–25):• CC 2 weeks• CC 1 month• CC 2 months (includes Camp

Borneo)

AIRPORT: Siem Reap

ACCOMMODATION: Varies between locations but generally you can expect traditional longhouse style


AVAILABILITY: Monthly departures throughout the year (excluding Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug & Dec)

HIGHLIGHTS:• Live as part of the community• Experience the warmth and

generosity of the local people• Improve the local school facilities• Enhance food security and

production• Visit Cambodia’s world-famous

temples including Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm (featured in the ‘Tomb Raider’ movie)

• Cultural tour of Siem Reap and the capital, Phnom Penh

• Kick back and enjoy the laid-back vibe of Siem Reap’s bars and restaurants with other like-minded volunteers

The enchanting Kingdom of Cambodia is a must-see for any visitor to Asia with the local people being amongst the warmest and friendliest you could ever wish to meet.

This activity packed programme offers you the chance to experience the real Cambodia, living and working alongside a rural Khmer community, seeing at first hand the hardships of everyday life in one of Asia’s poorest countries. There will also be plenty of time to unwind and relax in the vibrant and fun town of Siem Reap, as well as a number of day visits to sights such as the stunning temples of Angkor Wat or the silence and horror of the Killing Fields. For a longer experience, this trip is ideally combined with one or two months stay at Camp Borneo.

Cambodia has a fascinating and colourful history, with the kingdoms and people of Angkor, once one of the greatest civilisations of the ancient world, and the more recent and tragic history of the Khmer Rouge, which brought the country to its knees in the 1970’s. Today’s Cambodia is a legacy of all this and more – its raw and widespread poverty is heartbreaking at times and yet the spirit and gentleness of its people give hope and warmth to what otherwise could be a very sad country. This programme is predominantly centred around community development project work. For those wishing to get stuck into some more hardcore projects then Cambodia is the place for you. It is a shock to the system at times seeing the hardships but the smiles on the faces of the people around you normally help to bring a sense of perspective to everything and for those willing

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to immerse themselves in it, the rewards are all around. An understanding of the recent history of Cambodia is recommended for anyone visiting in order to understand why the country is the way it is today.

Our main camp is on the edge of the village of Beng Mealea, some 90 minutes north east of Siem Reap. The camp itself is set back on its own land and looks out across paddy fields and up to the Kulen National Park. To enter the camp, new arrivals walk past the huge, ornate and colourful Buddhist pagoda and home of the local monks, before passing through our land which is where we conduct our permaculture training. The community is quite spread out but at its heart is an ancient ruined temple, an outpost of the Angkor Wat complex. Due to its remoteness the temple is not over-run by tourists and is always a great place to explore and spend time to reflect. Conditions in the village are harsh with most people surviving on the rice they grow and perhaps some other local produce. Healthcare, education and general quality of life is very low and the hardships of the communities day to day existence is very apparent.


COMMUNITY PROJECTS:

Much of our work focuses on developing community facilities and nowhere is this more critical than in the local school. At Beng Mealea the local school takes up to 700 students daily, many of whom the lunch they are given at school is their only meal of the day. The infrastructure at the school is shocking – falling down classrooms with holes in the roof, overcrowded, dark, dingy and completely unequipped; an outdoor kitchen with two broken and dilapidated open hearths for cooking on and no food preparation or storage area; no proper teacher accommodation – they currently live crammed in one of the classrooms; leaking water storage capacity; limited sanitary facilities for the children and staff. All in all a very sorry state of affairs and one which our volunteers are working hard on to address. Your time spent working at the school will also mean spending time with the beautiful children of Cambodia. This will no doubt be a lasting highlight of your Cambodia experience.

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ADVENTURE OPTIONS:

There is the option to add an exciting and challenging jungle trek on to your programme. Please note, this adventure option is number dependent so please speak to a member of our team for details.

COMBINE WITH 1 OR 2 MONTHS IN CAMP BORNEO:

We suggest you consider combining your one month in Cambodia with some time in Borneo – they are both very different locations, offering different projects, activities and experiences. In general we would recommend that you visit Borneo first as it is a bit more developed and we believe a better location for your initial arrival into Asia.

In order to reach Cambodia from Borneo you will have to transit through either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore and is normally relatively cheap to buy flights locally. We leave a 4 day window from the Borneo programme finishing before the Cambodia one starts in order that you can travel between the two. Normally people on both programmes will leave booking their local flights until they are in country and have discussed it with fellow travellers.

ALSO INCLUDED:

• Visit to Siem Reap & Phnom Penh• Angkor Wat temple tour• Local Khmer language lessons• Trip to Kulen National Park and waterfalls

“ If anyone reading this is contemplating whether to take a gap year – do it. It’ll be the experience of a life time, and one you’ll never forget.” - E Reda, Borneo + Cambodia

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Healthcare outreach

Are you medically qualified in any field and want to see the world? Then our Healthcare Outreach Programme is for you.

Camps International’s groundbreaking medical initiatives allow you the chance to join a group of like minded professionals and put your skills to the test outside of your comfort zone.

