Fathers & Sons Call to Duty

When: Date: TBA

Where: South East Queensland

You may of heard the phrase…

“It takes a village to raise a child” 

And as a father of two young men, I find myself in constant reflection and inner dialogue about my role as a father, and who I trust to be mentors in my sons world.

Our western culture struggles to provide a consistent and honourable display of what a authentic example of a trusted father or father figure looks like. One only has to turn on the news to see appalling track records of what should be our most trusted organisations or religious groups betraying our young and vulnerable. So it leaves our modern men with the vital role, striving to lead by example.

Honouring good honest men to step into the role of fathers/ father figures, that our teenagers can look back long after we are gone and know without a shadow of doubt, that these honest men treasured the role, of a mentor father or father figure, being their when they needed us most. Sharing our wisdom, and advise, We don’t have to be perfect or have all the answers, but they need to know that we can be trusted, that our love is unconditional and their best interest is at heart.

With my personal background, I grew up from 6 years old, as a ward of the state, this had me and my siblings go from home to home through a floored foster care system. My Biological father, for his own reasons, walked out on my Mother and 6 children, leaving our mother to the task!

No easy task, so the wheels fell off the family cart!

”So I also understand if you may not in a typical Father role, possibly a foster father, Stepdad, Uncle Gramps or Trusted friend ”. I thank you for stepping up and being there!

I also understand, with such a fast-moving world of technology and the current world events, it feels impossible at times to slow our minds down, to find the time enough to connect with our young men, like really connect, share thoughts, share feelings, hopes and aspirations. To be the guiding light.

Finding the right time to ask our sons How their world is going, finding the time to listen, really listen, without distractions interjection or judgement.

Our role as fathers, our “Call to Duty” if you like as fathers, is more important now than it ever has been, to commit and make that time.

We don’t get a second crack at this If not Now? Then when?

So, here is what’s on offer!

What’s say we move away from the mind numbing distractions of our mainstream media, and technology-driven lives?

This is without a doubt, an important place to start.

We find a place, in nature, a neutral zone where we can all truly be yourselves, sharing life lessons, committing to challenges, committing to each other, being the best version of ourselves, I really don’t care if you can barely put up a tent, what I do care about is that you are prepared be vulnerable, to be OK being outside your own comfort zones, giving something new a good crack, and celebrate the bond that will be created, creating a legacy!

Is this your “Call to Duty”?

Your mission, should you choose to accept it?

So how do we do this?…

“Essentially by combining the teaching of hands on Survival and Bushcraft skills and engaging in quality campfire conversations” ( with some laughter and practical jokes)

We will take the time to get to know each other, whilst I share with you, some of the Bushcraft and Survival skills I was taught during my time in the Military,  as a Special Forces soldier and as  survival instructor with Norforce.

We will look at traditional knowledge, passed on to me by our own indigenous, that I have had the privilege of sharing time with, on country.

We will do much of this around a camp fire, walking and working with nature to assist us with the prioritising of survival needs.

In this location, you will gain a greater understanding of the psychology of fear, phobias and how we may overcome them. when lost in the bush or in our day to day lives in an urban setting!

We look at:

Water – Acquiring drinkable water from a potentially hostile environment, filtration, sterilisation collection and carriage.

Shelter – Learn several methods of constructing an emergency shelter to protect you from the potential threats of the environment by working with it.

Fire – We will cover many methods of achieving fire from primitive to non-conventional modern techniques.

Food – Understanding where food sits as a priority along with how and where to forage for it (edible bush foods & weeds). We learn to set functional traps and snaring techniques for an emergency situation, or living off the grid.

Rescue Signals – We get hands on, to initiate a rescue plan from the ground where you may be lost or injured, knowing this will increase your chance of survival greatly.

I will share with you what I consider essential functional knots, lashings and frapping that will be essential during the event and beneficial well into the future.

You will learn about, and use, a variety of cutting edge tools, knife selection, and uses and sharpening techniques in the bush.

We will put into practice aids to navigation, both by day, utilising the sun and signs in nature, and by night, using the stars and other celestial bodies to find our way (weather permitting).

Along with these and other campcraft skills, as mentioned, there will be great conversations, campfire cooking and plenty of opportunity to build friendships that may last well into the future!

Once booked and paid you will be sent a joining Instruction Booklet. And a list of recommended “what to bring” items ( Basic camping gear)

Price: Price: $895/Adult (includes x1 Child) + $170 per additional child

Food and transport to and from Caloundra to the event location is covered ( all participants: please read FAQ in relation to food /allergies intolerances and fad diets)

(Please read our FAQs section to find out answers on the commonly asked questions)

“I look forward to you joining me at my campfire!“

Rick J Petersen

Interested in this event?



Please fill in the form below to register your interest and set up a call back from Rick.