CAMP RUMBUG IMPROVEMENTS
ACTIVITIES
Q. Why the move from 1:15 to 1:30 ratio for activities?
As part of Camp Rumbug’s integration into The Great Aussie Bush Camp family, we’ve adopted the proven Bush Camp activity delivery model which is 1:30 instructor to student ratio, which has been developed and refined over more than 30 years of outdoor education. This model has been successfully delivered to hundreds of thousands of students across our NSW camps and delivers real world outcomes, while adhering to relevant safety standards.
Although ratios have changed, the focus still remains on delivering a safe, engaging and well-paced experience. In NSW, we have found that what happens in practice is that average activity groups operate with around 20 students depending on split of class sizes and overall numbers. The Bush Camp approach is that our instructors stay with the same group throughout the program, allowing them to build trust and rapport with students while encouraging teamwork, confidence and participation. This allows more flexibility for grouping students, along with the ability to have our team available to assist you in other areas of supervision across camp.
Q. Does the 1:30 ratio mean less time on the activities for the students?
Not necessarily. Activities that require increased instructor involvement, such as flying foxes and canoeing, are staffed with additional instructors to ensure they continue to operate safely and efficiently, so there will be very little change to these activities. For team-based activities, such as initiatives, students may work in larger groups, providing more opportunities to collaborate with a broader range of personalities and further develop teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
Q. How will one instructor manage the students and get them all through?
Our instructors are trained outdoor education professionals, and they are experienced in managing groups safely while creating an engaging, well-paced activity experience. Activities are carefully planned to maximise participation, with teachers providing support where appropriate, such as assisting with harness fitting, equipment and monitoring behaviour as they have done previously. Teachers continue to play an important supporting role by assisting with simple tasks, such as helping students fit harnesses and equipment, allowing activities to run efficiently and keeping students moving through the experience.
Q. Will the session time of the activity change?
Activity session lengths will remain the same, with our instructors still managing each session to ensure every student gets the opportunity to participate. While some individual activities may involve more students participating within the session, our programs are designed to maximise engagement rather than simply the number of turns on an activity. Students spend their time actively involved through teamwork, supporting their peers, problem-solving and encouraging one another, all of which are important outcomes of the outdoor education experience.
Q. How are you ensuring everyone is safe within a bigger group?
Safety remains our highest priority. The change relates to how activities are delivered, not our commitment to safety. All activities continue to operate under comprehensive risk assessments, standard operating procedures and qualified instructor supervision. Activities requiring increased instructor involvement, such as flying foxes and canoeing, are staffed with additional instructors to maintain efficient operation, safety and a high level of participation. Our focus remains on delivering a safe, engaging and rewarding experience where every student is as actively involved throughout the session as possible.
TEACHER DINING
Q. What is the Teachers’ dining area?
Our dedicated Teacher Dining area provides staff with a comfortable space to enjoy their meals away from the student dining area. While our instructors supervise and facilitate student mealtimes, teachers have the opportunity to relax, recharge, catch up on emails, or discuss the day’s program with colleagues. It’s a small but valued part of the Bush Camp experience, giving teachers a well-earned break while remaining readily available if needed.
Q. How will the Teachers’ dining operate, and how many Bush Camp staff will be supervising the students while teachers are dining?
At least one activity instructor, together with the Assistant Centre Manager and members of our catering team, will actively supervise and facilitate mealtimes, taking responsibility for meal service, student engagement, and clean-up.
Teachers are welcome to enjoy their meals in the dedicated Teachers’ dining area or remain with students if they prefer. Many schools choose to rotate supervision, with some teachers dining while others remain with students before swapping over. The Teachers’ dining area simply provides staff with the opportunity to enjoy a meal, recharge and connect with colleagues, knowing students continue to be well supervised.