I've got more questions

These are some of the most common questions we get asked by families new to Camp Australia.

If we haven't answered your question here please contact us and we'll get back to you.

What does my child need to bring to before and after school care?

Kids need to be adventure ready when they join Camp Australia Before and After School Care - they need a hat, water bottle and any medication that may be required.

When kids are setting off on their first adventure, or something changes, it is important to bring relevant medical management documents, details of any allergies, special needs, immunisation records or custody orders.

What time does before school and after school care open and close?

Each service is different, and program hours reflect the needs of the community. Most before school care programs operate from 7am until the first school bell.

After care programs start at the end of the school day and close between 6pm and 7pm, depending upon each school's requirements.

How do bookings work?

Booking in advance of your child's attendance is vital to ensure the safety all the other children who attend. You can book online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the Parent Portal.

Bookings can also be made with less than 48 hours' notice by calling the Customer Service Team on 1300 105 343 between 8am and 6pm Eastern Standard Time.

Families have the option of Permanent or Casual Bookings. Reduced fees are available for Permanent Bookings which repeat from week to week throughout the year. Casual Bookings are available at any time up to and including the day of care.

Bookings may be changed or cancelled with 7 days' notice.  Booking cancellations with less than 7 days' notice will incur the session charge, less Child Care Benefit and the Child Care Rebate.

What is the charge for my child to attend before and after school care?

Each service is unique and the fees are developed in partnership with the school community. Information on your specific school can be obtained after registering online. Alternatively you can collect information directly from the Camp Australia Before and After School Care room at your school.

All Camp Australia services are eligible for Child Care Benefit and the Child Care Rebate. These federal programs reduce the cost of childcare by 50% or more and are available to almost all parents. Call the Family Assistance Office on 13 61 50 to find out more. 

How do I find out if I qualify for the Child Care Benefit or Child Care Rebate?

The friendly Camp Australia Customer Service Team are specialists in the Child Care Benefit and the Child Care Rebate and can assist with most general enquiries.

On call between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday (AEST) the team will be happy to help you understand the requirements, assist in applications and ensure your family can access all you are entitled to. Contact the Customer Service Team to on 1300 105 343 to find out more.

Do you charge by the hour or session?

Camp Australia provides session based care at all programs. The fee is set in partnership with the school and  the total duration of each session is considered. Your individual school may also have reduced fees for shorter sessions where children are involved in another on-school activity.

When will I be billed?

Your statement for before and after school care usage will be sent every two weeks via email.

Before we send your statement, we first verify your child's attendance at the program, and then submit the relevant information to the Federal Government for calculation of your benefits and rebates.  Once these reductions have been confirmed, your statement is then issued.

This ensures you all applicable fee reductions and discounts provided by the Government have been applied.

>> Click here to see the next 6 months billing dates

If you have any questions relating to your child's attendance, when statements are issued or due, or how to read your statement, please contact our Customer Service Team on 1300 105 343.

When will payments come out via Direct Debit?

Your statement of usage will be issued every two weeks, with payment due 10 days after the issue date. Automatic payment from your credit card or bank account will occur on the due date of the statement.  If you have any questions about your bill, you have approximately 10 days to review and discuss with us.

How do I make/manage my permanent / casual bookings?

Camp Australia's Parent Portal is the one-stop-shop to make and manage all your bookings.  Easy to use and accessible - it is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week and has been designed specifically to meet your needs. You can even access the Parent Portal on your iPhone, iPad or mobile phone. Simply visit www.campaustralia.com.au on your device and log-in to your account.

Bookings can also be made with less than 48 hours' notice between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday (AEST), by calling the friendly Customer Service Team on 1300 105 343. 

Do you provide food at the service? If so, what do you provide?

A healthy breakfast and afternoon snack is provided as part of Camp Australia before and after care programs. For Holiday Club programs, we provide children with an afternoon snack however parents need to provide all other meals for the duration of the day. 

Food is selected with careful consideration to the children's growth and developmental needs. We follow a philosophy of low salt, low sugar, low fat and  ensure dietary, cultural and religious requirements are also considered along with nutritional value.

In addition to the fruit and healthy snacks provided at the program, kids also have the opportunity to enjoy cooking activities while learning about healthy eating.

To ensure the safety of all children, there are a few items that are not provided. Camp Australia programs do not provide peanuts, peanut products and other forms of nuts. High risk foods (such as meat) that require refrigeration during transport are also not provided in the program.

All Camp Australia services meet national food safety standards and guidelines.

What activities are available for the children to take part in when they are at before / after school care?

Programs and activities are designed to be fun while catering for the diversity of children involved. The daily program provides the structure, framework and flexibility to allow creative and adventurous play, inquisitive and energetic activities along with allowing the caring and thoughtful side of kids to flourish.

Some of the options include board games, jigsaws, construction materials, plastic play food, dress ups, musical instruments, cars and trains. Sporting equipment available at the program includes bats, balls, hoops, beanbags and skipping ropes. Some large programs with dedicated space also have large game tables for foozball, ping-pong and air-hockey.

All Camp Australia programs have an opportunity throughout the year to utilise a suite of fun "resource kits". These kits include circus fun, fitness and adventure.

Where is before and after care located at my child's school?

Camp Australia Before and After Care is located on-site at the school, though the location does vary between each school. The room may be in a dedicated room or building, or it could be shared space such as a classroom, gym and covered area. The program will make the most of both indoor and outdoor space available.

To find out the exact location of the Before and After Care room at your school, enquire at the school office.

What is the phone number for the service and what is the name of the coordinator that will be looking after my child?

Contact can be made with the Before and After Care service by phone, email or through our Customer Service Team.  When you register for an Account, you will be provided with this important contact information. This information is also available directly from your school office or Before and After Care program.

I am separated from my partner, can we have separate accounts for my child?

Camp Australia understands families come in all shapes and sizes and works with parents to find a solution to meet their needs. Each partner who has a seperate financial responsibility for the child (or children) will require their own online account.

In is also important to note Camp Australia has strict requirements around signing children in and out of a service. Specifically authorised adults are only permitted to leave with children ensuring safety, parental wishes and custody requirements are adhered to.

Custody arrangements are in place, how can I ensure these are adhered to?

To ensure your child's care is appropriately managed we will require a copy of any applicable court orders. After providing this to the service, we will review the information and the documents will be attached to the child's records. All information is treated confidentially and with sensitivity.

If there are any changes, we ask that you notify us promptly.

Where a court order has been provided, we will ensure all necessary Team Members are aware the orders are in place. In the event an attempt is made to breach the court orders the parent/guardian with custody entitlements will be contacted immediately. The police will also be called.

For more information or to discuss your individual circumstances in confidence contact the Camp Australia Customer Service Team on 1300 105 343 (8am - 6pm Monday to Friday AEST).

What if I am having payment difficulty?

We understand that from time to time families need a little extra help.  We recognise this and ensure  a change in financial circumstances does not become a barrier to accessing high quality care.  To support parents, our specialist Financial Resolutions Team is on call to provide confidential understanding and assistance to families experiencing hardship.

For more information or to discuss your individual circumstances in confidence contact the Camp Australia Customer Service Team on 1300 105 343 (8am - 6pm Monday to Friday AEST).

What if my child has an allergy or medical condition?

If your child has allergy or medical condition, we will require some additional and more detailed information. You will be required to complete a medical management form for the appropriate condition. This form, along with any other required documentation must be provided to staff at the program.

All Camp Australia staff members are trained in First Aid, CPR and Anaphylaxis Management.

In addition Camp Australia programs are all nut free in order to reduce risk within the service.

>> click here to download Medical Management Documents