The Guide - A safe return to educational travel

THE GUIDE

Understanding travel in a Covid-19 world | Ideal conditions for inspiration and growth | Transforming lives through volunteer travel

A safe return to educational travel

Impact for wellbeing Ideal conditions for inspiration and growth Jonny Wilkinson MBE CBE

ATOL Understanding protection Mark Caldicott

Keeping your students engaged through crisis and beyond Chris Hoare

Covid-19 and school travel Busting the myths

A Camps International Publication in collaboration with industry experts in travel and education

CONTENTS

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05 Impact of travel Impact for wellbeing Ideal conditions for inspiration and growth Thinking of volunteer travel with your school? Tips for finding the right volunteering provider Impact on economies The value of tourism in developing countries

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Covid-19 and school travel Busting the myths

FOREWORD

By Sir Christopher Stone

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10 Planning school travel for next year and beyond Keeping your students engaged Through crisis and beyond Expeditions Accreditations What to look out for Ski and special interest trips Domestic school travel opportunities Bushcraft and early outdoor education

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Sir Chris received a knighthood in 2013, in recognition of his outstanding service to education and is the Global Chief Education Officer for GEMS Education.

18 The fine print ATOL Understanding protection Flights Looking to the future

19 21

22 Supporting parents and students

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Group expedition travel insurance for Camps International More than just a piece of paper 24

Answering parents’ FAQ’s

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted all areas of education.

Among the multitude of challenges that 2020 has brought to schools and teachers, finding opportunities for young people to engage with learning experiences outside of the classroom has been possibly the greatest: to all intents and purposes, it has been impossible.

For those of us who share the privilege of serving as educators, I don’t need to explain at length the clear benefits of experiential learning through travel. This forced pause in our ability to offer students outdoor learning experiences, be those expeditions, sports, skiing, music or other tours, has provided schools with a chance to reflect on why these things matter so much in the development of students. Put simply, schools, teachers and students have missed this whole part of the educational field.

As we emerge from this crisis and start to look forward, there is an opportunity to re-engage with scholastic travel with a renewed sense of purpose, ensuring clear educational outcomes, the highest level of best practice and, of course, with the safety of students as paramount in the new reality in which we live.

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Impact for students Learning a new way of life

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Affordability, planning ahead and fundraising Bringing it all to life

It is reassuring to see the travel industry come together here, to offer responsible guidance to the education sector, as we work to return this generation of young people to the wider benefits that can only be gained through educational experiences beyond the four walls of the classroom and beyond the rectangular screen of a lesson taught remotely.

Impact of travel

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This guide is the result of a collaboration between professionals who are passionate about educational and experiential travel

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My school trip was an amazing experience that I will never forget and has truly changed the way that I’ve seen the world. I’ve made some great friends and it makes me want to go out and experience more of the world – Nathan Leafe, student traveller Stuart Rees Jones is the Founder and CEO of Camps International Group. He is a former British Army Officer and has spent the past 23 years delivering sustainable development expeditions for schools.

together in producing this first guide. We will update our advice as things continue to develop, but in the meantime, I hope this helps you to look forward with confidence to adventures in 2021 and take the first steps to ‘get back out there’.

This guide is for you. It’s the result of a collaboration between professionals who are passionate about educational and experiential travel. As we see the first vaccines roll out, the purpose of this guide is to help you chart a course back to safely engaging in amazing travel opportunities, for you and your students.

It can be hard to envisage better times ahead, but they are coming and by planning carefully now, we can all emerge and re-engage with the international communities, wilderness, wildlife, cities, slopes and all the incredible experiences that we love.

Camps decided to reach out to other industry experts and partners, to come 4 | The Guide

We believe we have a shared responsibility to each other. Students need to return to this vital aspect of their education and

whilst the travel industry at large needs to recover, we also have a duty of care to help schools understand where the pitfalls lie, as much as the opportunities. With this in mind, we have done our best here to focus on the big issues that we think you need to consider as you start booking trips again.

I trust you will find our advice useful and we wish you health and happiness from all of us at Camps.

Yours ever Stuart

A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

The Guide | 5

Impact for students

Impact for wellbeing

Learning a new way of life

Ideal conditions for inspiration and growth

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Corrine Leach is a learning mentor at Winsford Academy in the UK and has organised and led a total of seven overseas expeditions with Camps International.

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ver four weeks during the summer each year, I have the absolute privilege of taking students from my school on a life-changing expedition to a country they probably know very little about.

The trips take place after a busy year and a half of fundraising, where students learn to work together in an effort to raise the funds they need.

Once in country, they have the opportunity to stay in a variety of camps in different areas, ensuring their expedition experience is rich and diverse. The students are introduced to a concept that is relatively unknown to them back home: community. This is not a word we use much in the UK but on expedition, it is the glue that binds people together. Community values are deep-rooted and although daily life continues to be a struggle for many, with crops barely growing under hostile, unforgiving skies, or a lack of basic utilities such as clean running water or electricity, they strive to look after each other in whatever way they can. Local projects help to educate people by providing expertise and resources, teaching them to utilise their talents to help them provide for their families and send their children to school.

Whilst on expedition, we take part in a wide variety of community and environmental projects, embark on an adventure challenge and learn a 6 | The Guide

Each and every person returns home feeling enriched and humbled by their experience

Jonny Wilkinson MBE CBE is one of the best-known names in rugby and sports throughout the world. He represented England and the British and Irish Lions and will forever be remembered as the man who kicked England to Rugby World Cup glory in 2003.

