Epic Holiday Camps in Mornington closes suddenly
Hundreds of Mornington Peninsula parents were left scrambling for childcare after a popular school holiday program was cancelled days before it was due to start when negotiations with the host venue stalled.
South East
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Hundreds of Mornington Peninsula families were left scambling for childcare options after a popular school holiday program was cancelled just days before it was due to start.
Epic Holiday Camp has told up to 300 families that the business was closing and summer sessions expected to start this week would no longer be held.
Director Ella Linton-Smith said the decision was made after the program’s host venue – Benton Junior College – decided not to renew its contract with the service.
“I’m so disappointed and sorry that we were made to make this decision,” Ms Linton-Smith said.
“I know a lot of families were relying on us and their children were looking forward to the program.”
She said families booked with the service would not be charged for any sessions.
It is understood the school council decided not to renew the contact with Epic, but that the existing agreement was not due to expire until the end of January.
The Victorian Education Department said decisions about holiday programs were made by individual schools.
A spokeswoman said the department was not aware of any complaints regarding the program.
Ms Linton-Smith started Epic about three years ago.
The Mt Eliza mum of three boys was inspired to create the program after struggling to find school holiday activities for her sons.
“My boys are all really sporty and happiest when doing physical activities,” she said.
“As a working mum, I always relied on school holiday programs for my boys but was frustrated with the lack of quality options in our area, so I decided to start my own.”
Epic coaches run five different sports each day, starting with some skills training then playing a range of games and activities within each session.
A chill out room is also offered where children can relax before moving on to the next sport.
The service was an approved childcare provider meaning eligible families could claim part of the daily $110 fee through Centrelink.
Ms Linton-Smith said if another school was willing to host the service she would consider running it again.
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In the meantime she recommended families contact other programs in the region, such as Team Kids or Camp Australia.
Team Kids staff said the service had three venues covering the same area as Epic, including programs operating at Osborne Primary School, Benton Square Community Centre and St Maccartan’s Parish Primary School.
Narelle Murray said there were vacancies at all three venues.
Details: 1300 035 000 or teamkids.com.au