MAKING CAMP MORE ACCESSIBLE

Financial support is available to help more Victorian students experience the life-changing impact of camp.

For many families, school camps and outdoor education experiences are incredibly valuable — but cost can sometimes be a barrier. At CYC Christian Youth Camps, we believe every young person should have the opportunity to learn, grow, and belong through camp experiences.

That’s why we want to highlight the Victorian Government’s Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF), which provides financial assistance to eligible families to help cover the cost of school camps and excursions.

The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund helps ensure all students can take part in important learning experiences beyond the classroom, including camps and outdoor education programs.

What Is the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund?

The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) is a Victorian Government initiative designed to support eligible families with the costs of school-related activities. This includes school camps, excursions, outdoor education programs, swimming programs, and school-organised sport.

The funding is paid directly to schools, ensuring it is used specifically to support students in accessing these valuable experiences.

How the Fund Supports Families

From 1 January 2026, eligible families can receive up to $400 per child to help cover the costs associated with camps and excursions. These funds can be used for activities such as:

• School camps and trips
• Outdoor education programs
• Excursions and incursions
• School-organised sporting activities

Schools may also pool CSEF funding for siblings attending the same school, helping families maximise the support available.

Who Is Eligible?

CSEF is available to students attending registered Victorian primary and secondary schools. Eligibility is generally linked to families holding a valid means-tested concession card, such as a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card. Special consideration categories are also available in certain circumstances.

Applications are submitted through your child’s school, with funding applied directly to eligible activities.

What This Means for CYC school Camps

If your child is attending a school camp hosted at a CYC campsite, the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund may help make that experience more accessible. Camps play a powerful role in building confidence, resilience, friendships, and faith — and support like CSEF helps ensure more students can be part of these moments.

Planning a School Camp?

If you’re a school planning an upcoming camp or outdoor education experience, the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund can play a key role in supporting student participation. We encourage schools to consider CSEF eligibility early in the planning process to help ensure all students can be part of the camp experience. Our Sites are experienced in working alongside schools to support inclusive, well-planned camps.

Learn More

To check eligibility details, application timelines, and full program information, visit the Victorian Government website below.

Read More About CSEFExplore School Camps