The Bern City Council has decided against reinstating widespread financial support for school ski camps, a policy discontinued in 1998. This decision comes after a request from council members across six political parties to re-evaluate the funding model for these educational excursions.
Key Takeaways
- Bern City Council will not reintroduce blanket funding for school ski camps.
- The decision prioritizes financial stability, a key legislative goal.
- Current support includes a 50-franc per child contribution and organized snow days.
- Reinstating full funding could cost approximately 420,000 francs per grade level annually.
Council Considers Reinstatement Request
Council members from the Green Free List, FDP, SVP, SP, Alternative Left, and The Centre parties initiated a formal inquiry. They sought a broader discussion on the importance and funding of school ski camps. Their request highlighted the social and developmental benefits these camps offer to children and teenagers.
These members pointed to the city's 2023 annual report, which noted 27 snow sports class camps took place. However, they raised concerns about the funding sources. It was unclear if these camps were financed from existing school budgets, potentially at the expense of other educational activities.
Current Support
The city currently provides 50 francs per child to support snow sports camps and days. Critics argue this amount is insufficient to ensure equal access for all students, regardless of their school's financial situation.
City Council's Response and Rationale
The City Council, in its official response released Thursday, confirmed its stance against a full return to the previous funding model. The council emphasized that schools have had the autonomy to allocate funds for various camps, including rural school weeks or snow sports camps, since 1998.
Furthermore, students from the 5th to 9th grade can participate in the Fiesch sports camp during spring or autumn holidays. This existing option provides an alternative for students seeking outdoor and sports experiences.
"The stabilization of the financial situation is a central legislative goal," the City Council stated in its response. "A widespread reintroduction of snow sports class camps with city funds is not appropriate."
Financial Implications of Full Funding
The City Council outlined the significant costs associated with fully funding these camps. A one-week camp for a single class can range from 6,000 to 8,000 francs. This figure includes parent contributions already factored in. A rural school week typically costs between 2,500 and 5,000 francs.
Considering there are approximately 60 classes per grade level in Bern, the financial impact of reinstating full funding for snow sports camps would be substantial. The city government estimates the cost at around 420,000 francs per grade level annually.
Historical Context
The city-wide funding for school ski camps was abolished in 1998. Since then, schools have managed their budgets to support various types of class camps, including those focused on snow sports.
Alternative Snow Sports Opportunities
Despite the decision not to reinstate blanket funding, the city still supports snow sports activities for students. The Sports Office, in collaboration with Swiss-Ski, offers special snow fun days for students in grades 3 to 6 across Bern.
Approximately 85 classes can participate in these organized snow days each year. The city's contribution to these specific snow days amounts to around 40,000 francs annually. This program aims to provide accessible snow experiences within a class setting.
- Current Support: 50 francs per child for snow sports activities.
- Fiesch Camp: Available for 5th to 9th graders during holidays.
- Snow Fun Days: For 3rd to 6th graders, supported by the Sports Office and Swiss-Ski.
The council's decision underscores a commitment to fiscal prudence. It highlights the challenge of balancing educational enrichment with budgetary constraints. While the direct funding for widespread ski camps remains off the table, the city continues to offer other avenues for students to engage in winter sports.
This approach maintains some level of support while adhering to the broader goal of stabilizing municipal finances. The debate reflects ongoing discussions about how best to ensure equitable access to enriching experiences for all students in urban environments.