Camps International Reviews

Name: Camps International
Address: Unit 10 Kingfisher Park Headlands Business ParkSalisbury Road, Ringwood
Rating: 4.10

4.1 Rating 612 Reviews

78 %

of reviewers recommend Camps International

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About Camps International:

Camps International are experts in sustainable student travel, offering life-changing school expeditions in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

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Phone:

01425 485390

Email:

info@campsinternational.com

Location:

Unit 10 Kingfisher Park Headlands Business ParkSalisbury Road
Ringwood
BH24 3NX

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Camps International 5 star review on 7th January 2025

Joshua Rowlands

Charlotte Thompson

Amy Warren

119

Anonymous

Anonymous // 01/01/2019

Sort by: Most Recent Most Recent Highest Rated Filter: None None 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Stars Helpful

“Poorly managed company, poor decision making throughout the pandemic. Would not recommend at all.”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Hi, thanks for getting in touch. We are sorry that you are disappointed with the management of the company. We understand the frustration surrounding our 2021 expeditions but we can assure you that all decisions made have been in line with guidance from the government and FCDO. If you would like to discuss your complaint further, please contact us at operations@campsinternational.co.uk and one of our team will be happy to help. All the best, The Camps Crew

Posted 3 years ago

“We were expected to pay the final amount of over £2000 for Borneo by the beginning of May and were pointedly reminded by email. However no guarantees or reassurances were made about the travel arrangements or Covid implications. The school spent days trying to get answers and a delay to the final payment. In the end the local MP, education authority and council were involved and council lawyers agreed to deal with Camps to seek a full refund. We have been assured that council insurance will refund us if the case against Camps is unsuccessful. Such a frustrating and disappointing display of poor customer service from Camps International. No transparency, communication or honesty about the reality of the pandemic situation.”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Hi, thank you for getting in touch. We would like to assure you that we have maintained close communication with schools leading up to the payment deadline and continue to do so with those schools that are yet to make a decision on their expedition. The decision to cancel or defer the expedition is sitting with the school and we encourage you to get in contact with them to discuss this further. If you feel we are better placed to help, please contact us at operations@campsinternational.co.uk and our team will be able to update you. All the best, The Camps Crew

Posted 3 years ago

“Camps have behaved despicably throughout this pandemic and schools should avoid using them In the future..... they cannot provide evidence of an updated Covid secure insurance policy , an updated risk assessment including covid protocol , there are no itineraries showing they can deliver the promised trips and they cannot provide us with details of who is our schools expedition leader ( probably because they have been unable to carry out the relevant staff training procedures) some flights listed on the gateway do not exist and they are scaremongering schools and staff to pull out of trips for safety reasons hence losing all the children’s hard earned fundraising money as well as charitable donations! It is absolutely disgusting that they are getting away with this! They have shown no flexibility during this pandemic and pushing continually for payments but other communication is poor! They cannot prove that they are planning for the safety of our children. The have no morals and to top it all at the end of the cancellation letter that they send telling you that they are keeping your child’s fundraising money they ask you to make a donation to their charitable foundation... I wouldn’t trust them as far as I could throw them ! Avoid this company at all costs they are completely untrustworthy!”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Hi Lesley, thanks for getting in touch. We can assure you that the safety of our travellers is our number one priority and all safety documentation and risk assessments have been completed. We are unable to comment on individuals school's situations however we understand that a member of our operations team has recently been in touch with you to discuss the points you have raised furtherr. We hope that they were able to clearly explain our pre-expedition procedures with you however, if you would like anything explained further please don't hesitate to get in contact with us again and we will do our best to help you. All the best, The Camps Crew

Posted 3 years ago

“When will camps be refund those that have already paid the full amount I’m guessing they will go bust first or find some other legal loop hole to get out of it The school has cancelled our trip and is paying half out of its funds no school is ever going to let it sell the trips again so camps will be left with little else’s but to close”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Hi, thank you for getting in touch. We are obviously deeply disappointed that you will not be visiting our Camps this year but we understand that this matter has now been resolved and you have received a refund. The Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly had a significant impact on every single one of us, but for some, especially in developing countries, the social and economic impact is hugely magnified. Please rest assured we will continue to support our local crew and partner communities globally throughout this time and long into the future. If you would like to discuss anything further, please contact us at operations@campsinternational.co.uk and one of our team will do their best to help. All the best, The Camps Crew