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ince retiring from professional rugby, through the work of my Foundation and other activities, I have been eager to highlight the importance of physical, emotional and mental wellness, especially in young people.

I have also been fortunate to join two mountaineering expeditions with Camps International, raising funds to support these initiatives and to witness and understand first-hand the benefits of experiential travel.

great deal about local culture, making chapattis, being treated to traditional dancing and being introduced to a few of the local legends.

Over the years, we have experienced countless ‘if only time could stand still’ moments. Each and every person returns home feeling enriched and humbled by their experience; the camp staff and communities are among the friendliest that we’ve ever come across and their gratitude for the work we do through Camps International is extremely rewarding.

The destinations are truly beautiful and are filled with warm and wonderful people who go out of their way to help. Students come home with a fresh view of what is important in life and all have gone on to be successful in their chosen paths.

The experience provides them with an edge that serves them well in the competitive world of further education and employment.

My Foundation aims to positively impact the life experience of people by helping them to reveal more and more of their potential to flourish in every moment. We direct a large part of our focus towards the next generation, working to equip them with the tools to ensure that they can make the very best out of whatever they encounter in their worlds.

Benefits of student travel 86%

of secondary students said they get on better with their teachers after a school trip.

60%

of teachers observe an improvement in their pupils’ performance in the classroom on return to school.

93%

of teachers observe better relationships between pupils on return to school.

(Sources: Learning Away and School Travel Forum)

A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

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Travel, sport, and outdoor activities are beautiful ways to unleash passion in young people and bring them into contact with challenge both individually and collectively A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

Travel, sport, and outdoor activities are beautiful ways to unleash passion in young people and bring them into contact with challenge both individually and collectively.

Exploration of boundaries and sharing with teammates in this way provide the ideal conditions for inspiration and growth to take place.

There has probably never been a better time to highlight and address these issues. A safe return to the experiences that unlock so much in us, will be of huge value to our collective wellbeing.

The Guide | 7

Impact on communities Transforming lives through volunteer travel

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n these unprecedented times, life has been disrupted for everyone in ways that were unimaginable a year ago. However, there are many reasons to be optimistic that we can start making plans for our next long-awaited adventure, as groundbreaking treatments are developed, and we all learn to adapt to our new normal.

The ripple effects of Covid-19 have reached every corner of the world, but nowhere is this more keenly felt than in developing countries, where employment is the only pathway out of poverty and sustainable tourism provides essential opportunities for cultural preservation and conservation. Previously struggling communities that rely on the physical presence and support of international volunteers, as well as the economic benefits that come with them are now facing the added burden of extended periods of unemployment, lack of essential project progress such as school builds and sanitation, and the interaction, exchange of ideas and wellbeing derived from

and working alongside local communities, building equitable relationships based on mutual respect and trust, sharing ideas and building a strong global community are just some of the incredible benefits that empower volunteers and their host partners. But volunteering should provide even more than that. It’s an opportunity for individuals to really create lasting positive change, by working together to develop capacity and protect the environment according to local needs for generations to come.

working with a diverse team of young volunteers. This has inevitably resulted in driving some people deeper into poverty and globally there has been an increase in dangerous and environmentally damaging practices like logging and poaching.

This is why volunteering, if done in the right way, has never been more needed or meaningful. Travelling overseas, living

Thinking of volunteer travel with your school?

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Volunteering, if done in the right way, has never been more needed or meaningful

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f you are thinking about offering your students the opportunity to play their part, or you yourself want to make a difference, here are some tips for finding the right volunteering provider:

Research - make sure that you thoroughly research potential organisations and ensure that they are operating in an ethical and sustainable way.

Impact - ensure that they have a strategic, long-term plan in place for creating positive change and that this is designed to deliver maximum benefits to the host communities and not just their commercial endeavours.

Collaboration - do they work in an equitable way with their host communities or do they simply offer ‘help’?

Evidence - many companies claim to be ethical but struggle to back up their statements. Make sure that there are proper procedures in place for measuring their positive (and negative) impact and that they can provide information on this. Check for external accreditations and endorsements.

Ask questions - Don’t be afraid to ask questions if there is something you are unsure about or would like further clarification. Ethical companies should always be forthcoming with information so you can make an informed decision.

8 | The Guide

A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

Impact on economies

The value of tourism in developing countries

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he impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on economies in developing countries has been particularly hard. In many of these countries, tourism has been a key area of economic growth over the past few decades, generating foreign exchange, driving regional development, supporting jobs and businesses, and underpinning local communities.

Kopel Ltd A case study

Kopel Ltd. is located in the Batu Puteh Community in the Lower Kinabatangan district of Eastern Sabah, Borneo. It was set up to ensure the conservation of forests and to support sustainable alternative livelihoods for local people, enabling them to benefit from eco-tourism. The initiative has been carrying out forest habitat restoration in degraded floodplain forests since 1999.

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ccording to Martin Vogel, General Manager of Kopel, the impact of Covid-19 has been felt extremely harshly. Out of a team of around 100 staff, more than 70 have found themselves out of work due to the pandemic. Currently they are surviving on funding that they had received from NGOs, but this is likely to dry up over the next year with devastating consequences.

