Why Adventure Based Experiential Learning Is More Important Than Ever
Young people today are growing up in a world full of screens, pressure, and fast change. More than ever, they need real-world experiences that help them build confidence, teamwork, and practical skills. That’s where experiential learning comes in.
At OMAC, we design school camps that give students hands-on learning in a natural, outdoor setting. Our camps are not only fun, they also support growth in areas that matter for school, work, and life.
What Is Experiential Learning?
Experiential learning is learning by doing. Instead of sitting in a classroom, students take part in real activities. They learn from experience, reflect on what happened, and try again. It’s a cycle that helps build deep understanding and personal growth.
We combine this with place-based education, which uses our unique environment and community as the setting for learning. Our camp location is more than just a beautiful spot, it’s part of the learning journey.
Why It Matters More Today
Research shows that teens in New Zealand spend more time than ever on screens, some up to six hours a day outside school. That much screen time can affect focus, sleep, physical health, and mood. It also reduces the time young people spend moving, interacting in person, and building real-world social skills.
Experiential learning through outdoor camps is a way to balance that out. It creates time away from devices, encourages face-to-face interaction, and helps students reset. Whether they’re kayaking, tramping, sailing or working in a team challenge, they’re building real skills that support learning and wellbeing.
The OMAC Experience
At OMAC, we combine two powerful approaches, place-based education and experiential learning. Together, they create a learning experience that connects students to each other, their environment, and the wider world.
Place-based education uses our local landscape, community and culture as the setting for learning. From our base on Great Barrier Island, we offer a natural environment that is both challenging and inspiring. Students learn about the history, ecology, and culture of the place they’re in, not just from a textbook but by being part of it.
Our Experiential Learning approach turns that environment into a classroom without walls. Students explore, work as a team, take on leadership roles, and reflect on what they’ve learned. These moments build real character and leave a lasting impact.
Designed for Schools
We work closely with teachers and school leaders to create school camps that suit the goals of each group. Our programmes are shaped by our local curriculum, which includes a set of real-life learning themes. These themes allow schools to customise the camp experience to suit the needs and interests of their students.
Whether your focus is leadership, connection with nature, physical challenge, or building friendships, we’ll help you design a camp that makes a real difference for your students.
Let’s Plan Your Next Camp
We know that organising a school camp can take time, so we’re here to make it easy. Once you’ve chosen your dates, we’ll help you work through what you want to achieve, what activities to include, and how to fit the camp to your budget.
Our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way.
Join Us for an Unforgettable School Camp
Experiential learning helps students discover what they’re capable of. It teaches lessons that last a lifetime lessons about courage, teamwork, responsibility and the natural world.
If you're ready to give your students a school camp experience they won’t forget, we’d love to work with you. Get in touch with OMAC today and let’s start planning your next adventure.
