The Benefits of School Camp for Building Confidence and Resilience
School camps are more than just a break from the classroom. They give students the chance to step outside their normal routines, try new things, and grow in ways that are hard to achieve within four walls. The benefits of school camp are well known by teachers and parents, especially when it comes to building confidence and resilience.
Why Confidence and Resilience Matter
Confidence helps students try new things, speak up in groups, and believe they can overcome challenges. Resilience is about bouncing back when things get tough, learning from mistakes, and not giving up. Both skills are vital for success in school and life.
At camp, students are often put into situations where they need to rely on themselves and each other. Whether it’s navigating a bush walk, learning to kayak, or setting up their own tent, they are given real challenges to work through. With each small success, their confidence grows. When things don’t go to plan, they learn to adapt and keep trying. This is resilience in action.
How Hands-on Learning Builds Real Skills
Classroom learning is important, but many students thrive when they are learning by doing. At camp, the lessons are often physical, social, and emotional. Working as a team, problem-solving in the outdoors, or managing personal fears all build important life skills. These lessons stick because they’re lived, not just taught.
Being away from home also helps students develop independence. They learn to look after their gear, manage their time, and contribute to a group. They take responsibility for themselves and others, which often leads to real personal growth.
What Makes an OMAC Camp Different
At OMAC, our camps take place in one of the most stunning natural settings in Aotearoa. We’re based in Karaka Bay at the northern end of Great Barrier Island, surrounded by native bush, clear waters, and open skies. The setting alone inspires awe and encourages students to connect with the environment in a way many have never experienced before.
But it’s not just about the location. What sets us apart is how we approach learning. Every OMAC camp is built on two core ideas, Place-based Education and Experiential Learning.
Learning from Place and Experience
Place-based Education means we use our local environment and community as the foundation for learning. Students don’t just visit Great Barrier Island, they learn from it. OMAC has developed a local curriculum to strengthen students' learning opportunities and to celebrate our unique place.
Experiential Learning is about doing. We believe that students learn best when they are fully engaged in real tasks. That might be building a raft or helping cook meals for the group with our ocean to plate activity. It’s learning that sticks because it’s lived and felt.
Real-life Learning Themes
To help schools get the most out of an OMAC camp, we’ve developed a local curriculum made up of Real-life Learning Themes. These themes are chosen by school leaders to match the needs and goals of their ākonga. Each camp becomes a tailored experience that blends adventure, education, and personal growth.
Some popular themes include Leadership and Teamwork, Outdoor Survival Skills, Kayaking and Snokelling. These themes help students learn in ways that connect to their lives and build on the key competencies in the New Zealand Curriculum.
An Experience That Lasts a Lifetime
Many students return home from camp with a new sense of self. They’re more confident, more capable, and more aware of how they fit into the world around them. The benefits of school camp often show up long after the tents are packed away and the bags are back in the cupboard.
At OMAC, we see this growth every day. Students leave with a stronger belief in themselves and their ability to handle life’s challenges. That’s the true power of school camp.
