When your child heads off to camp, their safety and wellbeing are a top priority. When your child heads off to camp, their safety and wellbeing are a top priority. Schools follow clear procedures, from first aid to emergency planning, to ensure students are well supported.throughout the trip.
New Zealand schools use the Ministry of Education’s Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) guidelines to plan and manage school camps. These guidelines cover everything from medical forms to supervision ratios, helping teachers and camp providers prepare for a wide range of situations.
You can read more about the official framework here: Education Outside the Classroom – Ministry of Education
First Aid and Medical Support at Camp
Most school camps are held in outdoor or semi-rural environments, so having reliable first aid procedures in place is essential. Schools work with camp providers to make sure trained adults are always available to respond to injuries or health concerns.
Who Provides First Aid
- Teachers attending camp often have up-to-date first aid training
- Many camp providers also have trained staff on site
- A fully stocked first aid kit is carried during all off-site or high-risk activities
Minor Injuries and Illness
- Common issues like scrapes, insect bites, or mild headaches are treated at camp
- Staff monitor the child and provide rest, hydration, or medication if supplied
- If symptoms persist or worsen, parents may be contacted
Access to Emergency Medical Care
- Camps are prepared with plans to transport students to medical centres if needed
- Schools hold emergency contact details for all students
- Teachers act as the primary contact point and keep parents informed if something more serious occurs
For more details on how schools manage first aid and student safety during camp, see the EOTC Guidelines – Bringing the Curriculum Alive and EOTC Safety Management Plan and Toolkit
Medications and Health Conditions
If your child requires any medication during camp, such as an asthma inhaler, allergy treatment, or daily prescription, it must be handed directly to the teacher or designated staff member before departure.
Why It Matters
- Teachers need to know what medication your child is taking and when, so they can respond quickly if your child becomes unwell
- Some medication needs to be stored securely or kept cold
- Unlabelled or undeclared medication in a student’s bag can create safety and accountability issues
What to Do
- Provide medication in a clearly labelled container with your child’s name
- Include written instructions with the correct dosage and when it should be given
- Inform the school of any specific storage or emergency response requirements
- Make sure your child’s medical information and action plans are up to date and submitted before camp
Never send medication in your child’s bag without telling the school. Teachers are responsible for student wellbeing during camp and can’t assist properly if they don’t know the medication exists.
This information is covered in the Ministry of Education’s EOTC Guidelines: Bringing the Curriculum Alive, and schools are expected to follow consistent procedures to ensure student wellbeing.
Managing Bedwetting at Camp
Bedwetting is more common than many families realise, and teachers are well prepared to support students who need extra help at night. If your child wears a pull-up or needs support with overnight toileting, talk to their teacher ahead of time. This allows a discreet plan to be put in place before camp begins.
Most schools have simple, private systems to help children manage this quietly and confidently — such as packing supplies in their sleeping bag or arranging discreet disposal in the morning. Letting the school know in advance ensures your child feels supported without drawing attention.
Injury or Illness During Camp
Even with careful planning, children can sometimes become unwell or injured while at camp. Schools and camp providers are prepared to respond quickly, keeping parents informed and ensuring students get the care they need.
If a Child Becomes Unwell
- Teachers monitor students who report feeling sick and provide rest, fluids, or first aid as needed
- If a student doesn’t improve or symptoms worsen, parents will be contacted
- Schools may ask you to collect your child early if they’re not well enough to stay
The goal is always to keep your child comfortable and informed while minimising any disruption to their camp experience.
If There’s an Injury
- Minor injuries like cuts or bruises are treated on site
- For more serious injuries, camp staff or teachers will contact you promptly
- Emergency transport and medical attention are arranged if needed
Follow-Up After Camp
- If your child received medical attention, teachers may follow up with you afterward
- You’ll be notified of any incidents that may require care once your child is home
Allergies and Dietary Needs
Managing food allergies and special diets is an important part of school camp planning. Schools and camp providers work together to ensure students with dietary needs are kept safe and well-fed.
Providing Dietary Information
- Parents are usually asked to fill out a dietary needs section in the camp or health form
- List all allergies, intolerances, and specific dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, gluten-free)
- Include any information about cross-contamination risks or previous reactions
How Camps Manage Food Allergies
- Kitchen staff are briefed in advance and take care to avoid allergen exposure
- Food may be prepared separately to reduce risk
- Teachers are made aware of each student’s needs and monitor meals and snacks
- For severe allergies, students may be asked to bring backup food or eat separately in some cases
When to Bring Food From Home
- If your child has a highly restricted diet or multiple food allergies, the school may recommend sending meals or snacks from home
- Pack food in clearly labelled containers and let staff know how it should be stored
Emergency Procedures
Even though serious emergencies are rare, schools and camp providers are required to have plans in place for a range of situations. These procedures are designed to keep students safe and ensure staff can respond quickly and effectively.
What Emergencies Are Planned For
- Fire
- Earthquakes or natural disasters
- Severe weather events
- Missing students
- Lockdowns or external threats (in rare cases)
How Schools and Camps Respond
- Teachers and staff are briefed on the emergency plan before camp begins
- Regular headcounts and roll checks are done to ensure all students are accounted for
- Camps may run practice drills or brief students on what to do in certain situations
Communication With Parents
- Schools will contact you directly if a significant event occurs
- In the event of a serious emergency, the school or camp will coordinate with emergency services and follow their instructions
- Updates may be provided via school apps, email, or direct phone calls depending on the situation
Emergency planning is a core part of EOTC preparation and is taken seriously at every level of school camp organisation.
Providing Information Before Camp
Accurate information from parents is essential to keeping students safe and supported during camp. Schools rely on the details you provide to plan medical support, manage dietary needs, and prepare staff.
Forms and Permissions
- You’ll usually be asked to complete a camp permission form and a health or medical information form
- These may include questions about allergies, medications, special diets, emergency contacts, and general wellbeing
- Some schools also collect information about swimming ability or past experiences with being away overnight
Why Accuracy Matters
- Even minor health issues can affect your child’s experience — things like sleep problems, anxiety, or recent illnesses should be included
- If your child has previously struggled with overnight stays or group settings, let the teacher know
- The more your child’s teacher knows in advance, the better they can plan support
How to Update Information
- Contact the school office or your child’s teacher if anything changes after the forms have been submitted
- Let the school know if your child starts new medication or develops a new allergy before camp
Providing clear, up-to-date information helps the school prepare properly and ensures your child has the support they need while they’re away.
Now that you know how your child’s safety and wellbeing are managed, it’s time to look at how schools handle food, allergies, and special diets. From allergies to camp catering, the next page covers what parents need to know.
