2025 Veteran and Families Camp: Building Connections, Skills, and Memories

Four veteran families came together for a weekend of adventure, learning, and connection at this year’s Veteran and Families Camp, held in partnership with RSL LifeCare and EcoWalks Tours. Now in its second year, this initiative continues to grow, offering a unique opportunity for veterans and their children to bond, develop new skills, and enjoy the great outdoors.

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Crosslands Reserve in Hornsby and the Great North Walk in Berowra Valley National Park, the camp provided a real sense of immersion in nature. Modern facilities and plenty of open space made it easy for families to relax and focus on what mattered most: spending quality time together.

The camp’s program was designed for children aged 10 to 12, the perfect age for making new friends and learning through hands-on activities. Over two days, families tackled navigation and hiking challenges, learned knot tying and shelter building, and gathered around the campfire for lessons and stories. These activities weren’t just about practical skills, they were about building confidence, teamwork, and friendships.

Parents and children alike found the experience rewarding. As one parent shared, “My son just loved the camping and bushwalking, spending time together around the fire, meeting other children, and learning new skills like tying knots and pitching a tarp tent. It was wonderful to see him so enthusiastic about learning and exploring outdoors.” Another reflected, “This activity profoundly impacted my relationship with my daughter and my connection to the veteran community. The combination of physical challenge, skill-sharing, and unhurried time together created space for meaningful connection that is difficult to achieve in daily life.”

Highlights included bushwalks through diverse landscapes, spotting native plants and wildlife, and the simple joys of marshmallow roasting and campfire cooking. The team ensured that all activities were accessible and safe, even across challenging terrain.

The camp concluded with a sense of achievement and new friendships formed. As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue this with EcoWalks Tours, making the Veteran and Families Camp a regular event during the April and October school holidays for the Greater Sydney region and beyond.

We thank all the families who joined us this year and look forward to welcoming more veterans and their loved ones in the future. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected veteran community one camp at a time.