In a country like Cambodia where 21% of the population are considered to be vulnerable and 12% are considered to be living in severe poverty, tourism accounted for 32% of the country’s GDP in 2019. While Cambodia has seen only a very small number of Covid-19 cases and the country’s borders have, for the most part, stayed open to tourists, the second quarter of 2020 saw tourist arrivals fall by 98.1%, dealing a devastating blow to the country’s economy that will surely be felt most harshly by the poorest for a long time to come.

Nepal’s tourism industry had just been getting back on its feet after two devastating earthquakes in 2015 left much of the country’s infrastructure in tatters. There had been a huge push and investment in tourism with 2020 being declared and promoted as the “Visit Nepal Year” and a national campaign targeting 2 million tourist arrivals in the year. As the pandemic spread across the world in early 2020, Nepal’s borders closed to adventure-seekers and the many people employed either directly or indirectly in the tourism industry - from transport and hospitality providers to mountain guides and Sherpas - have lost their only source of income.

It is extremely clear that in countries such as these, being able to safely open their borders to tourists again in 2021 is absolutely vital if they are to start to rebuild their economies and continue on a path out of poverty. Studies show that a 1% increase in tourism can significantly enhance GDP and reduce poverty in the long run.

Schools’ willingness to re-engage with overseas travel will create a meaningful impact in regenerating destinations like these.

A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

The loss of the stream of students who used to come through their volunteer programme, enabling them to take on massive projects and also providing vital funding, has had a severe impact on Kopel’s ability to carry out their essential work. Much of their planned work for 2020, including important pioneering projects, has now ceased.

The impact has also been felt in the wider community where many of Kopel’s suppliers have also lost their livelihoods. The community is doing their best to explore ways to diversify their activities and support their families, but without the return of ecotourism in the near future it will be an uphill struggle to keep the cooperative afloat and to continue the hugely important work that has been achieved over the past 20 years.

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The ripple effects of Covid-19 have reached every corner of the world The Guide | 9

Planning school travel for next year and beyond

Keeping your students engaged through crisis and beyond

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ow do I get my students excited about the world again? This is a question asked by teachers across the globe during this unprecedented global pandemic.

Like so many other vital aspects of learning, school travel has been completely disrupted by Covid-19. Travel is an opportunity for enrichment and experiential learning like no other and its absence has been greatly missed.

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I have heard many wonderful stories about how our students grew as individuals and a group on their trip. In fact, I have been exploiting the trip at all opportunities to reflect the very best opportunities we can offer – Jeremy Scott, Headteacher

The past couple of terms have been about pure survival - but the attention of school senior leaders and teachers is once more beginning to look towards building enrichment back into the curriculum. The challenge is: how do we engage students with the wider world when travel remains complex and ever-changing?

During lockdown, Camps International has been working with teachers like myself to find a solution to this problem. Their Real World Studies programme was developed to bridge the pause in travel, immerse

students in other cultures and expand their knowledge of global issues.

Using Camps’ unique network of permanent camps and staff across four continents, the Real World Studies resources provide teachers and students an opportunity to explore real life issues ranging from poverty to wildlife conservation to gender equality. Linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, students are given a unique opportunity to explore global issues through the eyes of local people experiencing their effects. The resources contain interactive worksheets, webinars and presentations that can engage students in physical classrooms and online, through independent and enquiry-based learning.

One of the most powerful parts of this programme in my view is the “Connect with Camps” video-calls, something not offered by any other provider. Students can talk with local Project Managers and community members live through Zoom, and ask them questions about their

Chris Hoare is a Geography teacher and Educational Visits Coordinator at Kings School Dubai, where he has led student groups on multiple expeditions. He is also a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a firm believer in the power of experiential learning to bring lessons to life. projects, daily lives and local culture.

This authentic experience is one that will certainly excite my students and engage them with the world in a way never achieved before within the classroom.

Through these real-life experiences, I will be able to once again engage students in exploration of how to tackle critical global issues, in spite of Covid-19. When the time comes, they will be jumping on the next flight with Camps to meet and work with the people they have learnt about and spoken to.

The resources and opportunities provided to teachers by Camps International are ones which are unprecedented in the industry, ones that are meaningful and useful for teachers and - most importantly - are opportunities to enhance our students’ education, resulting in impact not just for them, but also for the people of this planet who have the least.

Download your free resources today.

10 | The Guide

A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

The Guide | 11

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Expeditions

Chris Negus works for Camps International in the UAE HQ. As Operations Coordinator, he is part of the team that deals with the logistics and operations of all school expeditions, from sign up to arrival back home.

He has also led trips as an Expedition Leader to Cambodia, Borneo and Tanzania.

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n an ever-changing world we must continue to look at the impact we have on our planet, how we look at the challenges faced by a growing need for sustainability and, how best to not only educate the next generation but inspire them to tackle these challenges with innovation, creativity and passion long into the future. Overseas expeditions deliver that inspiration and serve as a springboard for positive personal development.

The journey experienced through a school expedition can play a vital role in the personal and educational development of a student. It places them in situations that cannot be replicated at home or in a classroom. Undertaking projects and adventures that promote real life problem solving requires resolve, discipline and teamwork, encouraging meaningful social interaction.

Expeditions in their very nature are undertaken in worlds far away from what we know. Destinations offer landscapes both challenging and exotic in their nature, cultures new and thought-provoking and, wildlife so beautiful and fragile it triggers a deep emotional connection.

