The Punjab School Education Department has officially permitted public and private schools across the province to organize summer camps during the ongoing summer vacations. According to a notification issued on May 29, 2026, schools can conduct summer camps from June 1 to June 30, 2026, subject to strict conditions aimed at protecting students from extreme heat and preventing financial burden on parents.
The decision comes after Punjab announced extended summer vacations due to rising temperatures. Authorities say the camps are intended to support curricular and academic activities while ensuring student safety during the hottest part of the year.
Summer Camps Allowed from June 1 to June 30
Under the official notification, all public and private schools in Punjab may establish summer camps for students of all classes throughout June 2026. However, these camps are not regular school sessions and must follow specific operational guidelines.
Camp Timings Restricted to Morning Hours
To protect students from extreme heat, summer camps can only be conducted between:
7:00 AM and 10:00 AM
Schools are not allowed to continue activities beyond these hours. Authorities have also directed that Friday will remain a holiday, meaning camps can operate only from Monday to Thursday.
Participation is Optional, Not Mandatory
One of the most important points in the notification is that attendance at summer camps is entirely voluntary.
Students cannot be forced to participate, and schools must obtain parental consent before enrolling students in camp activities. This gives families the freedom to decide whether they want their children to attend.
No Extra Charges for Parents
The Punjab government has imposed strict financial restrictions on schools.
Private Schools
Private schools are not allowed to charge any additional fee for summer camps.
Government Schools
Government schools and teachers are also prohibited from collecting any tuition fee or camp fee from students participating in these activities.
This measure ensures that students can benefit from academic support during vacations without creating extra financial pressure on parents.
All Activities Must Be Conducted Indoors
Given the ongoing heatwave conditions across Punjab, schools have been directed to conduct all camp activities inside classrooms or other indoor facilities.
Outdoor activities are discouraged to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses among students. The focus will remain on curricular and educational activities in a controlled environment.
Schools Must Provide Essential Facilities
The School Education Department has made student safety a key requirement.
Schools must ensure the availability of:
- Clean and cold drinking water
- Proper cleanliness and hygiene
- Functional fans
- Adequate seating arrangements
- Electricity backup during load shedding
- First-aid boxes with necessary supplies
Failure to provide these facilities could result in action against the institution.
Uniforms Not Required
Students attending summer camps will not be required to wear school uniforms.
Instead, they may wear weather-friendly and comfortable clothing suitable for hot summer conditions. The government says this step is intended to improve student comfort during high temperatures.
Legal Action Against Violations
The notification directs Chief Executive Officers (DEAs), principals, and school heads to ensure full compliance with all instructions.
The School Education Department has warned that legal action may be taken against schools that violate the prescribed conditions regarding timings, fees, safety arrangements, or student participation.
What This Means for Students and Parents
For students, the summer camps offer an opportunity to stay academically engaged during the long summer break without attending full-day school sessions.
For parents, the government's guidelines provide important protections:
- Participation remains voluntary.
- No additional camp fees can be charged.
- Students are not required to wear uniforms.
- Schools must ensure safety, hydration, and basic health facilities.
- Activities are restricted to cooler morning hours.
The initiative is expected to help reduce learning loss during the three-month summer vacation while balancing concerns about student health and extreme weather conditions.
Key Highlights at a Glance
- Summer camps allowed from June 1–30, 2026
- Open for all classes
- Timings: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Camps only from Monday to Thursday
- Friday off
- Participation not mandatory
- Parental consent required
- No extra fees for private school students
- No tuition fee in government school camps
- Indoor classes only
- Weather-friendly clothing allowed
- Schools must provide water, fans, electricity backup, and first aid
- Legal action for violations
