Victorian schools face camp declines due to budget pressures

Many Victorian state schools are reducing or cutting school camps due to new financial pressures. Schools have been required to compensate teachers for extra hours spent on camps, making these excursions harder to afford. Parents have seen the benefits of school camps for their children, especially for those with anxiety. For example, one mother from Ballarat shared how her son has grown more confident thanks to his experiences at camp. However, schools are now struggling financially, leading to fewer camps or shorter trips. Camp operators are also feeling the impact. Sophie Bowker, who runs Kangaroobie School Camp, mentioned that several schools have canceled their bookings because of the increased costs associated with teacher compensation. Since the new rules were implemented, she has seen 10 schools stop using her camp. Grant Laidlaw, who manages two camps near Ballarat, noted that the cost of running a camp has skyrocketed. He mentioned that parents are also facing higher living costs, which adds another layer of difficulty in financing camp trips. Many schools are now opting for shorter camps or day trips instead of overnight stays. School camps play an important role in children's education, offering opportunities for emotional growth and team building. Laidlaw believes that it's essential to advocate for the value of these experiences. The Australian Education Union supports the idea that teachers should be paid for their out-of-hours work and calls on the government to properly fund schools. The Department of Education has not yet commented on the situation.