12 | The Guide

Inspiration is bountiful when you are immersed in experiential travel.

It is found through participating in wildlife, community and environmental conservation projects. It is discovered when conversing with local people in rural locations and experiencing their daily struggles. It is triggered by the bold smells and vibrant sights of new surroundings.

Experiential travel triggers a process of accelerated personal development, contributes to better academic performance and improves social interaction between young people

This type of educational and life experience is an incredible personal asset to hold, both on an individual level and in terms of improving future professional opportunities.

Employers and universities take great interest in this type of experience as it delivers unique skills and knowledge that will set students apart from the crowd.

In light of global challenges we have faced in recent times and those we face moving forward, the way we travel has been put under the spotlight. When we travel, we must travel responsibly. We need to consider where we are going, how we get there, the impact we are having on the environment and the people at our destination and what we are gaining from this adventure.

We need to continue to explore the world and experience its rich diversity but we must do so with purpose and positive impact. This is true not only for individuals but also for providers. Organisations must look at their operations with the above in mind and make conscious efforts to address the key issues. For example, here at Camps International we have committed to be carbon neutral by 2025.

– 2016 study by The Student Youth Travel Association

Accreditations what to look out for

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ho doesn’t love a ‘seal of approval’, ‘quality badge’ or ‘certificate’? But when it comes to school trips, what are they really worth and what should you look out for? If you look at any travel provider’s website, you’ll soon spot the additional logos that highlight various accreditations.

Educational visit providers obviously want schools and parents to have confidence in their ability to provide an exceptional experience and they engage with external agencies to hold themselves accountable to the standards of quality and safety required. While some of the accreditations are broad and recognised globally, others are more specific to school visits, groups of people and even places, however they should all demonstrate a commitment to walking the walk, not just talking the talk.

A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

A few to look out for: The World Travel Tourism Council (WTTC) ‘Safe Travels’ badge shows that a provider adheres to a generic set of standards that are recognised as consistent with the wider industry’s best practice. These are informed by influential organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge for Overseas Expeditions, is an example of a more specific accreditation where providers are inspected by external, impartial observers regularly to ensure everything they do from point of sale to post-return conforms to best practice in the industry and specifically with school groups. While it’s a UK accreditation created by the Expedition Provider’s Association (EPA), it’s a reliable indication of a company committed to incredibly high standards. The inspection regime includes ‘corporate compliance’ with BS:8848.

A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

British Standard 8848 (BS:8848) is a set of standards related to the delivery of specific types of educational visit. Providers and organisations can self-assess against the standards or achieve ‘corporate compliance’ via an external assessor awarding body.

LOtC Quality Badges can also be awarded for providers of all other types of school travel and visits, with the assessment criteria and inspection being performed by the relevant, representative trade association. For example, the School Travel Forum (STF) are responsible for setting the standards for ski trips amongst others.

The Guide | 13

Ski and special interest trips

Tim Johnson is Managing Director at Club Europe Group Travel, a leading provider of educational school trips, ski trips, sports and music tours.

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promote the alternative three ‘Rs’ of risk, resilience, and responsibility.

needed to be put in place by schools and all STF tour providers. It includes:

Club Europe was started by my parents Lynne and Ian Johnson back in 1980.

Today we are proud to still be a family-run company, providing educational school trips, ski trips, sports and music tours to students across the world. This year we celebrate 40 years in the school travel industry and are delighted to have been Gems Schools providers in the Middle East for the past nine years.

• A 24/7 teacher's helpline

espite the huge challenges Covid-19 is posing to school travel, it’s vital we do all we can to give our young people the chance to travel again as part of their learning.

This year we have all faced many challenges individually and in our industry.

But I remain hopeful that with the right precautions, young people will be able to go out and experience the world again.

The benefits to young people are endless.

Not only does school travel make a valuable contribution to learning outside the classroom, it greatly enhances students’ resilience and mental wellbeing.

We are founding members of the School Travel Forum (STF). As EPA is for overseas expeditions, STF is the leading industry body in the UK for school trips such as ours and has worked closely with its members to develop a comprehensive Covid-secure safety document; In Safe Hands. This will ensure that when the time is right students and teachers will be able to book and travel with confidence with all STF members.

Residential experiences can transform the learning environment of young people and raise their aspirations within school and beyond, into the wider community, further study, and the world of work.

They also provide opportunities for schools to enhance vital study and life skills, and

adventurous activities and curriculumlinked content. Learning outside the classroom gives context to and reinforces student understanding. It supports young people to be more resilient, improves leadership and enhances collaboration with others, culminating in accelerated academic confidence and performance.

• A destination tracker with up-to-date protocols; and • A raft of risk assessment, contingency planning and trip management advice.

We have also been working directly with UK Government officials to maintain a dialogue on how and when trips here in the UK and overseas can safely resume.

From initial planning and approval to final payment, arranging a school trip can typically take up to a year. However, we have introduced an Individual Covid Promise, in which we commit to working flexibly with each of our schools - whether new or already booked - to ensure the best possible timeline and outcome for them.

Whatever type of school trip you are planning, you can be assured that this will only happen when it is safe and that it will follow every and all necessary precautions to ensure it stays that way.

In Safe Hands outlines the protocols

Alistair Palmer is the Head of Hampshire County Council’s Outdoor Centres. Over the last twenty years he has worked in a range of Outdoor Education Centres and as a Geography teacher in both Secondary and Further Education Colleges.

