If your child is heading off to camp, it’s natural to have questions about what the experience will look like. From where they’ll sleep to who’s supervising them, knowing how school camps are structured can make the lead-up less stressful — for both you and your child.
This page explains how most school camps are run, what your child will be doing during the day, and how schools work with camp providers to ensure students are safe, supported, and included throughout their stay.
Why Schools Run Camps
School camps offer more than just a few days away from the classroom. They’re designed to support student development in ways that can be hard to achieve in a standard school environment.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Camps give students hands-on opportunities to:
- Build teamwork and communication skills
- Learn about nature and the outdoors
- Challenge themselves physically and mentally
- Grow confidence by trying new things in a supportive setting
These experiences often link to the curriculum, especially in areas like health and physical education, science, and social studies.
Personal Growth and Resilience
Being away from home, managing gear, and facing new challenges helps students:
- Develop independence and self-care habits
- Learn responsibility in group settings
- Cope with unfamiliar environments
- Discover their strengths outside of academic performance
Social Connection
Camps are also a chance to strengthen friendships and build new ones. Group activities help students connect with peers they might not usually interact with, which can have lasting benefits when they return to school.
A Typical Camp Day
Although the exact schedule varies between camps, most follow a clear routine that helps students feel settled and supported. Days are structured to balance physical activity, learning, social time, and rest.
Morning Routine
Students usually start their day with:
- A set wake-up time
- Breakfast in the dining area
- A morning briefing to explain the day’s plan and activity groups
Some camps include light exercises or team warm-ups to get everyone moving early.
Daytime Activities
Children rotate through a series of activities with their group. These could include:
- Bush walks, kayaking, or orienteering
- Confidence courses or team challenges
- Environmental education or local history sessions
- Craft projects or cooking over a campfire
Qualified instructors lead most outdoor sessions, with teachers and other adults supervising alongside them.
Meals and Breaks
Meals are usually provided on-site, with set times for morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea. Students eat together, and some camps include responsibilities like setting up or cleaning up after meals.
Evening Time
After a full day, evenings are calmer. Students may take part in:
- Group reflections or journalling
- Skits, games, or a quiz night
- Campfire activities (if allowed)
Lights-out is typically at a consistent time, with staff nearby to settle any restless or homesick children.
Supervision and Staff Roles
Keeping children safe and supported is a top priority during school camp. A combination of school staff, parent helpers, and trained instructors work together to ensure students are well supervised throughout the day and night.
Who’s Responsible
Depending on the school and camp provider, your child may be supervised by:
- Their regular classroom teacher
- Additional school staff members
- Parent volunteers (often police vetted)
- Camp instructors with outdoor education training
All adults involved are briefed on the students’ needs and the camp schedule. They work as a team to manage routines, guide behaviour, and support children who need help.
Adult-to-Student Ratios
Schools follow recommended supervision ratios, often guided by Ministry of Education advice. These ratios vary depending on the activity, location, and age group but typically ensure:
- One adult per group during activities
- Additional adults nearby for support
- Extra supervision during overnight stays
How Behaviour is Managed
Camps operate with clear rules and expectations. If students break the rules or need support, teachers or camp leaders step in calmly and consistently. In rare cases where a student is really struggling, parents may be contacted to discuss options.
Supervision is about more than safety — it also helps students feel secure, supported, and part of the group.
Where Students Sleep
Sleeping away from home is one of the biggest changes for many students, especially if it’s their first camp. Knowing where and how children sleep can help reassure both parents and kids.
Types of Accommodation
Most school camps use group-style sleeping arrangements such as:
- Bunk rooms
- Cabins
- Shared dormitories
The exact setup depends on the camp facility, but all accommodation is designed to be safe, clean, and age-appropriate.
Sleeping Arrangements
- Boys and girls are placed in separate rooms or cabins
- Students usually share rooms with classmates they know
- Adults are housed nearby to supervise and respond if needed
- Some camps provide bedding, while others require students to bring sleeping bags and pillows
Students are guided through unpacking, making beds, and settling in, especially on the first night.
