City Kids Experiencing Country Life An initiative supported through the Victorian Governments Regional Growth Fund Sponsored by The Department of Education & Early Childhood Development

What is the Initiative? The program aims to provide opportunities for students to visit working farms, natural attractions, historical and tourist centres in rural and regional areas and gain insight into the role regional and rural Victoria plays in Victoria’s economy.

How does it work? The program is funded by the state education department and managed locally by the Local Learning & Employment Networks (LLENs). The LLENS coordinate the camp for the school to ensure they have a successful experience.

Which kids get to go? The City Kids Experiencing Country Life Initiative will provide a range of engaging opportunities for metropolitan based Year 5 & 6 students to participate in 3 nights-4 days visits in regional Victoria.

Where can we go and what do we do? Hume / Wodonga 'Paddock to Plate‘ Grampians / Ballarat 'Historical Highlands‘ Echuca 'The Mighty Murray‘ Barwon South West / Port Campbell 'Cows to Coast‘ South Gippsland/ Bass Coast ‘Southern Coast Adventure’ East Gippsland/Wellington ‘Eastern Adventure’

Echuca – paddle steamer Ballarat – Sovereign Hill Phillip Island - penguins

Who pays for what? The LLEN covers the cost of ALL transport: From the school to the camp and back again All excursions whilst on the camp. THE SCHOOL: The school pays for the camp facilities, usually including accommodation, food & outdoor activities The school also covers the cost of external site visits such as working dairy farms, food producers, tourist attractions such as Sovereign Hill, Flagstaff Hill etc.

What do the kids get out of it? They will develop an understanding of agriculture and food production and the range of associated career options available and understand the role that farming plays in relation to Victoria’s future.

What do the kids get out of it? They will also develop understanding about the quality of life and career opportunities available in regional and rural Victoria.

What do the kids get out of it? They will get to try activities they may not get to try at home.

What do the kids get out of it? They will get to appreciate all the country has to offer

What do we have to do? The LLEN will plan and develop locally tailored programs to meet the needs of participating schools, businesses and community organisations. LLENS will act as liaison between the school and the service providers LLENs will also facilitate travel reimbursement as part of a tailored package developed for metropolitan schools.

What do we have to do? The teachers & students just need to turn up and have fun!