Organising a school camp can feel overwhelming, especially with tight schedules and multiple responsibilities. At Bindaree Outdoor Education, we work closely with schools across Victoria to make camp planning smooth, safe, and rewarding for both teachers and students.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to getting it right.
When should I start planning a school camp?
Ideally, planning should start 6–12 months in advance. This gives you enough time to:
- Book your preferred dates and location
- Get approvals from leadership or the school board
- Send notices to families
- Organise transport, medical forms, and risk assessments
What do I need to consider when booking a camp?
Here are key factors to keep in mind:
- Age group: Choose activities and accommodation suitable for the year level
- Curriculum links: Align with learning goals (e.g. sustainability, health, or leadership)
- Location: Proximity to your school and emergency services
- Season and weather: Especially for winter or alpine programs
- Student needs: Dietary, behavioural, and medical considerations
Bindaree offers fully customisable programs based on your school's unique requirements.
Explore our School Camps for different year levels and learning outcomes.
How do I manage safety and risk?
Safety is a shared responsibility. Here's what to look for:
- A qualified provider with current Working With Children Checks and outdoor certifications
- A detailed risk management plan including emergency response procedures
- Appropriate supervision ratios
- Pre-camp briefings and gear checks
At Bindaree, safety is part of our DNA. Learn more about our Safety & Wellbeing Protocols (on our About page).
What should be included in the parent communication?
Clear communication with parents or guardians is essential. Be sure to include:
- Dates and location
- Purpose and learning goals of the camp
- Packing list
- Medical and dietary forms
- Contact information for emergencies
What is a typical school camp packing list?
While every program varies, a general list includes:
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm layers (thermal top and bottoms)
- Walking shoes or boots
- Hat, sunscreen, water bottle
- Sleeping bag and pillow (if camping)
- Toiletries and towel
- Personal medication
Ask us for a tailored list based on the program season and activities.
Can school camps be linked to curriculum or leadership goals?
Absolutely. School camps aren't just fun getaways—they support student growth in:
- Personal and social capability
- Teamwork and problem-solving
- Environmental awareness
- Leadership and initiative (for upper primary and secondary students)
Many schools use Bindaree camps to build on learning units from the classroom.
See our Leadership Programs for more information.
Why choose Bindaree for your next camp?
- 30+ years’ experience delivering safe, inclusive outdoor education
- Custom-built programs for each school
- Dedicated planning support for teachers
- Strong safety and wellbeing framework
- Locations across Victoria including bush, alpine and coastal environments
Let’s plan your next school camp together
We make it easy for teachers and schools to deliver life-changing outdoor experiences for students.
Get in touch with our team today to start planning your next school camp.
Bindaree Outdoor Education partners with Victorian schools to deliver unforgettable school camps, student leadership journeys, and customised outdoor learning experiences.