Bedtime Routine
To help children wind down at the end of the day, most camps:
- Follow a consistent lights-out time
- Allow time for quiet chats or reading before sleep
- Have teachers or adults do checks to make sure everyone is okay
- Support any child who is feeling homesick or unsettled
The first night away can be a big step, but most students adjust quickly with a little reassurance and a good night’s rest.
Camp Rules and Expectations
Clear expectations help create a positive environment where everyone feels safe and included. Before camp, teachers usually go over the key rules with students so they understand what’s expected of them while they’re away.
Common Behaviour Expectations
Students are expected to:
- Follow instructions from teachers and camp staff
- Treat others with kindness and respect
- Take care of their own belongings and camp facilities
- Participate fully in activities, even if they’re new or challenging
These expectations are often discussed in class and may be outlined in a camp contract or agreement signed by students and parents.
Positive Behaviour Encouraged
Many schools use positive reinforcement to encourage cooperation and team spirit. This might include:
- Praise and encouragement
- Group rewards or points systems
- Opportunities for leadership or responsibility
The focus is on building confidence and helping students feel part of the team.
If Issues Arise
Minor problems, like not following instructions or forgetting gear, are usually handled with gentle reminders. More serious or repeated issues may involve:
- Conversations with the student
- Involvement of a senior teacher
- Contacting parents if necessary
Most students rise to the occasion and enjoy the chance to show how responsible they can be in a new setting.
Safety and Emergency Procedures
Safety is a top priority at every school camp. Teachers and camp staff work together to make sure all activities are run responsibly and that clear procedures are in place in case anything goes wrong.
First Aid and Health Support
- A first aid kit is always on hand, both at the campsite and during off-site activities
- Most camps have staff trained in first aid, and schools often bring their own first aid-certified staff
- Any injuries or health concerns are treated promptly, and parents are contacted if needed
If your child has specific medical needs, these should be discussed with the school well before camp so staff can be fully prepared.
Emergency Planning
Camps are required to have procedures in place for emergencies such as:
- Serious injury or illness
- Fire or natural disasters (e.g. flooding, earthquakes)
- Lost or missing students
Staff are trained in how to respond, and schools maintain contact with their home base throughout the camp.
Communication with Parents
If a serious issue occurs:
- The school will contact you directly
- You may be asked to collect your child early in some cases
- Updates may be provided to the group through the school if needed
These situations are rare, but knowing there’s a plan in place can help you feel more comfortable sending your child.
What Happens If a Child is Struggling
Even with plenty of preparation, some children find parts of camp challenging — especially if it’s their first time away from home. Teachers and camp staff are experienced in supporting students through nerves, homesickness, or moments of overwhelm.
Homesickness and Anxiety
It’s not uncommon for students to feel homesick, particularly in the first day or two. Staff manage this by:
- Offering reassurance and one-on-one support
- Keeping students engaged in group activities
- Encouraging peer support from friends and classmates
In most cases, children settle in once they’ve had a good night’s sleep and start enjoying the routine.
Emotional Support
If a child is upset, worried, or having trouble joining in, staff:
- Talk with the student to understand what’s going on
- Make adjustments where possible (e.g. quieter roles, time to rest)
- Keep a close eye on how they’re doing across the day
Teachers will contact parents if the issue continues or if there’s a concern that needs follow-up at home.
When a Child Can’t Continue
In rare cases, a child may be too unwell or unsettled to remain at camp. If this happens:
- The school will contact you to discuss the situation
- You may be asked to collect your child, depending on location and circumstances
- The school will work with you to support your child’s return to class afterwards
Most children adjust quickly once they get into the rhythm of camp life, and many come home feeling proud of what they achieved.
Camps Are Designed to Support, Not Stress
Letting your child head off to camp can feel like a big step, especially if it’s their first time away from home. But for most children, it’s an incredibly positive experience filled with adventure, growth, and memories they’ll talk about for years to come.
Teachers, parent helpers, and camp staff work together to keep students safe, supported, and engaged throughout the trip. With clear routines, caring supervision, and thoughtful planning, school camps are set up to help every child succeed.
If you have questions or concerns, your child’s teacher is the best person to speak to. They’ll be happy to talk through the details and help your child feel as prepared as possible.
Feeling ready to get your child prepared? Preparing Your Child for Camp covers practical steps you can take at home to help your child feel confident, capable, and excited about the experience ahead:
