ECUADOR
Chulla Vida Expedition: 10 Days
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CAMPS EFFECT
CONTENTS About Camps Responsible Travel Safety Accreditations Your Ecuador Chulla Vida Expedition Project Work and Activities Fundraising How to Book
CAMPS
international ETHICAL JOURNEYS WITH IMPACT
ABOUT CAMPS Who we are We’re not your typical school expedition provider. As a social enterprise, our work is guided by a clear purpose that shapes everything we do. Since 2002, Camps International has grown from supporting just a few rural communities in Kenya to running hundreds of community, wildlife, and environmental projects across seven countries. Regional Head Offices
Authentic, community-based lodging built and run by local people
We’re committed to the highest standards of ethics, sustainability, and community impact
Giving back to the communities and environments we work alongside
More than 170 passionate, diverse team members worldwide
The Camps Effect We always put purpose before profit. We call this the Camps Effect - the driving force behind the positive impact we create for both the students who travel with us and the planet. Thanks to our unique social enterprise model, we’re able to deliver unforgettable experiences while making a lasting difference in communities and the environment. Creating global citizens
Worthwhile projects
Raising awareness
Our culture
Our people
#CampsEffect
Responsible tourism
Authentic experiences
Our ethos
Our camps
Developing young people
Meaningful contributions
Opportunities for all
Find out more about what makes us different
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL Travel – when done responsibly – can be an incredible force for good around the world. From the very beginning, Camps has been committed to doing things the right way. This ensures we deliver the most authentic and meaningful experiences for our travelers while making a positive impact on the communities and environments we work with.
How do we Travel Responsibly? 1
How do we involve local people? We partner with local community leaders at every location, build longterm relationships before establishing camps, and only set up camps on community land where our presence is welcomed and needed. We hire and train local staff and involve community members in all key decision-making processes.
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How do we support local economies? We employ local staff, buy local products, and build using local materials. Our camps source sustainable, locally produced goods, and we encourage travelers to shop at local markets and stores. We pay local taxes and ensure a portion of our profits remains in-country to benefit the communities we work with.
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How do we contribution to conservation? We never exploit wildlife or the environment, and we do not support illegal practices. Our projects promote wildlife protection and environmental conservation, and we educate travelers about the environmental challenges faced in each location.
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How do we minimize negative impact? We work in some of the world’s most remarkable environments and take great care to protect them. This includes responsible management of waste, water, and energy, along with company-wide plastic reduction policies.
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How do we uphold the highest ethical standards? All our projects bring tangible benefits to communities. By working in partnership with locals, we prioritize work that is truly needed. Travelers never replace paid local staff, and all projects are assessed against internal Ethical Guidelines to ensure best practices in safeguarding, animal welfare, and sustainability.
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How do we support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? Our projects are designed to support the UN SDGs, and we are a proud member of the UN Global Compact. This demonstrates our commitment to responsible business practices and ensures all operations - from on-theground projects to wider business strategies - align with universal principles covering sustainability, human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption.
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How do we help create equal opportunities? We support businesses run by women and minority groups and do not participate in exploitation or discrimination. Our programs avoid unethical practices such as orphanage visits, ensuring all activities promote fairness and equality.
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How do we provide authentic experiences? We become part of the communities we work with, so we have a deep We embed ourselves in the communities we work with to gain a deep understanding of local cultures and traditions. Local interaction is central to all expeditions, and we educate travelers to foster cultural understanding and mutual respect between guests and hosts.
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How do we educate young people to be responsible travelers? Through our Responsible Traveller Training program, we ensure all students understand their responsibilities while traveling. Educating young people is a crucial step toward sustainability and achieving net-zero carbon emissions. By helping travelers build lifelong habits, reduce their carbon footprint, and act responsibly, we guide them to become informed, conscious global citizens.
SAFETY Unrivalled Safety Procedures There’s no doubt that the most meaningful growth comes from the greatest challenges. Our role is to ensure that every challenge students face - and every service we provide - is backed by the highest level of safety and support. You’ll be in the safe hands of a qualified, experienced Expedition Leader, with full on-theground support from our permanent local Camps staff. Every region is overseen by a resident British director, backed by a dedicated in-country office and year-round operations.
