International Award with Camps International

Students can now choose from a range of locations to complete their Qualifying Venture of the Adventurous Journey section of the International Award, including Borneo, Cambodia, Kenya, and Nepal, each offering unique environments and cultural contexts to enrich their Award experience.

At Camps International, we believe real growth happens when students step outside their comfort zones. Our International Award expeditions give them the opportunity to do just that – building confidence, teamwork, and resilience while exploring some of the world’s most inspiring destinations.

What is the International Award, and what is the Qualifying Venture of the Adventurous Journey section?

The Adventurous Journey is one of the most rewarding yet challenging parts of the International Award (known globally as the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award). It’s designed to test teamwork, resilience, and independence by taking young people outside the classroom and into the real world, often far outside their comfort zone.

To complete the Qualifying Venture of the Adventurous Journey section, students must plan, train for, and complete an expedition that requires self-sufficiency, navigation, teamwork, and leadership. They’ll trek, camp, and work collaboratively as a group, each taking responsibility for cooking, route-finding, and supporting one another in new environments.

Each group is also required to define an “aim” or purpose for their journey. This could be anything from documenting local wildlife or exploring cultural landmarks, to learning about sustainability, mapping routes, or studying ecosystems. The aim gives students direction and focus, helping transform the expedition into a meaningful learning experience rather than just a trek through an unfamiliar landscape.

At Camps International, every International Award expedition is designed to meet the official requirements of the Qualifying Venture section of their Adventurous Journey — whether at Silver or Gold level. Working alongside expert local guides and our in-country teams, students practice key expedition skills such as:

• Navigation and route planning using maps and natural landmarks

• Camp skills and self-sufficiency, from setting up tents to preparing meals

• Environmental awareness through conservation and sustainability-based learning

• Team leadership and communication, by working together to overcome real challenges

Our itineraries — from trekking through the rainforests of Borneo to exploring sacred temples in Cambodia, or hiking the Himalayan foothills of Nepal — are built specifically to balance both challenge and discovery. Students not only fulfill their Adventurous Journey requirements, but also gain a deeper appreciation for cultural exchange, environmental awareness, and global citizenship.

By the end of their expedition, participants return home with far more their Qualifying Venture completed. They leave with confidence, independence, and real-world skills that prepare them for whatever adventure comes next.

In Borneo, students can select between the Gold and Silver Adventurous Journey, combining trekking with community projects focused on reforestation and wildlife protection. Set in the lush landscapes of Sabah, Borneo’s Adventurous Journey expeditions challenge and inspire students to push their limits while connecting with nature and conservation.

The Silver AJ takes place around Camp Bongkud, where students trek through forested hills, build outdoor skills, and learn about sustainable living.

The Gold AJ extends the challenge with a four-day trek across valleys and remote farmland in the Geluing Valley, camping under the stars each night. Both experiences finish with a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, highlighting Borneo’s powerful commitment to protecting its unique wildlife.

Similarly, Cambodia offers both Gold and Silver  Adventurous Journey expeditions that immerse students in local village life and historical exploration. Students undertaking the Adventurous Journey section in Cambodia will trek through jungles, visit sacred temples, and immerse themselves in the country’s deep cultural heritage.

The Silver AJ expedition takes them on a three-day trek through forest trails, cashew farms, and remote temple sites, camping under the stars and meditating alongside monks. The Gold AJ expedition builds on that adventure with a longer route through Kulen National Park, where participants camp in ancient monastery grounds, cook their own meals, and explore sites like Wat Preah Kral and Angkor Wat. Both journeys inspire independence, teamwork, and reflection, which is at the heart of every Award experience.

Due to popular demand, we’ve also extended our Nepal programme, adding additional practice hikes and cultural engagement opportunities through the Nepal International Award Gold AJ Expedition. In Nepal, students will explore one of the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes while completing their International Award Adventurous Journey.

The Silver AJ programme combines cultural exploration with adventure as students hike through forests, mountain trails, and remote villages, connecting with local communities and learning about native wildlife.

The Gold Adventurous Journey expeditions — available in both extended 10-day and standard 7-day versions — take students deeper into Nepal’s diverse terrain, from panoramic hilltops to sacred pilgrimage sites. With every step, students gain independence, leadership, and a profound appreciation for Nepal’s culture and environment.

Through these International Award expeditions, students not only complete their Qualifying Venture of their Adventurous Journey section of the Awards, but also deepen their understanding of global diversity, teamwork, and environmental awareness.

Another destination option for the Qualifying Venture of their Adventurous Journey section of the International Award programme is Kenya. Kenya offers the perfect setting for students to complete their International Award Adventurous Journey, combining breath-taking wilderness with cultural immersion.

For Silver AJ participants, the journey includes trekking through the Kenyan bush, developing teamwork and navigation skills, and connecting with local communities before ending with an unforgettable safari in Tsavo East National Park.

The Gold AJ expedition takes students across savannahs and farmland to the North Ridge of Mount Kasigau, where they’ll camp under vast African skies and learn traditional Kenyan bushcraft, finishing with a Big Five safari they’ll never forget.