Primary School

Primary School camps have been designed with the younger student in mind. For many, it is their first time away from home. Students learn new skills, engage in challenging activities and develop teamwork competency and a level of independence, all in a safe and nurturing environment. Our qualified staff are experienced in providing outdoor recreation programs for the primary school student and all staff have Working with Children Checks.

Learning Outcomes

Our Primary School camps focus on peer group bonding and the excitement of being introduced to the wonderful Ningaloo Reef, with plenty of opportunities for dynamic learning in a natural environment. The camping experience will support classroom learning relating to the natural environment components. Program activities are age specific, with children as young as Year 1 experiencing the thrill of their first snorkel with fish and coral. Progressive Water Based Program begins at this age and can be followed through into High and Senior School culminating in a PADI S.C.U.B.A. Open Water qualification.

Primary School Camp Activities

Children enjoy a range of fun and rewarding activities including beach snorkelling lessons, glass-bottomed boat trips for coral viewing and snorkelling and marine interaction tours to view seasonal marine life. This may include manta ray swims, viewing humpback whale migration and snorkelling on the outer reef. All safety equipment is provided, including personal flotation devices (life jackets) for water based activities if required.

During the day, students will experience the Ningaloo Reef and at night will participate in spotlighting night activities organised by NRAC and the School and view a panoramic night-time sky full of stars that you just don’t see in the city.

Close Supervision

The NRAC campsite is ideal for primary school camps and supervision of students as it offers tent accommodation for teachers and students in a private camp ground. The spacious grounds provide ample room for supervised play and close proximity to the beach for walking access to the Ningaloo Reef.

The Issue Of Obesity In School Age Children

Media reports have previously highlighted escalating obesity levels in school aged children and projected severe implications for our society generally and health systems specifically. A school camp which is age-specific in program content can have the following direct benefits:

fosters an interest in physical activity and recreational pursuits
improves motor skills
enhances self-esteem, self-worth and confidence
provides the opportunity for personal challenge and achievement
creates a sense of community and bonding with peers and teachers
encourages teamwork and communication
kindles an interest in the natural environment and water-based experiences
offers experiences not normally available to children growing up today in city and suburban environments

A positive outdoor education experience will hopefully translate into lifelong awareness of the benefits of physical exercise and a realisation that physical exertion can be fun.

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.

Progressive Water Based Program

Specialised Progressive Water Based Programs (PWBP)

NRAC specialises in creating Progressive Water Based Programs (PWBP) for individual schools/students.

A PWBP is a program specifically designed to suit individual schools and students and can be implemented in 2 distinct ways -

Students whom have limited experience in snorkelling and marine environments and need a progressive itinerary to make sure they can move safely forward in their learning.

Students whom return to NRAC and need an extended program to move them into the next phase of learning.

The progressive activities are outlined below, and can be adjusted to suit the nature and experience of the group. The seasonal wildlife and weather will also be considered in creating an individualised program to meet your groups’ educational outcomes.

Snorkelling Lessons- shallow water/pool
Beach Snorkelling- shallow water
Beach Snorkelling- deep water
Boat snorkelling- with/without flotation aids
Outer Reef Snorkelling- with/without flotation aids
Manta Ray Swim
Whale Shark Swim
Sea Kayaking
S.C.U.B.A. Programs

Downloads:

Sample Itinerary

Download: Primary School Sample Itinerary

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.