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ampshire Outdoor Centres is an outdoor education and adventure activities service provided by Hampshire County Council. The service delivers high quality and affordable outdoor education programmes and recreational facilities to schools, groups, and individuals within Hampshire and across the United Kingdom. Our four residential centres (three in Hampshire and one in the Brecon Beacons, South Wales) each have a unique offer and an impressive range of facilities. Calshot Activities Centre is the largest centre located on Calshot Spit near Southampton, with direct access to The Solent - one the world’s most popular sailing and water sport venues.

Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, the business impacts of Coronavirus have been felt throughout the whole UK outdoor industry. At the start of pandemic, Hampshire Outdoor Centres identified that reputation and customer retention was essential for our long-term recovery. All our products come with a ‘Covid Guarantee’; if a booking is cancelled due to Covid-19, customers are guaranteed to either receive a full refund or reschedule to a new date. This approach has been warmly received and we are optimistic about our recovery and future growth. Our outdoor centres have been fortunate to have received financial support from the Local Authority, however many smaller and independent business are still struggling to keep afloat.

Outdoor Educational visits are highly valued throughout the British education system. ‘Save Outdoor Education’ is a campaign driven not just about jobs, but to highlight the real negative impact on young people from all backgrounds,

should they not have access to these opportunities in the future.

After 20-years working in education, I have found that those who choose to work with young people, whether at the chalk face or up a mountain, invariably have a strong desire to improve the lives of the young people they work with. At Hampshire Outdoor Centres we are all desperately disappointed for the young people who have missed out on a visit to one of our centres. For many, a visit to the mountains of Wales, or even just an overnight camp in a nearby wood, would have been lifetime changing experience.

For some, this opportunity will not occur again and thousands of children across the country will have missed the opportunity to enhance their personal development at a time when resilience and optimism is needed more than ever.

Coronavirus will leave quite a legacy and we are committed to supporting young people on their own personal, social, and academic recovery.

The whole outdoor education sector eagerly awaits the return of residential visits in 2021. We remain hopeful that residential visits will be able to restart again soon and teams of instructors up and down the country are eagerly awaiting the return of residential groups.

Hampshire County Council is one of the leading British local authorities promoting the importance of outdoor education in the development of young people and adults.

Hampshire Outdoor Centres is a not-forprofit service and works in partnership with schools, charities, local youth groups and clubs, district councils and national governing bodies to enhance the wellbeing and life chances for individuals through outdoor education.

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Not only does school travel make a valuable contribution to learning outside the classroom, it greatly enhances students’ resilience and mental wellbeing.

14 | The Guide

Residential school travel opportunities

Outdoor education is a particularly powerful tool when incorporated within an academic curriculum and many of our school programmes are balanced between A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

The Guide | 15

Bushcraft and early outdoor education

Covid-19 and school travel Busting the myths

In this section we fact check some reasonable concerns related to travel in the current climate.

Rhys Jones has held world record breaking ascents on Mount Everest and the highest peaks on every continent. He is Co-Founder of Campfire Wild Adventures, a school bushcraft specialist and has spent his life in the great outdoors thanks to an early introduction through scouting and school trips.

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f lockdown has taught us anything, it’s that we can find new experiences right on our doorstep.

As bushcraft providers, this is the very essence of what we teach. It’s about paying better attention to the great outdoors and seeing it as a limitless resource for learning, rather than just a backdrop.

Having to spend so much time closer to home has challenged our ideas about our own engagement with the natural world, and the best part is that we don’t need to travel far at all to do so.

Our bushcraft camp is on a private estate in the heart of the Cotswolds - hardly the back of beyond. However, once groups come through the gates and behind the estate walls, the real world is left behind as students are immersed in their new surroundings.

The first step is to break down the barrier between learning and the outdoors.

Increasingly, schools are creating dedicated outdoor classrooms and clearly this is a huge step in the right direction. It needn’t be complex or expensive, but just by stepping outside of the school walls it changes the environment. Add a campfire as a focal point and it’s amazing to see how much more communicative young people can be.

The next step is to deliver quality sessions in that outdoor space. The key is to have a core of teachers with more advanced skills to take activities to the next level and keep the engagement high. That’s why we run teacher training weekends and advise on all aspects of outdoor classroom activities.

There are some great ideas online and these can all form part of an ongoing structure to the sessions.

The other benefit of bushcraft is that it’s such a vast subject and you could spend a lifetime learning. So, take it up a notch in student progression and think about your bushcraft camp. This needn’t be

seen as a one-off; it’s highly possible to run an annual camp, each time building on the previous year’s skills to continue challenging students. There is no single age group which benefits more than another, so bushcraft is truly a journey with endless possibilities.

Finally, the trips don’t need a long lead time to put together, so the window is still very much open for 2021 - and we hope to see you around the campfire then.

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Add a campfire as a focal point and it’s amazing to see how much more communicative young people can be

Travel providers only care about money, not the wellbeing of travellers

Whilst air travel, like any public transport, is not completely risk free, it is arguably one of the safest modes of transport.

The travel and tourism industry takes the wellbeing of customers very seriously; they cannot operate without the trust of the traveller. Travellers will only trust providers with transparency and when their safety is top priority. Reputable travel providers understand this and have been working tirelessly in response to this during the pandemic.

