The SA Government has announced a $19 million plan to give every Year 7 public school student the chance to attend a free school camp lasting up to four days and three nights. The initiative aims to help students unplug from screens while developing new skills, building friendships and staying active.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the program is part of the government’s broader commitment to ensuring children lead healthy and engaged lives. He highlighted South Australia’s recent measures, including banning mobile phones in schools and restricting social media access for children, but noted the need to provide alternatives that encourage outdoor activity and social interaction.
The camps are designed to help students transition into high school, providing life skills such as resilience, independence, teamwork and social confidence. For many, the experience may be their first extended time away from home, offering opportunities to try new activities in settings such as Woodhouse Adventure Park.
Education Minister Blair Boyer emphasised the importance of removing cost barriers, noting that camps can often be expensive or unavailable at some schools. He reflected on his own school camp experiences, saying they left lasting memories, fostered independence and helped develop practical skills. Boyer added that schools have reported an increase in students opting out or leaving camps early, which he described as concerning.
The program will cover around 12,600 Year 7 students and will be introduced gradually, starting with schools in lower socio-economic areas where children are most likely to miss out. The government said the initiative will also ease financial pressure on families at a time of rising cost-of-living concerns.
Malinauskas said the plan ensures no child misses out on outdoor experiences, learning opportunities and social engagement, reaffirming the government’s focus on active, healthy and happy childhoods where smartphones and social media are not the defining feature.
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