Camps International, a social enterprise offering school expeditions for student volunteers globally, including the UAE, has announced the appointment of Sharon Palmer as Managing Director for the UK and Middle East. With more than ten years of experience in education and expedition leadership, Sharon brings a wealth of passion and expertise to the role, positioning the organization for sustained growth and future success.
Sharon began her journey with Camps International in 2010, participating as a camp leader during an expedition to Kenya. Her extensive experience as a senior leader in a sixth-form college, with responsibilities for ensuring the safety and quality of educational visits, provided her with invaluable insight into the needs of young adventurers. By 2013, Sharon had transitioned to a full-time role at Camps International, dedicating herself to fostering safe, and transformative experiences for students.
Before she was appointed Managing Director, Sharon served as the Technical Director at Camps International, where she was responsible for upholding global operational standards and ensuring the safety and quality of all programs. She has also played a key role in the outdoor education sector as the Vice Chair of the Expedition Providers Association, leading the Technical Committee to shape industry safety standards and crisis management protocols. Her extensive experience in educational curriculum integration, safeguarding, and crisis response equips her with the expertise needed for her new leadership position.
As the newly appointed Managing Director, Sharon is dedicated to amplifying Camps International’s mission of creating impactful educational experiences. She will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational excellence while expanding the organisation’s influence in the UAE and the broader Gulf region. Her ultimate goal is to foster an understanding of global cultures and inspire personal growth through immersive expeditions.
Sharon Palmer, Managing Director at Camps International, said: “Stepping into this role is an honour and a deeply personal journey for me. Witnessing the transformative power of our expeditions—where students grow in confidence, resilience, and curiosity—is continually inspiring. I am committed to ensuring even more young people discover the world and themselves through these impactful experiences. I want to continue driving growth and delivering meaningful opportunities for these students while building on the existing legacy”.
Stuart Rees Jones, Chief Executive Officer at Impact Travel Group, said: “Sharon’s extensive leadership and deep understanding of education and expedition programs make her an excellent fit to lead Camps International in the UK and the Middle East. The merger between Camps and Impact Travel Group has been pivotal in driving the organization’s growth, enabling us to create transformative experiences that empower young people to become global citizens. With Sharon’s guidance, we are eager to continue providing opportunities that help young people grow, build resilience, and develop a meaningful connection to the wider world”.
With Sharon at the helm, Camps International will prioritize crafting immersive experiences and cultural exchanges that foster meaningful dialogues and personal development. These transformative journeys are designed to build resilience in students while deepening their appreciation of global cultures, ensuring each expedition offers a unique and impactful experience.