An Unforgettable Weekend of Adventure and Parent-Teen Connection
The Reconnection Expedition is a 2.5-day guided outdoor experience for parents or carers and their young person, set in quiet, natural environments designed to remove distraction and create focus.
Away from schedules, screens and everyday noise, families step into open space where attention shifts back to what matters – each other.
This parent-teen connection program is purposely designed to rebuild communication and mutual respect through shared conversations, challenge, structure and action. It brings families back onto the same page and back to connection.
For some families, it’s a chance to reignite a strained bond. For others, it’s where they lock in the discipline, communication and momentum built during the Junior Leader Program.
Different starting points. Same standard. Same direction forward.
Why Reconnection Matters
Life has a way of pulling families in different directions – work, school, sport, screens, schedules.
The Reconnection Expedition presses pause on all of that and brings families back together with intention.
It creates the space for parents/carers and young people to realign how they communicate, support one another and move forward as a team.
For families who have already seen positive change from the Junior Leader Program, this weekend helps strengthen and protect that progress. For others, it becomes the reset point that sets a stronger foundation moving forward.
Key Learning Outcomes
Reconnect the bond between parent/carer and young person.
Reset expectations and communication.
Strengthen respect on both sides.
Strengthen respect on both sides.
What is involved in the Reconnection Expedition?
Set in peaceful, uninterrupted natural environments, the Reconnection Expedition places parents/carers and young people side by side in shared challenge – away from everyday distraction and supported by experienced Veteran Mentors throughout.
Away from titles and expectations, parents and carers step out of the role of “Mum” or “Dad” and show up as a person – present, engaged and real.
That shift creates the conditions for honesty, understanding and a deeper connection with your young person to form.
Across the weekend, you will:
- Immerse yourself in nature and step out of everyday roles and routines.
- Face physical and mental challenges that require communication, focus and teamwork.
- Work together, laugh together, and disconnect from the outside world.
- Lead, follow, and learn more about how each other thinks, reacts and supports one another.
Activities Include
- Camping and campfire cooking
- Team-based problem-solving challenges
- Canoeing
- Hiking and creek exploration
- Bushcraft and survival skills
- Guided storytelling and sharing by the fire
- Side-by-side abseiling
Each activity is intentionally designed to build trust, teamwork and resilience. Families have the opportunity to connect through shared effort, responsibility and achievement.
What is involved in the Reconnection Expedition?
The expedition is designed to build on connection through shared experiences.
Across the 2.5 days, Veteran Mentors will:
- Break down hesitation and barriers to communication
- Create space for honest, meaningful interaction
- Challenge parent/carer and young person together in structured physical activities
- Reinforce accountability, teamwork and leadership
- Build confidence through shared achievement
Families leave with stronger communication, greater trust, renewed resilience, and practical ways to continue positive connection at home.
Program Structure
Day One
The Veteran Mentors set the tone by leading with honesty and clarity, sharing lessons around leadership, responsibility and the realities of life.
The focus is on perspective, trust and preparing both parents and child for the journey ahead.
Day Two
Parents are given the space to step forward and share their stories with their children around the fire. This is a guided experience, led by Veteran Mentors, that creates a safe and structured environment for honest, meaningful sharing.
This gives young people a deeper understanding of who their parents are, what has shaped them, and why they lead the way they do.
Day Three
Parents/carers and young persons are challenged together in activities that test focus, trust and teamwork.
A side-by-side abseil requires clear communication, commitment and responsibility, strengthening connection through shared action.
Who This Program Is For
The Reconnection Expedition is for families who:
Want to reconnect and strengthen their bond.
Want to improve how they communicate and understand one another.
Want dedicated time away from distraction to reset their relationship.
Want to build resilience and trust through shared experience.
Some families join as a starting point, a way to pause and realign before taking further steps. Others use this weekend to reinforce progress already made and strengthen the lessons learned from the Junior Leader Program.
Many families find the stronger communication and shared resilience built during the expedition becomes a powerful springboard into the Junior Leader Program.
At its core, this weekend is about connection – and moving forward together with clarity and confidence.
Location, Accommodation & Meals
The Reconnection Expedition is held in carefully selected natural environments that allow families to disconnect from everyday distractions while remaining fully supported.
Tent camping, with tents and ground sheets provided.
Healthy, hearty meals prepared onsite.
Easy access to activity areas, with safety managed by qualified Veteran Mentors and facilitators.
Upcoming Reconnection Expedition Dates
Secure your spot
Places are limited and offered only to families who have completed the Junior Leader Program.
Real Families. Real Change.
In my mind, going into this camp was mostly about what my boys would gain from the experience, but I had no idea the amount of self-acknowledgement and self-awareness I would gain. A light bulb moment for me was realising how heavily my words and tone affect my son’s reactions. Negative bred negative, but when I was positive and encouraging, the light in his smile and sense of humour shone through. Yes, it’s confronting as a parent to acknowledge that blame for some behaviour also settles at your feet. How can you expect change if you’re not willing to face the difficult truths? There were so many learning moments and also many laughs, things I haven’t seen in my boys for such a long time. The feeling of knowing you’re closing the gap that’s been between you and your kids, being undistracted in those moments, gave me such a sense of peace.
AMANDA WILKINS/WATT
This camp for us was about building trust and having more open communication with our kids, to SHOW UP and show them how much we love them and that no matter what, we are here for them. It gave us this and so much more! We would do it again tomorrow!
Without the dedication, knowledge, genuine care, and effort from all involved in making this camp what it is, we would not have had the opportunity to be closer as a family. There are no words that can express our admiration and gratitude.
MEL
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need our own camping gear?
We provide tents, ground sheets and cooking equipment, there will be some minor camping equipment required (sleeping bag, camp plate/cups/cutlery).
What should I bring?
We provide a packing list, essentially, it’s comfortable clothing for indoor and outdoor activities.
What if I’m scared of heights or water?
This is a canoeing adventure, and an average level of swimming is required. It is not suitable if you are scared of the water. We will coach you through abseiling.
Is this suitable for all ages?
Our programs are designed for young people aged 12-17 and guardians of any age.
What if it rains?
Bring wet weather gear or a poncho – This program goes ahead in all weather conditions.
Are meals provided?
Yes, all meals and snacks are provided.
Do I need to be fit to attend?
No, all activities are designed to be inclusive and can be adjusted to suit all fitness levels.
Do I attend alone or with my partner?
Both options work. Some parents choose to attend solo for personal reflection, others attend with a partner to strengthen their relationship.
Is this a counselling or therapy program?
No, while the retreat can be therapeutic, it is not a clinical program. It’s a practical, experience-based event guided by skilled facilitators.
Is there transport from the airport to the site?
No, although we often have participants carpool to and from the venue, we can help with this.