Globally Connected Network Unlike many student travel providers, we own or directly manage our operations in every region where we work. We operate seamlessly between our local, regional and global operations teams to make sure each expedition is fully supported. You’ll have 24/7 support from our global network, so we can act quickly and effectively, addressing any issue on the ground without delay.
Safety on Expedition As a Camps International traveler, you stay in our own camps, travel in approved vehicles, work on our projects, and are supported every step of the way by our trusted team. All of this adds up to a fully supported program. It also means we’re true experts in the regions where we operate. We stay closely connected to what’s happening on the ground and are deeply involved in the communities we work with.
Safe Travel Initiative We are proud to be a part of the globally recognised World Travel & Tourism Council Safe Travels Initiative. This means that we adopt the strict WTTC health and hygiene protocols, leaving our travelers feeling confident about travel. For more information on the WTTC Safe Travels Initiative and what it means for our expeditions, check out their website.
Explore more about safety on expedition
ACCREDITATIONS AND AWARDS As school expedition specialists, we are proud to hold several accreditations and awards for both safety and sustainable travel. Our position as industry leaders and our accreditations from these professional industry bodies are some of the reasons your school has chosen us as your expedition provider.
Glasgow Declaration – Climate Action in Tourism We are commited to support the global goals to halve emissions over the next decade and reach Net Zero emissions as soon as possible before 2050.
Learning Outside The Classroom Badge
Expedition Providers Association
The LoTC Quality Badge for learning outside of the classroom. We believe a well-rounded education involves learning outside the classroom too.
We are proud members of EPA – a membership made up of UK-based expedition providers catering for young adults under 25 in full-time education.
BS8848
Adventure Activity Associates – BS8848 Conformity
We comply with BS8848 - the rigorous British safety standard for expeditions, ensuring your safety is never compromised.
We have been independently assessed by Adventure Activity Associates against the BS8848 conformity standard.
‘Best Sustainable Tour Operator’ Winner
‘Innovation in Online Programming’ Winner
We’re proud to have once again been recognised for our commitment to sustainability - winning Best Sustainable Tour Operator at the 2025 Global Youth Travel Awards, celebrating our continued excellence in promoting and practising sustainable operations across all that we do.
Real World Studies was awarded the Innovation in Online Programming at the GoAbroad Awards 2021, a recognition that we have provided an exemplary and intuitive online experience in the field of international and experiential education.
‘Best Sustainable Organisation’ Winner We were awarded Best Sustainable Organisation at the Global Youth Travel Awards 2019, a recognition of our excellence in promoting and practising sustainable operations throughout our organisation.
ECUADOR CHULLA VIDA EXPEDITION: 10 Days Location: Pastaza province, Ecuador Duration: 10 Day Discover the best of Ecuador on this 10-day adventure that blends service, culture, and exploration. Work alongside local communities in the Amazon rainforest, contribute to meaningful projects, and experience life in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Trek into the jungle, sleep in hammocks beneath the canopy, and finish your journey in the vibrant Andean town of Baños before returning to Quito. Expedition type: Community, wildlife and conservation projects. Cost: This can be found in your booking email.
What’s Included? • Ongoing pre-expedition support • Round-trip international flights • In-country transfers • Accident and health insurance • Food and accommodation • Project costs • Leader and staff costs • Camps t-shirt • Orientation and language lessons • 24 hour emergency support • Reserve location
What’s Excluded? Don’t forget you’ll also need to arrange the following. However, we can offer full support to help guide you through each of these steps and more information is available on the Traveller Gateway. • Passport and visas • Vaccinations • Cancellation insurance • Travel to/from U.S. airport • Spending money • Personal gear
PROJECT WORK YOUR TIME IN COUNTRY Project Work
Projects you’ll take part in
During your time in Ecuador, you’ll be contributing to vital project work to support local communities, wildlife and the environment, aligned with the aims of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Community & Conservation Projects Contribute to meaningful projects while learning from the people who call the Amazon their home. • P artner with local supervisors (maestros) on projects that balance community needs with rainforest conservation. • Take part in hands-on work like planting food trees, s upporting school facilities, and helping regenerate the rainforest. • L earn directly from community members about daily life, traditions, and sustainability initiatives.
Jungle Trek & Overnight Hammock Venture deeper into the rainforest for an unforgettable experience camping under the jungle canopy, under the stars and surrounded by the sounds of the jungle. • Trek with local guides who share their knowledge of medicinal plants, forest foods, and ancestral skills. • H ear stories and folklore from indigenous communities and gain insight into how their ancestors lived off the land. • S leep in a jungle hammock under the canopy - an experience you’ll never forget.
Cultural Exchange & Adventure Connect with the local community, their traditions, and the spirit of Ecuador. • Try blowpipe skills, traditional cooking, and games like soccer and ecuavolley with community members. • E njoy face painting, folklore storytelling, and cultural activities that immerse you in local traditions. • E xplore Baños, known for its waterfalls, mountain scenery, and vibrant town atmosphere, before wrapping up your journey in Quito with a final group dinner and celebration.
Your Itinerary View the sample itinerary which will give you an insight into what you will be getting up to*. View sample itinerary *Please note, the exact projects, activities and camps may change closer to the time of your expedition.
FUNDRAISING Fundraising is the first step in your expedition journey. It’s more than just raising money, it’s a chance to build valuable life skills like money management, problem-solving, and event planning. These are skills that will benefit you long after your expedition. And nothing beats the satisfaction of knowing you earned your way to your adventure.
Your Support Network We know the idea of fundraising the full amount for an expedition can feel overwhelming - but it’s also exciting and gives you incredible experience to carry into college, work, and beyond. That’s why we’ve built a strong fundraising support network to guide you every step of the way.
• Fundraising Guide: You’ll receive our Ultimate Fundraising Handbook, packed with advice and practical tips. Plus, you’ll get a monthly newsletter full of event ideas and inspiration.
• Online Resources: 24/7 access to your Traveller Gateway, with hundreds of resources designed to help you maximize your fundraising potential.
• Facebook Group: Join our dedicated fundraising community online and connect with thousands of other travelers and families. It’s the perfect place to share ideas, and celebrate successes.
• Fundraising Stories: Need some inspiration? Our blog is full of stories from students just like you who’ve successfully fundraised for their expeditions.
• Personal Advice: Our fundraising experts are friendly, approachable, and passionate about ethical travel. Whether online, by phone, or on social media, our team is here to offer guidance and motivation throughout your journey.
Link to fundraising blog
Inspiration and ideas
How they did it Every student fundraises in their own way. It’s all about taking your hobbies and interests and turning them into creative money-making ideas. Each year, we see thousands of success stories from students across the country who’ve made their expeditions a reality through fundraising.
Marcus’s Story:
Molly’s Story:
Amount raised so far: $6,530
Amount raised so far: $5,655
Time taken: 3½ months
Time taken: 7 months
Top tip:
Top tip:
“Even if you reach your personal fundraising target, make sure you finish your sponsorship challenges and honour what you set out to do. This has helped me raise further funds for my expedition kit.”
“Don’t think you have to organise one big, amazing event - lots of small things really add up.”
Best earners:
Best earners:
• Corporate sponsorship and bike ride: $2,827
• Vinted wardrobe: $2,968
• GoFundMe page: $1,615
• Etsy shop: $235 in one month of opening
• Grants: $1,010
• Market stall: $330
Other successful activities:
Other successful activities:
• Lawn mowing: $160
• Working part time: $33 a week
• Craft markets and summer fairs: $500
• Dog walking: $20 a week
• Business administration: $363
• Yard sale $200
Sam’s Story: Amount raised so far: $5,657 Time taken: 8 months Top tip: “Business Sponsorship was the most successful with the least amount of effort.”
Best earners: • Corporate T-shirt sponsorship: $3,365 • Building websites: $1,346 • Ticket only cookout event: $945
HOW TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
How to Book your Place Confirming your place on the team couldn’t be easier... 1
Refer to your booking email with your booking code, payment details and the link to your application form.
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Pay your deposit and select your preferred payment method.
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You’ll then receive your login details for the Traveller Gateway, where you’ll gain access to your online fundraising resources.
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Finally, your welcome pack and T-shirt will be sent to your lead teacher at school within the next few weeks.
We can’t wait to welcome you on board.
Still have questions? Check out the FAQ’s section of our website. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, just reach out to your Regional Expedition Coordinator. Their details will be on your booking email from us.
Want to know more about all things Camps?
View our brochure
Want to hear from previous travellers and their experiences?
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Start your adventure now!
Link to application form
www.campsinternational.com/usa
The greatest journeys start with a single step!