Posted 3 years ago

“We were given a fantastic presentation from Camps at the school and both my children wanted to go, blinkin eck I wanted to go and shortly after making a few payments we were all affected by the global pandemic. Camps then showed there true colours hiding behind Government guidelines and terms and conditions stating and sending emails basically demanding payment refusing to cancel the trip even though we all know its not going to happen. the children won't be vacinated won't be prepared and due to the pandemic won't have fundraised so parents and family have stepped in to pay. We were told IF ITS NOT SAFE THEY WONT GO yet KENYA IS STILL ON THE RED LIST and they are due to go in July. Camps hid behind the terms our money is spent already they state all the time if you cancel before the 1st May you lose 50% of the trip they should be stating after you sign up your liable for 50% upto May 1st and if you cancel you don't get a penny back !!!! They state on their webpage ETHICAL trips but theres nothing ethical about this company. The trip of a lifetime has turned into a nightmare that has cost me and my family nearly £4000 Common sense should have been used terms and conditions aren't written with a global pandemic in mind, it's not safe for the trips to cancel they should have done the right thing and cancelled or defered not leave it to the last minute forcing parents to cancel losing money so Camps can keep it poor communication poor customer service really poor company The CHILDREN promised trips of a lifetime are the ones that have lost out!! Avoid this company”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Hi Gareth, thank you for getting in touch. We can assure you that we have been working in line with advice from the Government and the FDCO in regards to our expeditions and the safety of our travellers is our number one priority. We will not be sending anyone on an expedition if it is deemed unsafe on the particular dates. In regards to the payment deadline, we had been working closely with schools to relieve the financial pressures and the decision to cancel or defer the expedition ultimately sat with them. As we are unable to comment on individual travellers situation, we advise that you get in contact with the school to discuss the available expeditions options if you are still unhappy with the outcome. If you feel we are better placed to help, please contact us at operations@campsinternational.co.uk and one of our team will be in touch. Kind regards, The Camps Crew

Posted 3 years ago

“This company and everyone associated should be deeply ashamed with themselves. There is obviously no moral compass, and it’s a pure money making scheme.”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

“Absolutely disgusted with how we are being treated. We signed our daughter up to the 2021 trip to Kenya before Covid but Camps International are still expecting us to continue on the same terms. This is really unfair. We do not want to pay any further money as not sure we will get it back, as no matter what happens we do not think it is safe to send any child to a Red list country this summer. Therefore we have lost the £1,900 we have already paid. Wouldn't want any other family to have to go through this ordeal but looking at the many poor reviews it looks like there are a lot of families affected. Our daughter was really looking forward to the trip but we wouldn't want her to go with CI next year in view of how they are treating us now.”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Hi Vicky, thank you for getting in contact. We have been working with schools to provide options to alleviate any need for further payments and planning. This decision is still currently standing with the school and we encourage you to contact them to discuss these options further. If you would prefer to speak to us, please email us at operations@campsinternational.co.uk and a member of our team will be happy to help. All the best, The Camps Crew

Posted 3 years ago

“I don't doubt CI have, in the past completed a lot of good work but the way they are handling the bookings etc for this year's trips is awful. How CI expect the unvaccinated children to travel to pandemic hit countries is totally irresponsible and the CI management have shown their true colours. It has been known that the Government will be making the decision on International travel around the middle of May, so why not delay the last payment until after that: because CI want as many as possible to panic and cancel losing what has been paid until now. A disgrace.”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Hi Simon, thank you for getting in contact. We can assure you that we are closely following the advice of the Government, FCDO and the DfE and will not be sending any travellers on expedition if it is deemed unsafe for the proposed expedition dates. We have also been working with schools closely to minimise the financial impact to travellers and their families and the decision to defer or cancel the expedition is currently with the school. We advise that you contact them for an update otherwise please email us at operations@campsinternational.co.uk and our team will do their best to help. All the best, The Camps Crew

Posted 3 years ago

“We are stuck. Either we pay £1500 tomorrow or we lose all our money because no doubt camp’s international will claim breach of contract and pocket our daughters hard earned funds. If we pay we have to hope that Camps don’t go under (which I suspect is inevitable). We don’t want this trip any more. The risk is too great. The way Camps International is acting is downright dishonest and smacks of a desperate company desperate to do whatever it takes to survive (even if it includes keeping money raised by children). In my opinion this is fraudulent behaviour which I suspect will end in court. No doubt there will be an offer for us to make contact via the operations email address. An address which is never replied from judging by feedback. Do the right thing Camps and make a decision to cancel all trips and give people their money back!”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Hi, thanks for getting in contact. We understand your frustration surrounding the payment deadline and we have been working with school since February to provide options that would alleviate the need for further payments and planning. The decision to cancel or defer the expedition is sitting with the school and we encourage you to contact them to discuss these options further. Kind regards, The Camps Crew