Using our camps as bases you will work with local medical practitioners providing healthcare to remote communities. Since 2009, we have been working with various public health initiatives in Kenya and running our own community health programmes. Based on our success in Kenya, we have now launched this programme in different countries. You can combine this experience with visiting the best of what the countries have to offer including wildlife safaris and cultural heritage tours.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take part in important medical outreach programmes to help improve the standard of healthcare for rural communities

• Rest and Relaxation time in beautiful remote locations

• Optional Safari in a national park• Experience life in a different culture• The chance to explore World Heritage Sites

(Angkor Wat, Cambodia)• Suitable for healthcare professionals,

students, dentists and optometrists• Working with children and adults

Sports Development

If you have a love of sport why not try our Sports Development Expedition in Kenya?

This trip gives you the opportunity to play an active role in increasing opportunities for young people to participate in sport by taking part in our award-winning sporting activities. Most of your time will be spent in and around the schools and communities working alongside local children and teachers to develop sports facilities.

Project work will vary depending on the needs of each community and could involve anything from low-level construction to creating outdoor sports grounds, such as netball courts or football pitches. The main part of the expedition will involve organising an inter-schools sport festival and fun run with over 800 spectators watching as a centrepiece to the expedition.

You will spend time within the schools coaching the children, selecting teams and training the squads in readiness for this high-profile event that will receive regional media coverage in Kenya and the UK.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Work on important projects to improve sports facilities and opportunities for underprivileged children

• Enhance your coaching skills in a unique environment

• Develop effective teaching methods for sports coaching alongside local schools

FROM £1775 (EXCLUDING FLIGHTS)

WHAT TO DO NEXT

The next steps

CHOOSING WHERE TO GO

Choose how long you want to travel for and where you want to go. With so many beautiful locations, each offering you something unique, this guide is designed to help you make the right choice for you.

RESERVING YOUR PLACE

You can reserve your place on the programme of your choice for as little as £98, depending on where you want to go and how long for. You can either do this by giving us a call on +44 (0)1425 485 390 or by booking online at:

www.campsinternational.com/book

MORE ADVENTURE

We also offer a variety of additional optional activities for the more adventurous among you and ideally these should be booked before you travel, although some activities can be booked when you arrive. Be aware that many of our adventures have to be done at the end of your programme, which will affect your return date, so remember to check with us before you book your flights!

RAISING THE CASH

There is a huge variety of ways that you can raise cash for your trip. Most people save money through a combination of part time work and fundraising. Once you have secured your place you will receive our exclusive fundraising guide to help you get started. We are always here to provide additional advice and inspiration if you get stuck!

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR FELLOW TRAVELLERS

You will get the chance to meet fellow volunteers at one of our briefing days, usually held at our office in Hampshire. We also have a very active online social presence so you can get to know people before you travel through Camps social on our website, or through our Facebook page.

YOUR TRIP

When you arrive in country, depending on your arrival time, you will either be met by one of our team at the airport or in camp. You’ll then spend the first day or two settling in to your new temporary home, getting to know the camps staff and community and learning about the background to each project before starting work. Throughout your programme, you will travel to different locations in order to get a great insight into the country and experience different ethnic groups. At each new camp you will work on a mixture of community, wildlife and environmental projects, depending on the needs of that community at that time.

Free tshirt when you book!

THE CAMPS

Whichever camps you spend time in will very quickly feel like home. Accommodation is basic yet comfortable and all have shower and toilet facilities and a social area for you to chill out in. Each camp has a fully equipped kitchen that serves three great meals a day and friendly staff on hand to help you settle in.

SOCIAL LIFE

Generally, you will work on projects from Monday to Friday, leaving the weekends free to socialise with your fellow volunteers and enjoy visiting the local towns, beaches or take part in organised excursions. Alternatively you can simply relax and chill out – it’s entirely up to you!

BLOG

To find out what it’s really like to work on our projects, check out our Blog on our website to see what your fellow travellers have been up to: www.campsinternational.com/blog

We could not have achieved all we have without the support of our volunteers like you. Your enthusiasm, energy and commitment is essential in allowing us to continue our life-changing work across Africa, Asia and Latin America. So what are you waiting for?

ABTOT PROTECTED

The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 for Camps International Ltd, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following:

• non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK;

• non-flight packages commencing and returning to a country other than the UK; and

• flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the UK, which are sold to customers outside of the UK.

1, 2 and 3 provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled. 1 and 3 provides for repatriation. Please note that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Camps International Ltd.

LIFE ON EXPEDITION

Call us now on +44 (0)1425 485 390

www.campsinternational.com/gap

To find out more about our gap year programmes,please contact the Gap Team in your region:

UK:Unit 10 Kingfisher Park

Headlands Business ParkRingwood, BH24 3NX

Tel: +44 (0)1425 485390 [email protected]

UAE:Dubai, UAE

Tel: +971 (0)4 450 [email protected]

Company number 04449971 • VAT number 794168389 • © Camps International 2014 • Version: 0514#8

Documents

Camps International - Gap Year Trips