Middle School

Middle School programs are adventure based and designed to provide age related activities and increasing challenges as student’s progress through the years.

At NRAC we provide a quality venue and outdoor programs for Years 7 to 9 including:

Year 7 orientation camps
Year 8 and 9 camps with sequential programming to provide more challenge for successive years
Science, Outdoor Education and Cadet camps
Religious retreats
Progressive Water Based Program

Objectives

Our school camp programs incorporate a range of adventure options which encourage students to move beyond their comfort zone and experience the rewards of achievement. Through challenge, at both a personal and team level, students experience enhanced self-esteem and confidence, improved communication skills and a greater sense of community with peers and teachers.

Joint Programs Run By Teachers And NRAC

NRAC can run joint programs where our staff provide guided instruction for adventure activities while teachers run aspects of the program such as leadership, effective time management, student health issues and religious studies. Curriculum components can also be incorporated by School staff where appropriate to optimise learning experiences.

Staff Qualifications

NRAC is owned and operated by vibrant, adventurous and experienced staff, who work with their clients to create a fun-filled and flexible program that meets the needs and skill level of its participants.

All staff have a WA Working with Children Check, SLSWA Community Surf Rescue Certificate (Beach Bronze Medallion) and St John Ambulance Apply First Aid Certificate as a minimum.

Camp Meals & Special Requirements

NRAC caters with a variety of fresh local produce such as seafood’s, fine Australian meats, fruits, and vegetables delivered through creative, home cooking methods. Providing we have notice, dietary issues such as diabetes, food allergies and vegetarian requirements are accommodated.

Risk Assessment & Management

At NRAC the safety and well being of students in our care is of paramount importance. We aim to provide students with a challenging and rewarding camp experience in a safe and nurturing natural setting. Read our Risk Assessment and Management Plan and Risk Management Plan Part 2.

Sample Itinerary

Download: Middle School Sample Itinerary

Year 7 Orientation Camp

The first year of high school is a period of great change in the lives of students. For many, their experience in the transition from primary to secondary education will influence their future academic and personal success.

The Year 7 Orientation camp is designed to address a number of key areas at this important time and at NRAC we provide opportunities:

For peer bonding among students from a diverse primary school feeder network.
For teacher/student bonding.
To develop trust and effective communication between teachers and students.
For teamwork, communication and collaboration among students.
To challenge students and extend their boundaries outside limiting mindsets.
To give students an introduction to, and appreciation of, the Ningaloo Reef.
For students to experience a range of adventure activities in a safe yet challenging environment.
To understand that physical exertion can be fun.
To encourage an interest in physical fitness as a means of overcoming obesity trends.
To enhance student’s confidence and self-esteem.

Our Year 7 camps are generally site based programs of 2 to 5 day duration, offering a range of activities such as snorkelling, beach walking, boat trips, outer reef snorkelling, marine interaction, environmental lessons, guest speakers, night games and informal play.

These programs provide excellent groundwork for future Middle and Senior camps where students are offered more complex programs with increased emphasis on self-reliance.

Year 8 Camp

Our Year 8 camp programs are designed to the specific aims and objectives of the school. Camps generally incorporate similar activities to Year 7, but the program is enhanced to foster more teamwork, communication and self-confidence.

Many schools have a specific agenda they need to incorporate in the camp program based on current school issues, for example, an anti-bullying policy or personal development programs. The camp environment provides for a “captive” audience where teachers can provide more formal instruction, perhaps with the use of audio visual presentations, and this message is reinforced by the nature of the activity program.

For example, the Year 8 program may have an emphasis on team initiatives and other activities requiring interdependence among students for the success of the group. In these programs students learn that each participant’s contribution is vital if the group is to succeed in the task at hand.

Other school issues, like good attendance and positive behaviour, can be rewarded by offering School Camp.

The Year 8 program also provides students with greater confidence to explore physical activity and outdoor pursuits which, in the light of the current obesity epidemic, can only be a good thing for both the individual and the community generally.

These programs provide excellent groundwork for future Year 9, and Senior School camps where students are offered more complex programs with increased emphasis on self-reliance.

[Example itinerary]

Outdoor Ed / Phys Ed

Outdoor Education/ Marine Science/ Cadet Camps

At NRAC we provide a range of outdoor education programs to support the National Curriculum?

Learning Outcomes

Programs for younger students have a strong emphasis on:

Development of water based skills
Appreciation of the natural and marine environment
Community and belonging
Respect for others and teamwork
New experiences

For older students our programs are more demanding and involve the following elements:

Planning and preparation
Co-operative teamwork, contribution and interdependence
Self-reliance and responsibility
Communication
Problem solving
Challenging and transcending personal limitations and mindsets
Personal achievement in new areas

Students can undertake training in:

Safety and safe practice in the Australian bush
Basic First Aid
Necessary equipment and how to use it
Campsite selection, campcraft and overnight bivouac camping
Campsite cooking involving preparation and cooking of food
Environmental care

Australian Curriculum

Download: Australian Curriculum Foundation to Senior School

Activities

NRAC is located in Coral Bay on the Ningaloo Reef. This is "nature’s playground" and our Camp itineraries reflect this as all activities are based around experiences interacting with the reef. Some of the activities are listed below:

Beach Snorkelling

We provide opportunities for students to learn to snorkel in closed beach environments, then progressing to open-water beach snorkelling and outer reef snorkelling.