Posted 3 years ago

“My daughters trip to Kenya was cancelled by the school due to covid 19. I fully endorse their decision to do so as they have put my daughters welfare first which I feel sadly Camps International have not. Hide behind your philanthropic causes all you like but the sad truth is you are a money making organisation and you put that first. How can you in all honesty even consider running an expedition to Kenya or any back up country in a global pandemic? How can you keep our kids safe in these remote areas. If you were truly doing good works you would fully refund parents and not hide behind contracts, so that our kids can have the opportunity to put that money towards another worthwhile cause and give them another chance in the future to fulfil their dreams. Shame on you Camps International, shame on you.”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Hi. thank you for getting in touch. We are obviously deeply disappointed that your daughter will not be visiting our Camps this year and we have no doubt that you are too. As you mentioned, your school has made this difficult decision and we will be working with them to minimise the financial impact to travellers and their families. All the best, The Camps Crew

Posted 3 years ago

“If I could give a negative rating I would. My son is/was due to travel with them this year to Kenya. Paid over £4000. Received an email last week stating school still want trip to go ahead. They say payments to be received by 1st may otherwise they cancel your place which would result in them keeping your money. Spoke to school who have clearly stated they do not wish for trip to go ahead. You can’t speak to camps international as their offices are closed due to COVID. I just feel like we’ve all been scammed. It maybe they used to be a good company but not anymore. Feel like this definitely needs to be taken further. 😡”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Hi, thank you for getting in touch. We have been working with schools since February to provide options to alleviate any need for further payments and planning. The decision is still currently standing with the school and we encourage you to contact them to discuss these options further. If you would prefer to speak to us, please email us at operations@campsinternational.co.uk and a member of our team will be happy to help. All the best, The Camps Crew

Posted 3 years ago

“They are expecting you to pay all monies by May for trips in July but Boris is not giving go ahead until May and most of world children are going to are Red but Camps insist you pay or lose all your money why not cancel and pay back all monies paid and wait until things change Can see these running off with all our money and going bust Stay clear from booking with these just look at the Facebook comments”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Hi, thank you for getting in touch with us. We understand your frustration surrounding the 2021 expeditions but can assure you that we are working with schools to alleviate any need for further payments and planning. Currently the option to defer or cancel the expedition stands with the school and we recommend that you get in touch with them to discuss these options further. If you feel we are better placed to explain more, please contact us at operations@campsinternational.co.uk and one of our team will be happy to explain further. All the best, The Camps Crew

Posted 3 years ago

“It’s absolutely vile, I cannot believe that the employees are trying so hard to justify sending children to unsafe countries (which are literally on the red list and have a travel ban) in a pandemic.. with no vaccine! I guess the fact that they explained that if we got covid while in our destination that we would be covered with medical insurance... it’s unacceptable. The government are not allowing it either! They haven’t even tried to offer help, all we’ve got is utter rudeness. Clearly this isn’t at all about helping others in the countries we’re going to as everyone who signed up thought, but a chance to take peoples hard earned money! Such a shame after all the good things you have accomplished with others. In the politest way possible, please do not bother emailing!”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Hi, thank you for getting in touch. We would like to assure you that we are closely following the advice of the Government, FCDO and the DfE for the dates of the expedition. If they determine that it is unsafe to travel then we will not be sending travellers out on expedition. We are working closely with schools to on several options to alleviate any need for further payments and planning. The decision is currently sitting with the school and we recommend that you contact them to discuss these options. Otherwise you can contact us at operations@campsinternational.co.uk and we will do our best to assist in any way we can. All the best, The Camps Crew

Posted 3 years ago

“I would of left a 0 star if possible. Company/charity whatever they call themselves are clearly a scam. Paid over 3 thousand pound and covid happened company haven’t contacted myself, ignored all emails, shut down the phone lines and also even the school is finding a hard job to get in touch with them. School asked would they defer the payment until boris Johnson announced travel restrictions and they declined knowing the children will definitely not be allowed to South Africa this year. Nothing has been booked as I have looked myself and flights aren’t even available to book to South Africa at the moment so I want to know we’re my money is. Will be raising this further as it is my child who is out of pocket as the money can be used for her education rather than it being kept by these scammers! Absolutely appalled especially during these times a full refund should of been issued but instead I am being ignored and also blocked on Facebook as I raised it on there page! Big scam. Still haven’t got a penny back and no one has contacted back to me so I’m having to go through the school! Absolutely disgusted and would advise no parent to give a penny to these people!!!! My daughter cannot attend next year as she has education else where. I wouldn’t trust my daughter in there care in Kenya as they can’t even get back to an email! Just interested in money.”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Hi, thank you for getting in touch. We have been in regular contact with the School with regards to the different options available to them. The opportunity to defer or cancel the Kenya trip, and alleviate any need for further payments and planning, is currently with the school. We therefore recommend that you contact them to discuss these options in more detail. In terms of the trip to South Africa, I am afraid we are unable to help you out in this regard as we do not run expeditions to this country. In regards to the Facebook group, we have received multiple complaints of bullying and negativity from other users. As we would like to keep it a safe place for people to discuss fundraising, some post topics have been regulated or removed. If you have any issues, we encourage you to contact us via the appropriate channels where we can respond accordingly rather than social media. If you would like to discuss this futher, please contact us at operations@campsinternational.co.uk and one of our team will do their best to help. All the best, The Camps Crew

