FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What happens when a camp session fills? Do I get my money back if the only session I have requested is full?
We register our campers on a first-come, first-served basis. However, we do keep a waiting list in case of cancellations. If your camper is put on the waiting list we will email you to let you know where your camper is on the list. We will also call/email immediately if the camper gets into camp and off the waiting list. If your camper does not make it into camp, you will receive a full refund.
Care of my child
We have policies in place to care for the well-being of your child. Our supervision and volunteer policies ensure that one staff person is never in seclusion with one camper. If your child needs to be transported off-site or hospital for medical reasons, our nursing staff will be primarily responsible for transportation.
How are staff members selected? What is the ratio of campers to staff?
All staff are interviewed either in person or by phone and are required to submit reference forms that are reviewed by our staff. Each staff person also has a criminal background check done in compliance with the Vulnerable Children’s Act. Staff are selected based on their commitment to Christ, life experience and job related qualifications. Not only will your child be cared for by their own leader, but our 1:6 camper-to-staff ratio allows campers the opportunity to get to know many other members of our amazing staff as well!
What promotions apply to me?
From time to time we will have promotions that you may be eligible for. Check out our Promotions page to see what's happening.
When is my balance due and can I pay by credit card?
You can pay cash, cheque or through Internet Banking (see our online registration form for details) . Your camper's balance must be PAID IN FULL PRIOR to your scheduled camp week. If you are not able to meet this requirement for any reason, please call the camp bookings team immediately, otherwise your registration will be subject to cancellation.
What information will we receive after we register?
An email confirmation along with an "Important Camp Information” attachment will be emailed to you upon receipt of your deposit or full payment for camp. The attachment includes: Camp Arrival & Pick-Up times, Packing List and other general information about camp. Please keep a copy of this email. No others will be sent after receipt of your full payment.
What time does camp begin?
KIDS CAMP - Camp opens at 8:00am on Monday morning with check-in (no early arrivals please). At 9.30am all campers will gather in the dining room for a brief orientation and introduction of our staff. Parents are more than welcome to stay for this!
TEEN CAMP - Camp opens at 7.00pm on Friday evening with check-in.
What time does camp end and can I pick them up early if I need to?
OBA Kids Camp pick-up is at 3:30pm on the Friday. We invite parents to our Kids Camp prize giving at 3:15pm. For any reason you need to pick up the Camper at any time during the week you will need to make arrangements though the Reception and sign your child out when taking them off-site.
TEEN CAMP pick up is at 1.00pm on Sunday. For any reason you need to pick up the Camper at any time during the weekend you will need to make arrangements though the Reception and sign your child out when taking them off-site.
What if someone else is picking up my son or daughter?
For the safety and well-being of our campers we request that if you, the parent or guardian, cannot pick up your child, please indicate that on the registration form authorising who will pick up your camper. In the event of an emergency pick up, please phone or email the reception team so we are aware of the changes.
What should my child pack for camp?
We have a whole page dedicated to answering what you and your child should bring to camp? Click here
What if my child leaves something behind at camp? Is there a lost and found?
Yes. Email us at info@onebigadventure.org.nz and describe what you left behind in as much detail as possible. The OBA Staff will try to locate your item (s) and will notify you if they are found. Lost and found items not claimed within 2 weeks after camp will be donated to local charities. Please keep in mind that One Big Adventure is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
What is the food like? What if my child has food allergies?
Our chefs will prepare healthy, balanced and nutritious meals. Because we cater in bulk for each group staying at our facilities, each lunch and dinner meal will have a meat and vegetarian option. We do provide certain food items at additional cost for those with gluten or dairy free dietary requirements. Please note that we are not able to cater for individual meals, special dietary issues, allergies, etc.
Refreshments: Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cordial and water is provided.
Snacks: We provide biscuits, fruit and/or fresh muffins/slice for morning and afternoon tea as well as supper.
Packed lunch: If the group is going out from camp, a packed lunch is provided.
Please let us know if you or your child/teen have any life threatening allergies, so that our kitchen staff can take the necessary steps to reduce the risks. However, we cannot absolutely guarantee that all traces of these allergy inducing items will be removed. If you are unsure of any meals being provided, you are more than welcome to provide your own meals for those guests who may have any medical anaphylactic shock risks associated with those foods.
Please indicate what your child’s needs are in their registration form. In you have any questions please email: info@onebigadventure.org.nz
What if my child needs to take vitamins or medication while at camp?
All medicines and vitamins must be registered with the camp nurse at check-in. The nurse is responsible to administer all medicines at the appropriate time.