Health authorities, including the CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention), maintain that the risk of infection on airplanes is low. Virtually all commercial aircraft are equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, similar to those used in hospital operating rooms, capable of blocking 99.7% of airborne microbes. The cabin air system is designed to operate most efficiently by delivering approximately 50% outside air and 50% HEPA filtered air.

Providers are looking closely at their protocols and policies with consumer confidence and safety in mind. They are implementing heightened safety and hygiene measures at owned locations in line with expert guidance and government legislation. They will be following up with their supply chains to ensure like-minded policies and protocols are in place. They will also be training their staff to ensure a deep understanding of the challenges faced in the current travel climate.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said it had identified only 44 flight-related Covid-19 cases since the beginning of 2020, versus some 1.2 billion passengers who have travelled during that time (accurate to the 16/10/20).

It is important you discuss with your provider what they are doing in response to the pandemic.

MYTH 1

Air travel poses a severe risk of contracting Covid-19

With the above in mind, it is still recommended that you follow expert guidance and monitor airline safety protocols when you travel.

Sources: Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), International Air Transport Association, US Department of Defence, World Health Organisation, Wall Street Journal (Citing the CDC)

MYTH 2

Travel insurance providers do not cover Covid-19

During the early stages of the pandemic, the majority of insurance providers did not cover Covid-19 under their policies.

For travel insurance, claims due to “known” events, such as an epidemic or fear of travel are often not covered.

These experiences level up different strengths and challenge every student in different ways.

As the situation has evolved, so has the acceptance of many insurance providers. We are now seeing opportunities for cover amongst many global travel insurance providers and airlines, including new policies that cover Covid-19 related complications or ‘add-ons’ to current policies in line with government advisories on both a group and individual basis. Below are several examples:

Now, more than ever, these short trips have a key role in helping young people’s recovery, resilience and wellbeing in the wake of such a disruptive and challenging period.

• • • •

So, how best to start re-engaging students with the great outdoors when we have become so familiar with the language of being “locked down”?

16 | The Guide

MYTH 3

A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

The Post Office (UK) Allianz Travel Emirates Airlines Bupa Global Travel

A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

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The fine print

ATOL Understanding protection travellers needed protection when their travel providers fell into difficulty. The ATOL scheme was thus established and protects around 20 million holidaymakers and travellers each year.

Mark Caldicott is the Head of Travel and Leisure at White Hart Associates, a leading travel industry accountancy firm.

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hances are that you will probably have enjoyed an ATOL-protected holiday before – even if you didn’t realise it! However, when looking for your next overseas holiday – something we are currently all surely looking forward to – knowing exactly what ATOL protection means and how it works will give you that added peace of mind when booking.

The overview: Essentially, in the event an operator becomes insolvent, it gets you home or gets you refunded if you haven't departed yet.

The detail: ATOL stands for ‘Air Travel Organiser’s Licence’ and was first introduced in 1973 with an update in 2012. After a number of high-profile travel business failures left people stranded overseas, the UK Government realised that

ATOL is run by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). It is able to provide assistance where necessary by requiring ATOL holders to pay a fee for each booked traveller, which is held in a fund managed by the Air Travel Trust and backed by the UK Government.

This fund is used to refund, repatriate, or reimburse travellers for the cost of repaying for the affected parts of their trip. It therefore supports consumers to minimise disruption to their holiday or, if they are no longer able to travel, provides a full refund for the holiday.

Obviously for many, an annual holiday departing the UK is a result of saving money throughout the year and an opportunity to spend quality time away with loved ones. If a holiday company goes bust before the departure date, it could mean a massive financial loss. If it occurs during the holiday, it could mean having to find a way of paying for the rest of your stay and booking new flights home. ATOL protection removes this risk, so all holidaymakers are protected from circumstances which are out of their control.

What should you look out for?

While most package holidays booked overseas with a UK business will be ATOL protected, it is ALWAYS good practice to check. You can do this by: 1. Checking for the ATOL logo on the website of the company you are booking your holiday with. If you cannot find it, ask your agent where to find it.

2. Visit the official CAA website which can tell you exactly who is enrolled on the scheme via their name and ATOL number - https:// siteapps.caa.co.uk/check-anatol/ 3. Ensure you are given an ATOL certificate – by law, you should be given a copy of the certificate as soon as you pay any amount of money towards your holiday.

Although the chances of you needing ATOL protection are relatively slim, it’s important that your holiday is protected by it. Make sure you ask your agent about their ATOL certificate BEFORE you book your holiday and check their registration if you need extra reassurance.

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When on a trip, knowing you are safe in the hands of industry experts, it really allows you to enjoy yourselves and focus on your students - - Hannah Read, Teacher 18 | The Guide

A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

Essentially, in the event an operator becomes insolvent, it gets you home or gets you refunded if you haven’t departed yet

A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

The Guide | 19

Group expedition travel insurance for Camps International More than just a piece of paper

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Group expedition travel insurance is a million miles away from typical holiday travel insurance

Flights

you are in safe hands.

Anthony Kaye is Managing Director of Campbell Irvine, who have been arranging travel insurance to some of the most adventurous and challenging locations around the world for over 45 years.

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ften considered an afterthought, group expedition travel insurance is seldom top of anyone’s priority list when preparing to sign up to a once in a lifetime expedition.

