Safety · Our number one priority

Prevention over cure.

Adventure happens outdoors, and the outdoors carries real risk. So safety comes first in everything we do, before the climbing, the paddling and the fun. It’s part of our culture, not a form we fill in.

For 25 years, APA has run outdoor programs for 50+ international schools across Asia. Camp APA runs on exactly the same safety systems.

A Camp APA facilitator belaying a camper on an abseil

Accreditations and training partners

Choosing a camp

Questions worth asking any camp provider

Not every holiday camp is run to the same standard. Before you book anywhere, ask these four questions. Here are our answers.

1 · RATIOSHow many staff per camper?We set ratios by how technical the activity is, not just one number for the day. Details below.

2 · QUALIFICATIONSWho are the staff, really?Facilitators hold internationally recognised qualifications and complete APA’s own induction training.

3 · BACKGROUND CHECKSAre staff vetted?Yes. Every Camp APA facilitator is background-checked before working with young people.

4 · ACCOUNTABILITYWho checks their systems?APA is audited externally, including by Paddle UK as their delivery partner in Asia.

Staff ratios

Ratios set by the activity

Every team of up to 12 campers has its own lead facilitator. As activities get more technical, we add facilitators. A camp manager oversees every program.

Meet the team

Activity type	Ratio
General land activitiesGames, nature exploring, team challenges, campcraft	1 : 12
Hiking and gorge walkingWith additional staff supervising safety	1 : 9
Water and high-ropes activitiesKayaking, snorkelling, Tyrolean traverse, abseiling, climbing	1 : 6

How we do it

What keeps campers safe

Paddle UK delivery partner in AsiaAPA is audited by Paddle UK, the governing body for paddlesport, and trusted to train and certify other coaches. It’s an independent check on our standards.

Internationally qualified teamOur team holds qualifications from Paddle UK, the Mountain Leader Training Board, the New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association and Wilderness Medical Associates.

First aid on every teamEvery staff member is at least first-aid certified, and most are Wilderness First Responders. Every lead carries a radio, phone and first aid kit.

Risk assessed, every activityOur Safety Management System and risk assessments are built on best practice from the UK, US and New Zealand, with clear emergency protocols and 24/7 operational support.

Challenge by choiceCampers are encouraged, never forced. Every activity is coached so each camper can find their own next step.

Clear communicationCampers need a basic understanding of English to follow safety briefings. Our programs are English-led, with Cantonese and Mandarin support.

The people behind every camp: Meet the APA team

On the water

Water safety

Campers don’t need to be strong swimmers. Everyone wears a personal flotation device for any water activity deeper than knee height, and water activities run at one facilitator to six campers.

Weather

Weather decisions

We follow the Hong Kong Observatory. If a Black Rainstorm Warning or Typhoon Signal No. 3 or above is in force at 6:30am, that day is cancelled and a make-up day is arranged. APA may also adjust activities or locations on the day for safety.

Weather and cancellation policies

Questions about safety?

Talk to the Camp APA team. We’re happy to explain how we run any activity.

WhatsApp 5509 8548 See Winter 2026 camps

Tel (+852) 2792 7160 · WhatsApp 5509 8548 · camp@apa.co · Part of Asia Pacific Adventure