“Join the Movement: Protect Stubbington’s Outdoor Education Centre!”

Comments on the council’s Facebook page feature individuals who attended during their youth, along with those aspiring to send their primary school-age children.

Sarah Leslie, hailing from Portsmouth, expressed that her children would be “heartbroken” to miss this opportunity.

She stated: “Among all my school excursions, it’s the one that stands out the most. It provided me with a significant confidence enhancement.”

The center provides both overnight stays and day excursions for educational institutions and youth organizations engaging in team-building tasks, physical obstacles, and environmental consciousness programs.

Within the consultation, the council noted that the facility accommodated over 4,500 overnight guests and attracted nearly 2,000 day visitors in the year leading up to March 2024.

The 24 staff members working there were informed about the possible closure on Monday.

Caroline Dinenage, the MP representing Gosport, acknowledged that funding was essential for residential care for Hampshire’s youth, but insisted that “this should not compromise other well-utilized local educational resources”.

Mr. Payne, who stepped down from his position as headteacher at Medina Primary school in Portsmouth last July, remarked that for numerous children, it would represent “their first experience away from home”.

He added: “They depart on Friday transformed after trying out new activities and interacting with peers from schools across the county. It was a significant milestone.”