16/08/2026
Are you planning a youth camp, or trip away? Logistics is always a challenge, but safety planning shouldn’t be.
When it comes to organising a camp or other trip away, between managing permissions, transport, and dietary requirements, trying to mitigate child safety risks, the whole thing can feel overwhelming.
But high-risk settings away from regular routines are exactly where natural lines of sight drop and vulnerabilities increase. Perpetrators rely on the chaotic nature of travel to isolate a child.
Fortunately, you can take control of travel risks before the bus even leaves the parking lot by having clear behavioural expectations in your Code of Conduct, and a mandatory risk management plan that considers all the risks and sets out strategies for each. Here's what good practice can look like:
Ditch the one-on-one transit
Ensure transport policies strictly prohibit a single adult driving a single child unsupervised, unless it’s an absolute emergency or pre-approved by parents.
Cabin and room allocation
Set clear, transparent guidelines in your risk management plan for cabin supervision. Unless additional needs exist for a child or young person, situations and procedures should always involve two staff members. Remember that parents and close relatives volunteering at their children’s overnight camp require a verified Working with Children Check.
Brief the children first
Before setting off, give the group a quick, casual rundown of the safety rules. Let them know exactly which areas are off-limits and who they can turn to if they feel uncomfortable, are worried about something or have a complaint.
A proactive risk plan isn't about taking the fun out of the trip; it’s about building a framework that lets staff supervise confidently and allows children to focus on having a great experience.
