School Expeditions in Partnership with Raleigh International

What does it really mean to help a young person grow? It is about building confidence, resilience and curiosity and helping them make a positive difference beyond the classroom.

That question sits at the heart of a new partnership between Camps International and Raleigh International. Both organisations have a long history in youth development, and they are now bringing their strengths together to offer schools something genuinely different.

The result is a programme of leadership-focused school expeditions for students aged 14 to 17, launching in 2026.

An Industry First

Raleigh International needs little introduction to those who know the world of youth expeditions. With more than 40 years of experience and over 57,000 alumni, Raleigh’s programmes are internationally recognised for building leadership capability, resilience and global citizenship through immersive, challenge-based experiences.

Camps International brings a different but equally important strength: trusted school travel with long-term projects in rural communities and conservation areas across Latin America, East Africa and South East Asia. For over 24 years, schools have relied on Camps to deliver safe, purposeful, high-quality overseas programmes.

Together, this partnership creates something new in the sector: a structured expedition programme with clear outcomes. It combines Camps’ commitment to lasting impact for people and planet with Raleigh’s adventure-led approach to leadership, all in a format designed specifically for secondary schools.

Two young travellers on a Raleigh International leadership expedition trekking in South Africa. The photo is taken from behind, and they're walking down a rocky path with large rucksacks on.

Travellers working on a community project, Costa Rica

Three Destinations That Will Challenge and Inspire

The programme launches with three destinations. Each one is chosen for its mix of important ecosystems, real community priorities and genuine adventure. Every expedition follows the same core framework, but each gives students a different window into the world.

Borneo, Kembara Expedition

Set in the rainforests of Malaysian Borneo, the Kembara Expedition is a practical leadership experience. Living off-grid, cooking over open fires and trekking jungle trails, students build leadership through teamwork, clear communication and shared responsibility.

A group of young travellers standing in line with their arms around each other on a leadership expedition with Raleigh International in Borneo.

A female with black glasses and brown curly hair is smiling and holding up a red brick, posing for the camera. She is on a Raleigh International leadership expedition in Borneo, and is helping her group to build a wall as part of an ongoing project.

Costa Rica, Viaje Expedition

Costa Rica is one of the most ecologically extraordinary countries on earth, protecting more than a quarter of its territory as national parks or reserves. On the Viaje Expedition, students travel through rainforest and coastal environments, working with local communities and contributing to conservation and development projects. Along the way, they develop leadership by adapting to new settings, taking initiative and supporting others in the team.

A group of three females and one male walking up a hill in full hiking gear, including large rucksacks and waterbottles. They are on a Raleigh International leadership expedition in Costa Rica and are undertaking the trek part of their journey.

A group of young travellers riding in a boat along a Costa Rican river on a leadership expedition with Raleigh International. They're wearing orange life jackets and all smiling as they travel at speed down the river.

South Africa, Uhambo Expedition

In South Africa, students join the Uhambo Expedition, working alongside established local partners in rural communities and wildlife conservation areas. They trek through dramatic landscapes, contribute to projects with measurable impact, and build leadership through problem-solving, decision-making and leading by example in a new environment.

A group of young travellers on a Raleigh International leadership expedition in South Africa trekking along a dirt path. They are hunched over as they walk, with large rucksacks and waterbottles on their back as they travel down the orange dirt path.

A group of three young travellers in South Africa on a Raleigh International leadership expedition. There are two males and one female. The female is in the foreground and wears a brown short sleeve t-shirt and has her brown hair tied up in a ponytail. They are working on some wildlife conservation projects, and she is helping to trim back some fauna in the South African bush.

What Students Take Home

Two weeks isn’t a long time. But with the right support, structure and reflection it can make a real difference to a young person’s confidence, perspective and self-awareness.

Students who complete the programme develop:

Leadership capability through decision-making in unfamiliar, high-challenge environments
Resilience, developed not through hardship alone, but through supported challenge and structured reflection
Cultural intelligence through genuine immersion in communities very different from their own
Ethical awareness through direct engagement with conservation and community development work
Communication skills and the confidence to contribute, collaborate and lead

These outcomes aren’t theoretical. They show up in personal statements, CVs, university interviews and in the confidence students bring back to school. With more than 57,000 Raleigh alumni, there is a strong track record behind this kind of experience.

Two young Raleigh International travellers engaging with a local community member. They are all sitting together and smiling. The travellers are wearing Raleigh International t-shirts, and the community member is wearing a bright red top.

Two young travellers on a leadership expedition with Raleigh International. The female in the foreground is wearing a wide brimmed hat, and is smiling at the camera whilst carrying a white sack of grains on her shoulder.

Designed with Schools in Mind

The programme is built around what schools need in practice. Expeditions run during Easter and October half-term to reduce time out of school. Safeguarding information, risk assessment frameworks and experienced in-country teams are available for SLT review. The learning outcomes are clear, measurable and aligned with what schools want students to gain.

Whether your school is planning international travel for the first time or you want a more structured leadership experience for younger students, the Camps International in Partnership with Raleigh International expeditions are a strong place to start.

A group of students relaxing at their fieldbase while on a Raleigh International leadership expedition. They are in a lush area with lots of greenery and a light mist coming over the mountains behind them.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re looking for a school expedition that is adventurous, well supported and built around real personal development, we’d love to help you explore the options. Speak to our team to discuss dates, destinations and how these programmes or our 4-week expeditions can fit your students and your school’s aims.

Get in touch with our team below to find out more.

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