Posted 3 years ago

“So all of a sudden we see a few 5 star ratings all submitted in the last few hours. I'm guessing from the group of adults you brought to Kenya only the other week?? My son is booked to go to Kenya this summer (you know the place......currently on the red list for travel). He will not be allowed to defer for a year as he's attending a different 6th form, so unfortunately this will not be an option for us. With the remaining balance due by the 1st of May, I will have no choice to pay this in the hope of ever getting any money back if the trip is cancelled. How is that right? We have not be able to travel to see our family in Ireland for over a year and we wouldn't dream of booking a flight to see them until we feel it's safe to do so. So tell me how you are happy to bring 16 and 17 year olds all the way to Kenya. My son is so upset knowing that he may not get to go on his trip of a lifetime and that all his efforts have been for nothing. I can't see how you as a company will survive this, unless you rightfully cancel this year's trip, defer for a year and pay back in full to those who will not be allowed to travel next year due to change of school. I am not happy with how this has all been handled. You can convince as many people as you like to give you 5 stars but I know of schools in my area who will never use you again. I'm am sure what you offer the children is absolutely amazing and you all do great work in the different countries, but this is the time to not ruin your reputation. Please do the right thing. Also don't bother responding to this saying I can email you. I have already done this numerous times!”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Hi, thank you for getting in touch. The group of teachers that went to Kenya with us were from the UAE where the restrictions were different from the UK at the time of travel. We would like to assure you that we would not send anyone on an expedition if it were deemed unsafe by the relevant governing bodies. In regards to our UK expeditions, the opportunity to cancel or defer the trip, and alleviate any need for further payments and planning, is currently with your school. As you do not wish to contact us, we recommend that you contact the school to discuss these options. All the best, The Camps Crew

Posted 3 years ago

“Very organised and friendly people”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Hi Tariq, Thank you for leaving us a review. We pride ourselves on the organisation of our expeditions so it's great to hear that you agree. Hope to see you back with us again soon! All the best, The Camps Crew

Posted 3 years ago

“What an amazing experience, with professional and super organized team!!! This trip could not have come at a better time, where all we needed was a break from COVID and not having to worry about it with the precautionary measure in place! Thank you Camps International for making this possible. Keep going and don’t stop... COVID or not not!”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Hi Suzy, Thank you for your support in leaving us a positive review. We're so pleased that the expedition was able to go ahead and like you, we truly believe that these experiences are positively life changing for our travellers. It's amazing to hear you had a good time with us and we can't wait to welcome you back on expedition soon :) All the best, The Camps Crew

Posted 3 years ago

“Excellent teacher taster trip to Tsavo. Had a wonderful experience where it was great to be back to basics. Meet amazing people, got submerged in eye opening realities, had new experiences and made fantastic memories to take with me!”

Camps International 5 star review on 26th April 2021

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Hi Charlie, Thanks so much for leaving us a review. It's great to see your photo from expedition too :) We're so pleased you had such a wonderful time with us and created so many memories. We can't wait to welcome you back on expedition soon! All the best, The Camps Crew

Posted 3 years ago

“- Both leaders were fantastic; calm, professional and approachable throughout. - Felt safe driving around in a huge truck and with locals at all times. - The camp itself and staff are very organised. The food provided each day was like a restaurant meal! Way above my expectations. - The activities through the week were varied and entertaining. - I am looking forward to facing my fears once again, and this time bringing students with me!”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Hi Hamza, Thank you so much for your kind words. It's great to hear that your expedition exceeded your expectations and we can't wait to welcome you and your students back to Camps! All the best, The Camps Crew

Posted 3 years ago

“Very well organised, super friendly leaders. Great experience.”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Hi Nic, Thank you for leaving us a review. We're so proud of our leaders and staff and it's amazing to hear you had such a great experience with us on expedition. We hope to see you again soon! The Camps Crew

Posted 3 years ago

Camps International is rated 4.1 based on 612 reviews