Cambodia – Sanitation, education, food and water security The remote and rural community of Ta Lek does not have any mains water supply and the small reservoir that they do have is not big enough to last through the long dry season that they experience in this part of Cambodia. Without a water source, sanitation has been poor and the risk of disease high. What they do have is reliable source of ground water that is reasonably close to the surface. As part of our project work here that you may get involved in we are building wells to provide drinking water and water for irrigation to ensure a reliable source of essential food. You may also build toilets and it is our aim to provide a toilet for every household in the community. UN Sustainable Development Goals No poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere Zero hunger End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture Good health and well-being Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Quality education Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Gender equality Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Clean water and sanitation Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all Climate action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts Life on land Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Cambodia – School improvements and jungle garden reforestation It’s estimated that around 15% of Cambodia’s population never enters the education system and those that do often learn in inadequate schools. You’ll help support a local primary school, through projects such as refurbishing and extending classrooms and constructing a library. You’ll also work on the Jungle Garden at our camp to tackle issues of food production in the dry season. UN Sustainable Development Goals No poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere Zero hunger End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture Good health and well-being Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Quality education Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Gender equality Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Clean water and sanitation Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all Reduce inequalities Reduce inequality within and among countries Climate action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
How long has Camps International been running expeditions to Cambodia? Camps International was founded in 2002 and opened Camp Cambodia in 2010. We have been running school expeditions there for over fifteen years, developing trusted long-term relationships with local communities and in-country partner organisations. That track record of sustained commitment is what sets us apart from operators who are newer to the region.
How is the Cambodia Scuba Expedition different from the Cambodia Trek Expedition? Both expeditions include impactful community project work and cultural immersion experiences in Cambodia. The Cambodia Scuba Expedition adds a structured scuba diving programme, where students work towards earning their PADI Open Water Scuba Diving qualification. It is an ideal choice for students who want to combine meaningful expedition work with an internationally recognised diving certification.
Do students need previous scuba diving experience to take part? No previous diving experience is needed. Students should be confident swimmers capable of swimming at least 100 metres. Dive theory for the PADI Open Water qualification is completed online ahead of departure, with students having the opportunity to work towards their full certification. Once in Cambodia, all in-water training is conducted by PADI-certified instructors with full safety briefings, appropriate group supervision and a structured progression through each stage of the qualification.
What kind of project work will students take part in on the Cambodia Scuba Expedition? Students contribute to community development and environmental projects, which may include building educational facilities, supporting local infrastructure and marine or coastal conservation activities. All projects are co-designed with our long-term Cambodian partner communities to ensure they address locally identified priorities and deliver sustainable measurable impact.
Is the Cambodia Scuba Expedition safe for school groups? Yes. Camps International has over 23 years of experience operating school expeditions internationally, including at Camp Cambodia since 2010. Our Cambodia programme is delivered by experienced locally based teams with structured risk management processes in place. All scuba diving activities are led by PADI-qualified instructors to strict safety standards. We provide 24/7 in-country support and follow UK FCDO travel advice throughout.
What’s included in the Cambodia Scuba Expedition cost? The cost covers international flights, accommodation, all meals, in-country transport, project materials, leadership and staff costs, travel insurance, orientation and language lessons, 24-hour emergency support and PADI Open Water scuba instruction including certification. Personal spending money, visas, vaccinations, kit and travel to a UK airport are not included.
How fit do students need to be for the Cambodia Scuba Expedition? A reasonable level of general fitness is helpful, particularly for project work in a warm humid climate. Students do not need to be highly trained athletes. For the scuba diving element, they must be able to swim at least 100 metres. All activities are supervised and our teams ensure students are supported throughout.
How does Camps International work with local communities in Cambodia? Our work in Cambodia is built on long-term partnerships with local communities and leaders developed since Camp Cambodia opened in 2010. Projects are co-developed to respond to genuine community needs rather than suit visiting groups, and are designed for sustained impact that continues after each expedition has departed. This approach has been central to how Camps International has operated since 2002.