Does my child need spending money?
Your child will not need to bring in any extra money. We do have a variety of products or packages that your child can purchase through our OBA Store online. Your purchases can either be couriered to you at an extra cost or you can pick up on site.
How and when are cabin groups arranged?
Cabins are arranged by gender, age and cabin mate request. These assignments are made 1 - 2 weeks before camp begins.
However, if your camper is registered for OBA YOUTH, they will be in a cabin with other OBA YOUTH campers.
Can my child request to be in a cabin with a friend?
Campers may request to be placed in a Cabin with friends, however some age restrictions may apply. We work really hard to ensure Campers are placed accordingly so if cabins are filled before requests are received, cabin mates’ requests may not work out. Requests made after the initial registration may not be honoured. Even though we will make every effort to honour requests;
* One Big Adventure makes no guarantees with respect to cabin mate requests.
• If your camper is registered for OBA YOUTH, they will be in a cabin with other OBA YOUTH campers.
• Age – Our Cabins are sorted in age groups where possible. 8 – 9 years (Juniors), 10 -11 years (Seniors) and 12 -13 years (OBA Youth).
• Siblings - We recommend that siblings stay in separate cabins, allowing their experience to be more individualised. Exceptions are occasionally made for special circumstances. Please call and let us know if you have a special circumstance; otherwise we will automatically separate your children.
What does a typical day look like? (Tentative schedule)
Breakfast
Bible Time
Activities
Lunch
Free Time
Afternoon Activities or Options
Cabin Chill time or Junior Showers
Dinner
Free Time
Cabin Chill time or Senior Showers
Evening Activities
Do all campers participate in all activities?
All age groups have the opportunity to try most on-site camp activities either in a group rotation or free time. In addition, the OBA Youth may have some off-site recreation, activities and Options that make it unique from their former experience as a Junior or Senior camper. One Big Adventure offers alternative options and off site activities that may incur an extra cost.
Are there bathrooms in the cabins?
No. Bathrooms for each gender are located in each cabin area - upstairs and downstairs.
What happens if a camper gets homesick?
Our staff are trained to deal with homesickness effectively. We make sure that homesick campers fully engage in activities, which minimises the focus on homesickness. Our volunteers and staff will spend extra time to integrate those homesick kids back into the flow of camp, often times with the help of other cabin mates. In our over 40 years of experience we have found letting a child call home when they are homesick does not alleviate the problem but rather serves to accelerate the problem. It is therefore our policy to call the parents of a homesick camper and inform them of the situation in order to determine the next course of action. From there we strive for the best possible outcome for that camper.
How does One Big Adventure handle behavioural problems with campers?
Our desire is that camp will be an environment of physical, mental, spiritual and emotional safety for both campers and staff. In order to ensure that this occurs, we sometimes need to take steps in disciplining campers. We have a consequence system that staff can use to correct inappropriate behaviour. The system begins with the camper losing free-time and if behaviour continues, a parent/guardian will be notified.
Can I visit camp?
One Big Adventure is a closed camp for reasons of safety and security. During the camp week, no visitors are permitted unless special arrangements have been made in advance with the Camp Director through the main office or in the event of an emergency. All visitors will need to report to the reception office and sign in through our Visitors Book.
Do you provide transportation to and from Camp?
No, unfortunately we are unable to provide this service.
Can we send mail to our camper?
Yes. All Campers enjoy receiving mail or email from family and friends. Here are ways to communicate with your camper:
1) Bring your letters for your camper on check-in day and drop them in the mail bins. Indicate your camper's name and what day you want it delivered.
***We ask that no products delivered by mail contain peanuts. If candy is delivered with peanuts we will throw it away for the safety of those campers with allergies.
2) Send an email to your camper (maximum of one per day). Click here.
3) Of course, there is always snail mail (mail it early). Please address your mail as follows:
Child’s Name
c/o Carey Park Kids Camp
397 Henderson Valley Road,
Henderson Valley
Auckland 0612
In case of an emergency, who do I call?
Feel free to call us in the event of an emergency or special need. Campers may only use the phone in cases of emergency, sickness or by previous arrangement with the Camp Coordinator. You may leave emergency messages at the main office on 837 0494 ext. 0.
What if I need to cancel my child's week at camp?
Cancellations must be made two weeks prior to the start of camp. In the case of a medical emergency, if your child is unable to attend camp at all because of sickness we will provide a refund (less 50%). Subject to us sighting a medical certificate. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the camp bookings department. In the event the camper is sent home due to behavioural problems, no refund of camp fees will be made.