Travel insurance is much more than lots of big words in small font. Behind the small print can be found one of the UK’s leading 24-hour medical emergency contact centres staffed by specialist, trained, multilingual nurses, doctors and repatriation administrators. Their job is to ensure that anyone on expedition who falls ill or has an accident is taken to the nearest appropriate medical facility, given the appropriate medical treatment then brought back home safely - known as repatriation. No matter where you are in the world you can travel in the knowledge that

The Insurer’s medical emergency assistance team work closely with your expedition provider’s own 24hour support team, ensuring help is on hand should you need it when far from home. For Camps International school trips, medical and repatriation cover relating to Covid-19 will also be included before any school travel period.

Remember it is essential to keep your expedition provider updated with any physical or psychological medical conditions you may have from the time of booking right up to the date of departure, as this helps ensure you are given the appropriate support and is a condition of insurance.

The group expedition travel insurance arranged by your expedition company is a million miles away from the type of holiday travel insurance we often look to arrange when travelling with our families. One of the biggest differences can be found in the extensive cover for all the exciting activities and project work that will form part of an expedition itinerary. From trekking in mountains and jungles, to learning how to scuba dive, or undertaking manual conservation or community project work, the insurance arranged by your expedition provider has got you covered.

Looking to the future

Liz Mathews is the Retail MD at Flight Centre, which manages all of the group flight arrangements for providers including Camps International.

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orking for a company whose founding philosophy was and remains ‘to open up the world for those who want to see’, 2020 has been without doubt the most challenging year in our history.

The travel industry has been decimated during the year, but more importantly to those of us who recognise the importance of travel to individuals and to the world as a whole, this year has seen us grounded, and it has taken its toll.

Travel connects us. It expands our horizons, it opens up new opportunities, it refreshes and renews us and creates memories and experiences that last a lifetime. The Covid-19 pandemic has taught us that we must not take it for granted.

As I write this, at the end of November 2020, we are finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Alongside many others in the travel industry, we have been lobbying the UK Government since the summer to find better ways to help ‘open up’ the world again, and while progress has been frustratingly slow, things are starting to move. The reduction of quarantine periods, subject to negative test results, is a huge step forward and the efforts of airlines and airports around the world to introduce rapid testing mean that much of the necessary infrastructure is in place to improve this even further. The success and implementation of the various vaccines is of course the most fundamental change which will help the world return to normal, and to travel.

Airlines themselves, while facing previously unimagined challenges, have introduced rigorous safety protocols to protect

20 | The Guide

A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

passengers and staff while flying. For our part, Flight Centre will only recommend travel with those airlines who have met our high standards so that our customers feel sure that they can travel safely. Recorded cases of Covid-19 transmissions connected to air travel are almost zero.

There is work that the aviation industry needs to do to make travel less environmentally damaging, and we know from speaking to our corporate and leisure customers that this year has helped to re-evaluate the volume of travel they undertake. But across the spectrum, whether travelling for business, pleasure, education or connecting with family, there is absolute consensus that travel is not just a nice to have, it is essential.

We have worked tirelessly with our airline partners to ensure that we secure the most flexible terms possible to enable providers like Camps International to offer their expeditions in 2021, and it is with huge optimism that we look forward to being able to facilitate these life-changing experiences for young people once again.

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There is absolute consensus that travel is not just a nice to have, it is essential

Planning and timelines

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hilst the current climate is still changing rapidly at home and abroad, travel providers must remain alert and continue to monitor key factors such as government travel advice, infection rates, testing and vaccine implementation. As such, travel providers must adopt a ‘watch and wait’ approach to identify safe experiences for students.

Travel providers should be willing to be totally transparent on how they plan to adapt to the new conditions and what flexibility they may have in terms of the ongoing developments. This will allow schools to make informed decisions once they understand the strategies behind operating and delivering safe travel experiences and the subsequent contingency plans providers have in place should this not be possible.

What should you look for?

Early expedition planning is more important than ever. By identifying your school’s travel window as soon as you can, your provider will be able to start the expedition planning process with as much time for preparation as possible, whilst also providing parents with additional time to budget and plan - something that will no doubt be welcome in the current climate.

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Supporting parents and students

Affordability, planning ahead and fundraising

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t a time when finances may be stretched for some families and the future is still uncertain, it can be daunting to commit to a trip.

However, there are a few things parents might want to consider and that providers may be able to accommodate: What is the initial risk to schools/families? Is the provider able to accept a smaller initial deposit from individuals and further payment at a time when suits all parties?

Is there any flexibility around payments? For example, is it possible to break the payments into smaller amounts or to set up a regular payment?

• Utilise social media: spread the word and to drive support amongst friends, family, work colleagues and sports groups • Apply for grants: with a little research, there are some fantastic provisions available What fundraising support is available? Can your provider offer dedicated, personalised support and a library of fundraising resources and templates?

What’s even better is that the skills learned during fundraising are transferable and lay a solid foundation for the future. For example planning and organisation, keeping track of finances and enhanced communication skills in writing to businesses.

