Staff shortages hit Camp Kulin

Internationally renowned for its unique program for at-risk youth, Camp Kulin has been suspended because of a shortage of staff and resources. The announcement was made last Friday in the wake of operational challenges faced by Shire of Kulin councillors and staff over summer. Shire chief executive Garrick Yandle said while the camp was scaled back during the summer school holidays, the suspension of Camp Kulin was not expected. “We operated a scaled-back version of two camps as opposed to the originally proposed seven camps,” Mr Yandle said. “This recess was not expected to happen. It was still business as usual while we looked at our resourcing situation, and we are still monitoring the status of camp manager Tanya Dupagne as she is away indefinitely and we are not sure of her return.” Camp founder and manager Ms Dupagne remains on extended personal leave as she undergoes intensive medical treatment for Lyme disease. Ms Dupagne said she was devastated about the camp’s suspension. “It’s really sad that it’s come to this because ultimately it’s the kids who will miss out by not having the camp running, but unfortunately it’s something that is unavoidable,” she said. “I have given the Shire of Kulin some advice on what to do, but at the moment, they are running things themselves.” Mr Yandle said recent staff losses had contributed to the decision to go into a recess. “We are not a large-scale operation in terms of staffing numbers, so that was one of our triggers, as well as resourcing overall and ability to actually deliver a sufficient program with sufficient quality due to the number of resources lost in the last six months,” he said. “The decision wasn’t taken lightly. We consulted with the various staff we have and council, we looked at how the business is tracking financially and it’s just unfortunate we’re not in a position to deliver the service.” Camp Kulin was founded in 2013 and has gained national and international recognition. The Camp Kulin program includes general camps open to any child in WA, school camps, and scholarship camps for children affected by childhood trauma. Campers and camp counsellors learn essential life skills such as leadership, respect, trust and self-confidence. Mr Yandle said the Shire was determined to restart the camp. “We are endeavouring to get the camp back up and running and more available resources,” he said. “Hopefully in May, we’ll find out more about Tanya’s health and we can review how we might resource going forward to identify appropriate replacement staff.”