We register our campers on a first-come, first-served basis. However, we do keep a waiting list in case of cancellations. If your camper is put on the waiting list we will email you to let you know where your camper is on the list. We will also call/email immediately if the camper gets into camp and off the waiting list. If your camper does not make it into camp, you will receive a full refund.
Care of my child
We have policies in place to care for the well-being of your child. Our supervision and volunteer policies ensure that one staff person is never in seclusion with one camper. If your child needs to be transported off-site or hospital for medical reasons, our nursing staff will be primarily responsible for transportation.
How are staff members selected? What is the ratio of campers to staff?
All staff are interviewed either in person or by phone and are required to submit reference forms that are reviewed by our staff. Each staff person also has a criminal background check done in compliance with the Vulnerable Children’s Act. Staff are selected based on their commitment to Christ, life experience and job related qualifications. Not only will your child be cared for by their own leader, but our 1:6 camper-to-staff ratio allows campers the opportunity to get to know many other members of our amazing staff as well!
What promotions apply to me?
From time to time we will have promotions that you may be eligible for. Check out our Promotions page to see what's happening.
When is my balance due and can I pay by credit card?
You can pay cash, cheque or through Internet Banking (see our online registration form for details) . Your camper's balance must be PAID IN FULL PRIOR to your scheduled camp week. If you are not able to meet this requirement for any reason, please call the camp bookings team immediately, otherwise your registration will be subject to cancellation.
What information will we receive after we register?
An email confirmation along with an "Important Camp Information” attachment will be emailed to you upon receipt of your deposit or full payment for camp. The attachment includes: Camp Arrival & Pick-Up times, Packing List and other general information about camp. Please keep a copy of this email. No others will be sent after receipt of your full payment.
What time does camp begin?
KIDS CAMP - Camp opens at 8:00am on Monday morning with check-in (no early arrivals please). At 9.30am all campers will gather in the dining room for a brief orientation and introduction of our staff. Parents are more than welcome to stay for this!
TEEN CAMP - Camp opens at 7.00pm on Friday evening with check-in.
What time does camp end and can I pick them up early if I need to?
OBA Kids Camp pick-up is at 3:30pm on the Friday. We invite parents to our Kids Camp prize giving at 3:15pm. For any reason you need to pick up the Camper at any time during the week you will need to make arrangements though the Reception and sign your child out when taking them off-site.
TEEN CAMP pick up is at 1.00pm on Sunday. For any reason you need to pick up the Camper at any time during the weekend you will need to make arrangements though the Reception and sign your child out when taking them off-site.
What if someone else is picking up my son or daughter?
For the safety and well-being of our campers we request that if you, the parent or guardian, cannot pick up your child, please indicate that on the registration form authorising who will pick up your camper. In the event of an emergency pick up, please phone or email the reception team so we are aware of the changes.
What should my child pack for camp?
We have a whole page dedicated to answering what you and your child should bring to camp? Click here
What if my child leaves something behind at camp? Is there a lost and found?
Yes. Email us at info@onebigadventure.org.nz and describe what you left behind in as much detail as possible. The OBA Staff will try to locate your item (s) and will notify you if they are found. Lost and found items not claimed within 2 weeks after camp will be donated to local charities. Please keep in mind that One Big Adventure is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
What is the food like? What if my child has food allergies?
Our chefs will prepare healthy, balanced and nutritious meals. Because we cater in bulk for each group staying at our facilities, each lunch and dinner meal will have a meat and vegetarian option. We do provide certain food items at additional cost for those with gluten or dairy free dietary requirements. Please note that we are not able to cater for individual meals, special dietary issues, allergies, etc.
Refreshments: Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cordial and water is provided.
Snacks: We provide biscuits, fruit and/or fresh muffins/slice for morning and afternoon tea as well as supper.
Packed lunch: If the group is going out from camp, a packed lunch is provided.
Please let us know if you or your child/teen have any life threatening allergies, so that our kitchen staff can take the necessary steps to reduce the risks. However, we cannot absolutely guarantee that all traces of these allergy inducing items will be removed. If you are unsure of any meals being provided, you are more than welcome to provide your own meals for those guests who may have any medical anaphylactic shock risks associated with those foods.
Please indicate what your child’s needs are in their registration form. In you have any questions please email: info@onebigadventure.org.nz
What if my child needs to take vitamins or medication while at camp?
All medicines and vitamins must be registered with the camp nurse at check-in. The nurse is responsible to administer all medicines at the appropriate time.
