About Raleigh

Getting out there
Back in 1978 when Colonel John Blashford-Snell and HRH Prince Charles started Operation Drake, they had a vision. They wanted to give young people a chance to explore the world and by doing so discover their potential as leaders and members of a team working together to make a difference. Raleigh still hold true these values today with its two commitments.

Raleigh is committed to inspiring people from all walks of life, ages and nationalities, involving them more deeply with people, places, communities and challenges and empowering them to be all they can be. Its second commitment is working in partnership with local communities to make a much needed difference to their lives.

Raleigh is for life
Raleigh is not just about an expedition; it's about being part of a community of like-minded people. Ordinary people who want to do something extraordinary with their lives, make a difference in the world and new friends along the way. Raleigh's vision is to inspire a generation to be all that they can be; to awaken a sense of life-purpose and belonging, and unite them as part of a global community who can work together to rise to the challenges of the world we live in.

A Raleigh expedition is not just for life. It is a way of life.


Making a difference 
As a charity, Raleigh raises funds to make its expeditions the best possible experience for the volunteers and the local communities. In this role, Raleigh acts as a catalyst for change, bringing local communities together, sometimes for the first time as one team and giving them the resources and motivation to achieve sustainable development. To do this Raleigh works in partnership with local communities, non-governmental organisations and governments in the host countries, following the Millennium Development Goals where it can.

The challenges
From the very first expedition Raleigh was founded on 4 challenges:

1. Being Selected
2. Raising Funds
3. Going for Expedition
4. Contributing Locally


It is these challenges that make Raleigh special. Our values of discovery, courage, drive and integrity have come from the heart and we believe in them and live them in all we do.