Programs

What you might expect on your camp or course…

An enjoyable time in a beautiful location with a focus on traditional bush crafts. Each day will focus on particular bush skills along with awareness based games and activities in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Skills will be practiced in a variety of situations – as a group, small teams and solo – and in a variety of locations. Be prepared for a bit of dirt, some water, maybe the odd scratch, and some laughs.

This is an outdoors program, so expect to feel the elements. The program will run regardless of the weather as there is a sheltered teaching space available if required.

Each day will start and end at a central meeting area. During the day we will venture into the surrounding forest, with all your needs for the day found in the bush or carried with you.

Overnight courses will include night-time activities.

What we expect

We expect everyone to be there for the start and the finish of the day. Outside of that, if you need to take time out for yourself at any time, just let us know. Some of the things we do are challenging – this is why we foster a supportive and encouraging environment.

When you come, you can make the most out of your time in nature by leaving the outside world behind.  Leave mp3 players, electronic games, mobile phones, or any other screen-based distractions behind during activities – or  leave them at home if you can.

No Alcohol/Drugs – these are drug free programs.

Meeting time and place

All Courses are held in the Gloucester and Dungog area unless specified.

Gloucester: The Steps Campground, 535 Manchester Road, Bindera (20km west of Gloucester). Ph.02 65582093 or visit www.boac.com.au for bookings.

Dungog: Ferndale Park Campground: 1940 Chichester Dam Road via Dungog (20km north of Dungog)
Ph.02 49959239. Camping fees can be paid on arrival. Location details in following section.

For details on locations, please visit ‘course locations’ page

School Holiday Camps aka Wildcraft Kids Camp
Activities run from 9am-4pm each day. Parents/guardians are welcome to join in for all of the activities and are only required to stay if their child requires substantial one on one attention.

We meet 9am each day at a central location within the Campground (exact location advised by email). We return to this point at 4pm.

Those staying overnight on the Bush Craft Camps need to pay for their camping separately to owner of the campground.

Those requiring the shuttle lifts to/from Dungog Visitors Information Center or Gloucester Train Station need to arrange this beforehand.

Weekend Camps – for adults/mature students

We meet at 6pm at a central meeting place within the campground (exact location advised by email beforehand). We suggest that you arrive by 4pm on Friday to allow time to set up camp and cook dinner. We will meet on Friday at 6pm for a general introduction. You will then have a small amount of time for completing your set up and eating dinner etc before we meet up again at dusk for the official course start at 7.30pm.

It is important that everyone is present before we start, so if you will be delayed for any reason please text 0412 216 485 so we can wait for you.

What to Bring – all courses

  • Day Pack (small backpack to carry your food, water and personal items)
  • Water Bottle
  • Healthy and nourishing food (eg low sugar/low additives)
  • Clothes suitable for bush rambling
  • Sensible walking shoes
  • Additional Pair of shoes that can get wet (river shoes or thin soled shoes are ideal)
  • Hat / long sleeve shirt / suncream / insect repellent (avoid aerosols)
  • Swimmers/towel
  • Small personal first aid kit – eg bandaids,  bandages
  • Rain jacket
  • For the last day – a set of bush coloured clothes or swimmers that can get dirty

Extra items for overnight courses

  • Camping gear – tent/swag, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, cooker, pots, plate, cup, utensils.
  • water container – While there are taps at the campground, they are away from the campsite. By bringing your own container that holds several litres, you can have water available at the campsite. You can bring this full of water or fill it up at the campground.
  • Pocket knife or knife in sheath if you have one (adults/mature students only)

Optional

  • Binoculars/Camera