School camps have long been a rite of passage for many Australian students in both primary and high school.

Typically, camps begin in primary school and continue into the secondary years, ranging from a single overnight stay to several days away.

But the school is camp is under threat. Some schools have stopped running them due to the costs and the need to compensate teachers for extra work hours. As the Herald Sun reports, some schools are cancelling camps altogether or reducing the time away.

Why are camps important? If we can’t afford the traditional version, what can schools do instead?

Camps are more than a night or two away

School camps are not simply a break from normal classes. Their value comes from creating a different kind of learning environment.

This might include travelling away from their local area, looking after their own belongings, and taking part in activities such as bushwalking, canoeing, camp cooking, ropes courses or team problem-solving tasks.

A 2021 review of the research found outdoor education programs can help build confidence and self-belief, including........

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