This summer, a group of 17 pupils embarked on an incredible journey to Ecuador as part of the Social Enterprise Camps International Trips. Their adventure was filled with meaningful community work, cultural experiences, and unforgettable moments in nature.
Our pupils spent two weeks in the Andean highlands, mading a lasting impact by painting a basketball court, laying 50m of pavement, creating a beautiful mural for the local primary school, and even starting the foundation for a new classroom. Their hard work didn’t stop there—they also laid the groundwork for a greenhouse, renovated two classrooms, and built a guinea pig house for a local family, all while embracing the local culture through traditional dancing and a challenging hike to 3,700m.
The adventure continued with a week in the Amazon at Chilli Urku Camp, where the group spent time deep in the jungle, sleeping in hammocks, and working on a school garden and library. A huge ‘thank you’ to the local community for making this experience truly unforgettable.
The final week was an expedition that took the group to Cotopaxi National Park, where our pupils trekked an impressive 80km over five days, summiting Pasochoa and Hito at 4,200m. We’re incredibly proud of their achievements and the positive impact they’ve made on the communities they visited.
Mr Millington, Head of Design and Technology, comments “This trip encompassed a number of the school values. Pupils not only helped with their charitable work, but also immersed themselves in the local communities through visiting their homes, taking part in cultural activities and several games of football. It was wonderful to see the pupils grow in confidence and character, and they all stepped up to the challenge of the trek. It was a pleasure to take the group over to Ecuador and I hope the pupils have some lifelong memories from it.”
Mrs O’Callaghan comments: “The Camps International Ecuador trip was amazing, brilliant and challenging! Not only did we see animals, communities and landscapes, as a teacher I have the privilege to see pupils develop new skills, grow in confidence and make an impact in the world. I would like to express my thanks to the pupils and my colleague, Mr Millington, on this trip - well done everyone!”
Pupils comment:
"I loved every minute of the experience, my highlight was two nights deep into the Amazon with only a hammock separating me from the rainforest." - Rufus, Year 13
Ben comments: “A once in a lifetime experience, however I will never have a bucket shower again!” - Ben, Year 12
“This was an experience that tested our comfort zones but rewarded us with a unique perspective on life in the Amazon. Falling asleep to the loud sounds of the jungle was slightly scary for some, but was overall an amazing experience. “ - Sophia, Year 11
