Camps International - experiences?

[AChickenCalledKorma]

DD1 is in year 11 and is being encouraged by her school to sign up for a Camps International trip to Tanzania. Having been to the parents' information evening, we have a few concerns about the somewhat hard sell (one week to make a decision) and the level of fundraising expected (£4000+ over 18 months). DD1 is aiming high in terms of exam grades and university admissions and I think the pressure to achieve the fundraising through year 11 and 12 could be counter productive. At the same time DD1 is very keen, the experience sounds right up her street and students who have been before have been raving about it.

I'd be very interested in other parents' experiences. I've found a relatively old thread which is a bit "mixed" to say the least. Anyone got any more up to date views?

[Minimusiciansmama]

Hi
My experience isn't recent but I have been in your daughters shoes. I did an aid trip to Africa in the December of y11 for a month and a summer one to Romania after my GCSEs. The fund raising was massive but I got a lot of support from family and friends who helped organise amazing events. It ended up being a lot of fun and it didn't impact my studying because I was determined to do both so motivated me to work I guess. It was definitely a team effort though. I raised about £5000 18 years ago. The trips were incredible, life changing experiences.

It won't be easy but if you're confident this is the right Trip and right organisation, id say go for it. She will make herself work if she wants the trip AND good grades. There's the bonus that Universities love candidates who have done interesting and different things - it would be a great personal statement addition.