THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THIS EVENT
I didn’t grow up with a strong male role model as a child, my father left early, and I became a ward of the state alongside my siblings. Like many boys, I was left to figure out manhood without the steady presence of a father.
11 years of military, I had many strong men around me but leaving that and controlled aggression behind to attempt to grow lovingly into my father role, I had my own growing up to do.
When Neryl and I brought our 2 sons Arnhem and Tasman into the world, I remember the profound question I asked myself “What sort of Dad was I going to be?” Through what I call “contrast and clarity” I knew what qualities of a Dad I didn’t want to be, an absent one!
I knew that my journey with my sons would be one of presence and one of love for them to be strong and confident in their abilities, displaying honesty, respect and gratitude spending quality time in nature as boys, sharing my passion for it.
Makes me proud to see them happy to rub sticks to get the fire going!
It became their world too and I’m sure they will be proud to pass on the legacy
THE EVENT
This isn’t just a weekend away. It’s an opportunity for fathers and sons to disconnect from the noise of our busy lives and reconnect with what matters most, each other, and the values that shape strong men.
Through hands-on bushcraft and survival skills, shared stories, and time around the fire, we lay down something deeper than just knowledge—we build connection, confidence, and capability.
WHO IS IT FOR?
For any man in a fathering role—dad, stepdad, uncle, grandfather, mentor—who wants to lead by example and be present.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about stepping up, walking beside your son, and passing on life skills practical and personal, that will serve him long after the weekend ends.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The weekend is practical, immersive, and shaped to meet all experience levels. Skills we’ll cover include:
- Finding and purifying water
- Building shelters
- Fire-making (from primitive to modern)
- Knife safety, selection, and sharpening
- Rescue signalling and navigation
- Basic traps and snares (for emergency knowledge only)
- Campfire cooking
- The psychology of fear and how to work with it
I also take time to share life lessons that helped me navigate my own path—principles around ownership, accountability, and responsibility. The kind of stuff that shapes good men. To me, passing these things on is a privilege—part of stepping into eldership, not just as a guide in the bush, but in life.
This weekend is about more than skills—it’s about legacy. For your son. For yourself. For the men we’re becoming, and the ones we’re raising.
I’d be honoured to welcome you to camp.
—Rick J Petersen
INVESTMENT
$985 per adult (includes 1 child)
$170 per additional child
Limited to 10 participants. Priority given in order of expression of interest. Please read the FAQs before applying.
Register your interest!
