Victoria is Australia's school camps capital and Labor is making sure it stays that way.
New industry data from the Australian Camps Association confirms more Victorian students went on school camp in 2024 than students from any other state or territory.
Close to 1 million Victorian students went on camp, more than Queensland and New South Wales combined.
School camps are a highlight of the school year.
They build resilience, independence and lifelong friendships.
But Labor knows cost of living pressures can make camps harder for some families to access, which is why we're helping.
The Victorian Budget 2025/26 invested $152.3 million to increase the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund, giving eligible students $400 a year to get the most out of school.
Families with a valid means-tested concession card can apply for the fund.
Temporary foster parents and families with special considerations can also apply.
Since 2015, Labor has invested $532.8 million in the fund, supporting an average of more than 200,000 eligible students each year, across government and non-government schools.
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund is one of the many ways Labor is helping families with the cost of school.
This is alongside free dental checkups, free public transport for kids, School Breakfast Clubs, Affordable School Uniforms and Glasses for Kids.
When they were last in government, the Liberals cut cost-of-living support for families.
Only Labor will back Victorian students and families.
For further information, including eligibility criteria, go to vic.gov.au/camps-sports-and-excursions-fund(opens in a new window).
As stated by Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll
"School camp is often the highlight of a child's year - and Labor is making sure no Victorian student misses out."
"With families under real cost-of-living pressure, $400 per child makes a genuine difference so every Victorian kid can join in, no matter their family's circumstances."
As stated by Australian Camps Association CEO Peter McDougall
"Camps play an integral role in shaping the development of Victorian children. More than just a fun learning environment, camps provide health and wellbeing benefits to school curriculum-based programs for all children."
