All activities at Narrows come with a set of RAM (Risk Analysis Management) forms, you will receive a set of RAMs when you book.
The activities at Narrows are all low risk which means you do not need to have specialised instructors. The focus is on the learning experience rather than the intensity of risk involved.
PROGRAMMING
School camps are great for lots of things but the biggest impact we see is community development. You get to know so much more about people outside of the usual day hours of 9-3pm. The two points most often discussed with schools are;
- Decide what you want to achieve at camp.
There are options at Narrows to have a camp where the parents and teachers do everything, or you can take the option where we do everything, including the barista coffees, and you do the community building that camps are so good for. Cleaning up and cooking can form a valuable part of your camp if that's the experience you want, but it can be a full time experience. Be aware that it can be a time consuming and sometimes frustrating part of camp for parents, volunteers, teachers and the kids. Make sure your team have a clear expectation for your camp.
- Decide on the experience, not the budget.
A common mistake schools make is opting for the cheapest options. When you go to camp, make sure you choose the options that will give you the right experience. There are times when just a tent or bed is all that's needed but the best experience at Narrows is by far the full package. We are trained and experienced at running camps, catering, designing and instructing programs and handling hundreds of crazy kids, tired parents and teachers all at once. The way we see it, you teachers and parents are best at loving those kids, let us take care of the camp details.
Activities
Our low risk focus allows parental and teacher participation in the learning so relationships are strengthened and a sense of community is developed that benefits your school long after camp. There's nothing quite like shooting your teacher with a paintball to develop a sense of community...
Why don't you have Outdoors Mark or the equivalent?
Outdoors Mark is a best practice standard for high risk activities. At Narrows we run low risk activities.
We do operate high risk activities offsite and for those we contract registered Outdoors Mark operators.
Why would you use contractors instead of your own qualified staff?
The contractors we use are active almost daily operating within their field of expertise. They are current and practised and continually improving and innovating. Their gear is always in the best condition and certified continually which means no chances are taken or inspections forgotten.
We see some benefit in training camp staff and registering Outdoors Mark or the equivalent but staff do lots of jobs at camps, professionals just do one job very well. We are convinced that mature, experienced professionals are the best option when putting your kids through high risk activities.
So your high risk activities are run by registered providers?
Yes they are.
The adventure activities offered that are run offsite do hold all of the appropriate certifications and accreditations to operate safely and with best practice in mind. That information is available on booking.
POET
If you are needing ideas or funding for outdoor activities and you are a low decile school, then make contact with POET.
https://poet.org.nz/contact-us
