Enjoying an EcoWalks Camp for Veterans’ Health Week

For Veterans’ Health Week 2024, RSL LifeCare partnered with EcoWalks Tours to offer veterans and families and incredible camping experience in the Berowra bushland.

This 2 day hiking experience allowed veteran parents and their children to reconnect and enjoy nature and an overnight camp.   Spending meaningful family-time is a powerful way to reconnect, learn new skills, and create new friendships with the veteran comunity also.

Five families attended this year’s camp, and participants came from as far as Engadine and Castle Hill to Berowra.

The Great North Walk in Berowra Valley National Park was a spectacular setting for the hike and camp.  One particpant said

“The hike was challenging but not taxing. Each day was some 7 km which left time for recovering. Participants were able to talk to each other along the trail; quiet periods signaled steep inclines! The young kids were able to stretch out while the older members were able to remain in touch. I think 7-8 km per day is the right distance. The rhythm was perfect. There was simply no stress.”

The camp was also an opportunity to learn new and valuable life-skills, such as how to treat snake bites or deal with anaphylactic emergencies or broken limbs.  All good camps need to have a knot-tying lesson which was enjoyed by all.

At the end of the day, it was time to pitch the tents and get ready for a nutritious meal which was provided by the organisers.

“The food was fresh, well considered and just simple and clean.  This just added to the no stress environment.”

The camp was a huge success. It was a perfect way for families to spend dedicated time together, learning, connecting and having fun.

Alan is an exceptional EcoWalks Camp tour guide. As a veteran himself, he knows the importance of connecting with family. As a former geography teacher, his knowledge adds to the experience for all participants.

Thank you to EcoWalks for hosting such a memorable experience for our veterans and families.