After a hugely successful dad’s & kids camp last year, we are doing it again this year! This special camping event is for all the wonderful dads (& Grandfathers, Uncles, brothers) out there. A chance to connect with your child in nature, to slow down and enjoy the simpler things in life; camping under the stars, learning traditional bush crafts skills, sitting around a campfire sharing stories and toasting marshmallows are just a few of the activities on offer.

Come and join us for a weekend like no other, set along the Plenty River, Nioka Camp is located in South Morang at Plenty Gorge Park and just 20 kms North of Melbourne. It is home to an abundance of wildlife and kangaroos can be often seen in the park, as well as echidnas, lizards,  and a huge variety of birds including cockatoos, galahs, eagles, kookaburras, magpies, rosellas, and ibis.

Imagine spending a relaxing yet adventurous and FUN weekend with your child? Just the two (or three!) of you. Dads need adventure and this is a great opportunity to learn some bushcraft skills and get back to nature and de-stress with some amazing activities on offer.

The full weekend camping runs from midday Saturday to midday Sunday and includes the following;

• Facilitated activities run by trained and experienced leaders.
• Camping one night with a campfire, full kitchen, hall and bathroom facilities available.
• Saturday night dinner & Sunday breakfast included.

Some of the activities on offer may include things such as: bush cubby building,  nature games, rope swings and construction, introduction to fire lighting, how to use a flint, prepare and care for a fire, make your own damper, bushwalking,  bush foods, local wildlife, tracking, navigation & bush survival skills. Learn how to use a compass and read a map for our challenge. 

Dinner will be provided and the kids will get a chance to cook some delicious damper over the fire, as well as some marshmallows and hot chocolate for dessert and some bush tea for the dads.

On Sunday, we’ll enjoy breakfast together with our new found camping tribe, then head out for a morning bush walk learning all about the plants and wildlife that live by the Plenty river and learning bush survival skills.

The weekend is facilitated by Adam and a team of experienced staff and volunteers.

Adam spent his entire childhood in the bush, living off-grid, climbing mountains, playing in rivers, learning to fish, track, make fires and simplify ‘being’ in nature. He now hopes to share his childhood experiences with the next generation to inspire a deep connection to nature. He has a background in Outdoor Education and recently completed his forest school leader training and enjoys camping, rock climbing, and meditation.

Not only does this make the “perfect’ Fathers Day gift, but it also gives our lovely mums a well-earned break and rest! Win-win!

This event is open to all men that are fathers, uncles, grandfathers, carers and those that identify as male father figures.

*Please note that spaces are strictly limited so please book early to avoid missing out.

BYO tent and all camping equipment and snacks. There is also a camp kitchen and fridge for any additional cooking or meal preparation required. Eco Explorers is committed to ensuring that our environmental impact is kept to a minimum and that we adhere to sustainable practices so we ask you to bring reusable kitchenware (no single-use plastic) and take your rubbish home.

Ages: 4 – 12 years