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What’s even better is that the skills learned during fundraising are transferable and lay a solid foundation for the future

Is it a service-related trip? Is it possible to fundraise in support of the trip? If so, there are lots of ways to achieve this and we’ve included a few examples below:

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My trip helped teach me life skills that I thought I would never learn on my own at home or school. It taught us how to be organised and work to a schedule. These are all keys skills that my whole group are grateful for learning - Ben, student traveller 22 | The Guide

A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

• Online shopping: fundraising platforms such as Go Fund Me or online cashback websites • Hosting events: a virtual pub quiz or cake sale • A sponsored event: existing hobbies can be incorporated into money making opportunities, for example a sponsored walk/bike ride/hill climb • Get creative: the Covid pandemic has opened up some new opportunities for fundraising, for example sewing face masks and offering a dog walking service for families isolating

A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

Fundraising for school travel during lockdown

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heo was partway through fundraising for his trip of a lifetime to Costa Rica with Camps International when Covid-19 hit. The pandemic meant many of his original fundraising activities had to be postponed or adapted, but with the support of his family and the fundraising team at Camps, he managed to find new ways to raise funds throughout lockdown and is well on the way to his target.

He started doing delivery services for his local fruit and veg shop, gardening for a holiday property and organising a sponsored unicycle event (after learning to unicycle in lockdown!)

Proving that, even in the face of adversity, determination will give you a chance to shine.

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Answering parents’ FAQs Specific details should always be checked with your provider. Here is some guidance to help you answer the most frequently asked questions by parents.

Is my school trip going ahead?

With several months until most school trips are due to depart, providers will be working towards delivering your trip as planned. Rest assured; providers will only allow travel if it is safe to do so.

If nearer the time, it’s not possible to travel, they will let you know and discuss your options.

What are providers doing to ensure safety of travellers?

The safety of travellers, crew and overseas communities remains at the forefront of those providing school trips. No provider will allow travel to a destination where relevant government travel advice is against travel when the planned departure is imminent.

What if my school cancels the trip?

Providers are working closely with all schools to ensure the lines of communication remain open and any concerns are addressed accordingly. As the booking organiser, your school reserves the right to cancel. If your school cancels but the travel provider is still able to provide the trip, cancellation fees may apply in line with the original Terms and Conditions. You will need to speak to your school about any reimbursement you may wish to seek.

Can I cancel my place on the school’s trip?

Yes. If you wish to cancel your place, the provider will probably need notification in writing (via email or post) to process your cancellation. Cancellation fees may apply in line with their Terms and Conditions. If you are concerned about travel for any reason, it may be worth speaking to a representative from the trip provider first, who will help ensure you are supported and aware of all of the relevant information.

Will I be able to get a refund if I don’t wish to travel?

If you simply do not wish to travel, this may be classed as ‘disinclination to travel’ which is not typically covered under travel insurance policies and therefore cancellation fees will likely apply in line with the relevant Terms and Conditions. If you have any worries or concerns about travel or your personal circumstances, please speak to a representative from the trip provider and they will do their best to help.

24 | The Guide

Why would I not be entitled to a full refund?

All travel providers incur costs throughout the time they hold your booking. Some models of operation invest heavily in infrastructure, from the moment schools book a trip and throughout the preparation phase to ensure the highest levels of security, quality and ethical practice. The money paid towards each student’s place on a trip is invested directly, whether it be flights, transport, travel insurance, access to resources, medical screening, training or the activities you are due to be involved in. Any money retained must be justifiable and a reasonable estimate of the actual costs incurred in securing and supporting the booking.

My child returned a different person in understanding the world better, recognising our differences and appreciating our common ground - Marie, parent

Is my money protected?

It depends. If the company you have booked with has an ATOL licence, your payments are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority and you will have received an ATOL certificate with every payment.

ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) provides protection in the unlikely event a provider was to cease trading. Your certificate is proof that what you have paid to date is protected by the ATOL scheme. (See page 19).

Local trips are less likely to be protected, however schools and providers will do their best to ensure you are not left out of pocket if the trip does not go ahead for reasons beyond your control.

What happens if the government advises against travel?

If the government advises against travel (covering your specific travel dates and still applies at a point when travel is imminent) and an alternative option cannot be provided, you may be offered an alternative trip on a future date, or a full refund in line with the Package Travel Regulations 2018*. *The Package Travel Regulations 2018 do not apply to schools outside the UK How will I know if my school trip gets cancelled?

If a provider is no longer able to provide your trip, they will be in touch directly with your school to discuss a plan to move forward. In conjunction with the school, they will then contact you directly to explain your options. Unless you have heard from the provider or your school, you should assume your trip is going ahead as planned and make payments and preparations accordingly.

A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

The Guide | 25

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The travel experience is truly life-changing and students are provided with a chance to be a part of something amazing; something that not only changes the lives of some of the poorest communities, but also enhances their understanding of the world beyond their front doors!

Our expeditions have raised the profile of our school within our local community through a host of fundraising activities and we receive a wealth of support from a number of local organisations.

As a teacher, I am so grateful that Camps has become such a huge part of my life and the lives of past, present and future student travellers.

- Corrine Leach, Teacher

26 | The Guide

A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021

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This publication has been made and distributed by Camps International Group Ltd, in collaboration with:

Club Europe Travel Group https://club-europe.co.uk

Campfire Wild Adventures www.campfirewildadventures.com

Hampshire Outdoor Centres www.hants.gov.uk/en/thingstodo/outdoorcentres

White Hart Associates www.whitehartassociates.com

Campbell Irvine www.campbellirvinedirect.com/CIDirect/

Fight Centre Travel Group www.flightcentre.co.uk

Jonny Wilkinson MBE CBE Jonny Wilkinson Nspired Foundation

A Camps International Publication, Published January 2021