A Day in the Life at OMAC What to Expect on Your Adventure
Life at OMAC is packed with learning, laughter, and time spent in the natural beauty of Great Barrier Island. Our school camps are designed to build confidence, grow teamwork, and give students experiences they’ll remember for years.
Each day brings something different. From early breakfasts to hands-on marine activities, the programme runs smoothly thanks to our team and your school staff working together. We provide all meals, gear, and support to keep things easy for teachers and fun for students.
A Typical Day on Camp
Students usually arrive at Orama from mid-day and settle into their cabins. The first day is relaxed, giving everyone time to explore, settle in, and take in the views. After dinner, we gather for a welcome, go over safety and guidelines, and set expectations for the week ahead.
From Monday to Thursday, the camp schedule runs from around 8am when breakfast starts to 5pm, followed by dinner and an optional evening activity. Each group rotates through different sessions, with breaks for lunch and time to relax between activities.
Here's what a typical day might look like:
8:00 am – Breakfast and daily duties (dish crew and prepping lunch items)
9:00 am to 1:00 pm – Morning activity block
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm – Lunch
2:00 pm to 4:30 pm – Afternoon activity block
5:30 pm – Dinner and clean-up crew
Evening – Optional fun activities like marshmallow toasting
Teachers remain involved and support students during handovers and downtime. We also have a hike and overnight camp experience as part of the week, finishing with a ferry departure on Friday.
Activities That Challenge and Inspire
The activities at OMAC are built around the environment. Each session is led by qualified instructors who bring energy, experience, and a focus on safety.
Popular activities include:
Surfing – A favourite for many students. They learn the basics of surf safety and balance in the waves with support from our instructors.
Ocean to plate – A hands-on session where students learn about fishing, marine ecosystems, and preparing food from the sea.
Sailing – Small groups work together to navigate the waters, learning the basics of wind, direction, and boat handling.
Snorkelling and kayaking – Students explore the marine life around Orama’s coastline and gain confidence in and around the water.
Paddleboarding – A calm but challenging activity that builds balance and coordination.
Waterslide – A great way to end a warm day with some light-hearted fun.
Hiking and overnight camping – A group journey into the hills where students work as a team, learn to set up camp, and enjoy a night in nature.
All activities are planned with weather conditions in mind. If the sea isn’t safe, we have alternative options ready to go.
Build Your Own Camp Experience
We know every school is different. That’s why we work closely with teachers to shape the programme. You can choose a mix of water-based sessions, land adventures, and practical skills, or focus on a particular learning outcome. Whether the goal is outdoor education, leadership, or simply team building, we can help create the right balance.
Our instructors lead the sessions, but the camp is yours. We’ll check in daily to adjust the schedule if needed and make sure the group is getting the best out of each day.
Plan your Visit
Life at OMAC is about giving students space to grow, try new things, and build real friendships. The days are full, the food is sorted, and the location is unforgettable. If you're looking for a school camp that blends learning with adventure, we’d love to host your group.
Get in touch with us today to start planning your camp at OMAC. We’ll help you build a programme that suits your school and gives your students an experience to remember.
