Free Holiday Camps

Positive Start in 2022: FREE holiday camps

Dear parents and carers

During the past 2 years, the COVID-19 pandemic has meant that many students have missed out on the opportunity to experience outdoor activities in an organised, social and supportive environment.

The Victorian Government is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of all children and young people, and is offering the chance for eligible students to attend a free camp program as part of the Positive Start in 2022 initiative, during the 2022 school holiday periods.

Free camps for eligible students

Camps are a great way for young people to build confidence, experience new activities, learn leadership skills, connect socially and make new friends.

Holiday camp programs can range from single overnight experiences to spending several nights away.

While on camp, your child may enjoy a range of social and adventure activities which could include team challenges, bush walks, orienteering, hut building, cooking, bush walks, painting with nature, rope courses, abseiling and canoeing. Camp providers will make every effort to ensure they are accessible to all students and will list their facilities and supports available on the Positive Start website.

Express your interest today

Places are limited, so if you are interested in this opportunity for your child or children, register your interest as soon as possible. Registrations close Friday 25 March 2022.

For further information, including how to register, visit: https://vacsdata.educationapps.vic.gov.au/PositiveStartHolidayCamps/

or scan the QR code.

Please also refer to the Holiday Camp Information below.

Once you register your interest, the Department of Education and Training will send you more information about available programs and how you can secure a booking.

Find out more

For further enquiries about the Positive Start holiday camps or to register your interest, contact positivestart@education.vic.gov.au

Kind regards

Stephen Fraser

Deputy Secretary

School Education Programs and Support

Department of Education and Training

HOLIDAY CAMP INFORMATION

Which students are eligible for free holiday camps?

Students who meet one or more of the following criteria are eligible to attend a free holiday camp:

attend a school that experienced closures of 5 days or more due to COVID-19 in 2021
have an approved Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) application for 2022
have a parent who holds a valid means-tested concession card (for example a Health Care Card, Job Seeker, Newstart Allowance, Disability Support Pension)
are in out-of-home care (temporary or permanent)
have a disability
are from a refugee background
are indigenous students
are in the Navigator program.

When are the holiday camps?

The holiday camps will run in the 2022 school holidays — Term 1 (April), Term 2 (June/July) and Term 3 (September) 2022.

How much does it cost?

These camps are completely free of charge to eligible families. It will not cost you anything for your child to attend the camp. Most of the camps can organise transport from central locations however, for some camps, parents may need to provide transport for their child. Specific information regarding transport will be supplied by the individual camp providers.

How old does my child need to be?

Students in years 3 to 12 from the start of 2022 school year can attend holiday camp programs.

Will my child get to go with their friends?

Your child may be able to go on camp with their friends if they book to go to the same camp and there are places available. However, please note that your child’s friends may not be eligible for the Positive Start free holiday camp funding. Only eligible families may book through Positive Start. Remember, your child will also have the chance to make new friends and build relationships with students from other schools.

What types of camps are there?

There will be a list of camps from which that you can choose. Each camp will have a brief description including where it is, the length of the camp (number of days), the dates it is running, how to get there; as well as a list of activities to help you decide which camp would best suit your child.

What general safety measures are in place to ensure camps are safe for students?

Camp facilities and sites are reviewed each year and are accredited by an independent national accreditation scheme to ensure they meet best practice standards and that all students receive the best care. All camp activities are compliant with national safety standards. All staff members have working with children checks and undergo a thorough induction and checking process as part of working with the camp.

What COVIDSafe strategies are in place at camps?

All Positive Start in 2022 camps must put into place a CovidSafe plan that aligns with Department of Health and Department of Education and Training advice. This includes operating under up-to-date CovidSafe practices such as appropriate cleaning, activity design, food service and accommodation density and layouts.

How do I register my interest?

It’s easy to register your interest. Simply go to the link below or scan the QR code on the right and complete the registration details. Once you have provided your email address, the Positive Start team will be in touch with more information.

https://vacsdata.educationapps.vic.gov.au/PositiveStartHolidayCamps/

What happens next?

Within two weeks of registering your child’s interest, you will be provided with more information including a list of available holiday camps and how to book.

If you need further information about the free holiday camps before you feel comfortable to register your interest please visit the www.vic.gov.au/positivestart

© State of Victoria (Department of Education and Training) 2022. Except where otherwise noted, material in this document is provided under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Please check the full copyright notice