Does my child need spending money?
Your child will not need to bring in any extra money. We do have a variety of products or packages that your child can purchase through our OBA Store online. Your purchases can either be couriered to you at an extra cost or you can pick up on site.
How and when are cabin groups arranged?
Cabins are arranged by gender, age and cabin mate request. These assignments are made 1 - 2 weeks before camp begins.
However, if your camper is registered for OBA YOUTH, they will be in a cabin with other OBA YOUTH campers.
Can my child request to be in a cabin with a friend?
Campers may request to be placed in a Cabin with friends, however some age restrictions may apply. We work really hard to ensure Campers are placed accordingly so if cabins are filled before requests are received, cabin mates’ requests may not work out. Requests made after the initial registration may not be honoured. Even though we will make every effort to honour requests;
* One Big Adventure makes no guarantees with respect to cabin mate requests.
• If your camper is registered for OBA YOUTH, they will be in a cabin with other OBA YOUTH campers.
• Age – Our Cabins are sorted in age groups where possible. 8 – 9 years (Juniors), 10 -11 years (Seniors) and 12 -13 years (OBA Youth).
• Siblings - We recommend that siblings stay in separate cabins, allowing their experience to be more individualised. Exceptions are occasionally made for special circumstances. Please call and let us know if you have a special circumstance; otherwise we will automatically separate your children.
What does a typical day look like? (Tentative schedule)
Breakfast
Bible Time
Activities
Lunch
Free Time
Afternoon Activities or Options
Cabin Chill time or Junior Showers
Dinner
Free Time
Cabin Chill time or Senior Showers
Evening Activities
Do all campers participate in all activities?
All age groups have the opportunity to try most on-site camp activities either in a group rotation or free time. In addition, the OBA Youth may have some off-site recreation, activities and Options that make it unique from their former experience as a Junior or Senior camper. One Big Adventure offers alternative options and off site activities that may incur an extra cost.
Are there bathrooms in the cabins?
No. Bathrooms for each gender are located in each cabin area - upstairs and downstairs.
What happens if a camper gets homesick?
Our staff are trained to deal with homesickness effectively. We make sure that homesick campers fully engage in activities, which minimises the focus on homesickness. Our volunteers and staff will spend extra time to integrate those homesick kids back into the flow of camp, often times with the help of other cabin mates. In our over 40 years of experience we have found letting a child call home when they are homesick does not alleviate the problem but rather serves to accelerate the problem. It is therefore our policy to call the parents of a homesick camper and inform them of the situation in order to determine the next course of action. From there we strive for the best possible outcome for that camper.
How does One Big Adventure handle behavioural problems with campers?
Our desire is that camp will be an environment of physical, mental, spiritual and emotional safety for both campers and staff. In order to ensure that this occurs, we sometimes need to take steps in disciplining campers. We have a consequence system that staff can use to correct inappropriate behaviour. The system begins with the camper losing free-time and if behaviour continues, a parent/guardian will be notified.
Can I visit camp?
One Big Adventure is a closed camp for reasons of safety and security. During the camp week, no visitors are permitted unless special arrangements have been made in advance with the Camp Director through the main office or in the event of an emergency. All visitors will need to report to the reception office and sign in through our Visitors Book.
Do you provide transportation to and from Camp?
No, unfortunately we are unable to provide this service.
Can we send mail to our camper?
Yes. All Campers enjoy receiving mail or email from family and friends. Here are ways to communicate with your camper:
1) Bring your letters for your camper on check-in day and drop them in the mail bins. Indicate your camper's name and what day you want it delivered.
***We ask that no products delivered by mail contain peanuts. If candy is delivered with peanuts we will throw it away for the safety of those campers with allergies.
2) Send an email to your camper (maximum of one per day). Click here.
3) Of course, there is always snail mail (mail it early). Please address your mail as follows:
Child’s Name
c/o Carey Park Kids Camp
397 Henderson Valley Road,
Henderson Valley
Auckland 0612
In case of an emergency, who do I call?
Feel free to call us in the event of an emergency or special need. Campers may only use the phone in cases of emergency, sickness or by previous arrangement with the Camp Coordinator. You may leave emergency messages at the main office on 837 0494 ext. 0.
What if I need to cancel my child's week at camp?
Cancellations must be made two weeks prior to the start of camp. In the case of a medical emergency, if your child is unable to attend camp at all because of sickness we will provide a refund (less 50%). Subject to us sighting a medical certificate. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the camp bookings department. In the event the camper is sent home due to behavioural problems, no refund of camp fees will be made.