Not every camp suits every class, and finding the right fit can make a big difference. The best camp experiences happen when the location, activities, and facilities match the needs of your students and the goals you’ve set for the trip.
This page helps you narrow down your options based on learning outcomes, age group, group size, and the kind of experience you’re aiming for. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural connection, or team-building, it’s worth spending time early on to make sure the camp offers the right mix for your group.
Start with Your Learning Objectives
Before you dive into brochures or websites, take a step back and ask what you want the camp to achieve. A clear purpose will help you filter your options and justify your choice when talking to leadership, families, or funders.
Some common objectives include:
- Supporting a specific curriculum area like science, social studies, or health and PE
- Developing social skills, independence, and resilience
- Strengthening class relationships and teamwork
- Building confidence through outdoor challenges
- Providing cultural or environmental learning opportunities
Knowing your goals also helps you plan how the camp will tie into pre-camp and post-camp activities in the classroom.
Match the Camp to Your Class Level
Every group is different, and the right camp for one class might not suit another. Consider the age, maturity, and needs of your students when assessing whether a camp will work well for them.
Year Level and Maturity
Younger students may need shorter stays, simpler activities, and more structured support. Older students can usually handle longer camps, more independence, and a wider range of physical or social challenges.
Things to consider:
- Are students ready for an overnight stay or multi-night trip?
- Will they feel comfortable in shared sleeping spaces?
- Are there any behavioural or social dynamics that might affect the group experience?
Group Size and Staff Capacity
Make sure the camp can accommodate your full group safely and comfortably. Check:
- How many students the camp is set up to host
- The availability of sleeping, dining, and activity areas
- Whether you’ll have enough staff and helpers to meet the supervision needs
A camp that works well for a small class might be a stretch for a large cohort without additional support.
Compare Camp Types and Locations
Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to explore the types of camps available and what each location can offer. Think about the kind of environment that will best support your goals and suit your students.
Bush, Beach, Urban or Marae-Based Camps
Each setting offers a different experience:
- Bush camps often focus on tramping, survival skills, and nature study
- Beach camps might include water safety, marine science, and coastal activities
- Urban camps can offer cultural trips, museum visits, or leadership programmes
- Marae-based camps provide opportunities for cultural learning and connection to place, especially when supported by local iwi or hapū
Think about the learning outcomes you’re aiming for, and which setting naturally supports them.
Local vs. Out-of-Town Options
Camps closer to school may reduce transport costs and make it easier for parents to support. However, going further afield can offer new challenges and a greater sense of adventure.
Ask yourself:
- Is travel time manageable for your students?
- Will you need overnight accommodation, or can the trip be done in a day?
- Are there local options that still meet your learning goals?
Review Facilities and Accommodation
Once you’ve narrowed down your list, take a closer look at the practical details. The right setting on paper still needs to meet the day-to-day needs of your group.
Sleeping Arrangements
Check how students and staff will be accommodated:
- Are there separate sleeping areas for different age groups or genders?
- Are bunks, mattresses, and bedding provided, or do students need to bring their own?
- Are cabins heated or weather-appropriate for the season?
Accessibility and Special Requirements
Make sure the site is suitable for any students with additional needs:
- Are there ramps, accessible bathrooms, or ground-level sleeping options?
- Can dietary needs or medical conditions be accommodated?
- Is there space for quiet time or supervision for students who may need extra support?
Safety Features and Facilities
Look for:
- First aid access and emergency procedures
- Safe boundaries and signage for outdoor areas
- Fire safety systems and evacuation plans
Food and Catering
Ask whether the camp provides meals or if you’ll need to self-cater:
- Are meals included in the cost?
- Can they handle allergies or special diets?
- Is there a kitchen available for school use?
- Are cutlery, plates, cups, and serving utensils provided, or do students need to bring their own?
Knowing these details upfront helps with packing lists, budgeting, and making sure nothing gets forgotten.
Check Camp Provider Credentials and Safety
Before you make a booking, take the time to check that the camp provider has solid safety systems in place and staff who are qualified to lead activities. This is especially important for higher-risk experiences like water-based or high ropes activities.
Outdoor Instructors and Qualifications
Ask the camp provider:
- Who runs the activities — are they experienced and qualified?
- What instructor-to-student ratios do they follow?
- Do instructors hold current first aid certification and relevant outdoor safety qualifications?
For high-risk activities, it’s reasonable to expect qualifications aligned with industry standards, such as those recognised by the New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association (NZOIA) or similar.
Ask for Their Safety Information
Reputable providers should be able to supply:
- Their RAMS or equivalent safety management plans
- Emergency procedures
- Copies of their public liability insurance
- Evidence of staff vetting and child safety policies
- References or feedback from other schools
It’s also worth checking whether the provider is familiar with or aligned to the EONZ Safety Management Toolkit, even if they’re not directly affiliated.
This level of due diligence helps you make an informed choice — and gives your leadership and whānau greater peace of mind.
Once you’ve chosen the right camp for your class, it’s time to lock in the details. From asking the right questions to handling contracts and payments, our guide to Booking and Administration walks you through what to do next.