Coral Viewing & Snorkelling on the World Famous Ningaloo Reef.

Utilising local eco-tour operators (who provide evidence of Public Liability Insurance and staff with Surf Rescue Certificates), students can see the Ningaloo Reef up close. The Glass Bottom Boat offers coral and fish viewing and snorkelling, as well as relative information about the experience.

Swimming with Manta Rays and Whale Sharks

Coral Bay is well known as a prime location to experience swimming with these majestic creatures. More suited to confident swimmers and snorkellers, this is a once in a lifetime experience.

Whale Watching

As part of the Marine Interaction Tour included in all itineraries, students have an opportunity to view seasonal wildlife in their natural setting. The humpback whale migration is a prominent feature, as well as the chance to see dugongs, manta rays, sharks, turtles and other marine wildlife.

Deep-Sea Fishing Charters

Using well reputed local charter companies, students can fish the deep waters off Coral Bay, learning about the impact of commercial fishing, and the necessary bag-limits as part of a sustainable fishing for the future. Ideal as an exclusive charter, we can hire the whole vessel and bring home the catch to cook and eat at the Camp.

S.C.U.B.A. Programs for All Ages

Progresive Snorkelling Development Program

We have a progressive program for schools interested in training students from introductory SCUBA programs through to Open Water certification. This was we can offer SCUBA to all age groups dependant on SCUBA experience. Alternatively, experienced divers can explore the outer reef on the Dive Boat.

Sea Kayaking

Another hands-on way to experience some of the closer snorkel spots is on a kayak tour. Using double kayaks and qualified instructors, students can work together on a paddling and snorkelling adventure.

Outback Camping

Why not challenge your student group to an outback experience? Camping under the stars, enjoying an open fire and incorporating a hike or boat trip to and from a camp site close to Coral Bay, can extend your students outside their comfort zone. This activity will be planned in conjunction with your School staff and follow all necessary safety requirements.

Scenic Flights

See Coral Bay and surrounding areas on the Ningaloo Reef from the air and be amazed by the lands and seascapes. Even spot the natural wonders like manta rays, whales and whale sharks.

Aqua Rush

Feel the rush aboard Coral Bay’s newest Tour! Climb aboard the inflatable rib and zoom to the outer reef for pristine snorkelling to view resident grey nurse sharks among coral and reef fish. Students and Teachers alike are raving about this fun and action-packed tour.

Teachers Materials

Welcome to Ningaloo Reef Adventure Camps. The following Teacher Materials are an extremely important part of creating a successful camp for your students and yourselves.

These materials are collected by Ningaloo Reef Adventure Camps and evaluated in order to ensure that the participating students get the most out of their camp. They enable Ningaloo Reef Adventure Camps staff to create a camp to suit all the participants and make necessary adjustments if needed.

Risk Management and Consent Forms

» Items to Bring to a Ningaloo Reef Adventure Camp

Teacher/Staff in Charge Duties

Provide list of student water capabilities to NRAC and inform NRAC of high risk students
Be familiar with and model DoE Excursion and water based procedures/policies
Download and complete Risk Management and NRAC Consent Forms
Inform NRAC of food or dietry requirements and serious medical conditions
Delegate and manage Staff/Adult Duties
Supervise and delegate groups for Meals/Dishes

Teacher/Staff/Parent Duties:

One adult per group to supervise clean-up and dishes after meals
Supervision of students activities and play
Positive Attitude about activities and weather
Participate with students in all activities, providing leadership and positive attitude

Payment & GST

Ningaloo Reef Adventure Camps requires a 30% booking deposit to secure your booking. Final payment is due during or just after the completion of camp. A 10% GST is placed upon the payments. A tax invoice is provided.

Once a camp is booked and deposit received, any cancellation will result in the deposit (or portion of the deposit depending on the circumstances) not being refunded. If deposit is still required after the 12 weeks prior to commencement date, and camp is cancelled, NRAC still requires the deposit (or portion of depending on circumstances).

Cancellation of Booking

If a School chooses to cancel a booking after a deposit is paid, normally there will be no refund. This aligns with the current Department of Local Government and Cultural Industries (Camp School Management) refund policy.

However, if a School cancels a booking as a result of a Department of Education directive that is specific to that school needing to suspend/cancel excursions, we will refund the deposit. We will happily look at alternative dates for your Camp outside your excursion restrictions.