FRIENDS of WANGAT
Family Nature-Connection Camp

Next camps…

WINTER CAMP 2024 ~ July 15th – 19th

SUMMER CAMP 2025 ~ Jan 10th – 14th

Our ‘Friends of Wangat’ camps are the epitome of what a stay at Wangat is all about. A chance to immerse, connect and learn in nature; to get away from digital technology and screens. The camps are designed to allow your family to experience a proper bush holiday. A break from the modern world, modern pace and all our routines and to-dos. The idea is for you to be recharged, reinvigorated, inspired and relaxed. By just being at Wangat you will absorb the therapeutic benefits of nature!

The lodge is welcoming and cosy with comfy couches, a great library, board games, table tennis and a fire to keep the winter chill at bay. It has an earthy, robust and nurturing atmosphere - allowing kids to be kids. It can take some knocks, a bit of the outside can come in on muddy feet and play often streams in one door and out the next.

“...we were introduced to Wangat Lodge by a friend, and we fell in love. It satisfied our longing to connect with nature, and share that connection with our children, while also providing so much more: inspiring and nurturing role models for both our children and us, introductions to other like-minded families, a welcoming and familiar place for our family to create memories together, bush survival skills training, and a warm shower and comfy bed at the end of the day! Wangat fulfills the needs we never knew our family had, and we’ll be back on the regular for years to come.”

— Tom J

The 50 acre property allows for relaxation and immersion in nature with meandering walks through the forest and 1km of river to explore, swim in and ponder beside. The bird life is incredibly rich, so it is never hard to find a peaceful spot to sit and be enshrouded by bird song. By night there will be a grand fire circle to gather around and connect telling stories of the day. Look up through the leaves and into the infinite silver stars.

The key to FOW is our people - Wangat’s wonderful staff. Each staff member brings with them their specific passions, expertise and experiences but what they share in common is their ability and dedication to mentoring. Research has shown that mentors can play almost as big a role in a young person’s positive development as their immediate family. In their company, people of all ages will learn aspects of a lifestyle with deeper connection to nature. They are trained and dedicated outdoor educators who will, with their professional understanding of wilderness safety and first aid, encourage adventure and risk-taking. They have had their own epic adventures in wild places - we’re sure you’ll be lucky enough to catch their stories over a meal, or around the fire. Importantly, your kids will see in these young adults love, excitement and respect for nature.

“When I first arrived, I felt a sense of wonder of what the lodge was... The place has this sort of culture and feel that makes you feel part of something... The guides are great people, and the dinners are delicious!”

— Eli, age 11

As we continue to run FOW camps we see a growing community of people who make them a regular on their calendar, returning again and again, creating a beautiful sense of tradition and a synergy amongst families who call FOW camps “their home”. We feel privileged to create ongoing relationships with families and watching children grow on their journeys through life.

A typical day at a Wangat FOW camp looks something like this…

For early birds, we offer gentle adventures, during that magical time of first light and dawn. Birding, platypus stalking or guided meditation. There is often a pre-brekky yoga or body movement class, to get our systems energised.
Share breakfast with the village in the giant hall. After breakfast we all gather around the communal grand fire pit to unpack what is planned for the day.
Morning session – leading up till lunch is a combination of Wangat staff-led and participant-led activities and workshops. There will always be a more adventurous walk on offer for older and energetic young people and adults. Choose your own adventure - choose the one that suits you most at that time. Go with what your body tells you. Many of these will be repeated so you won't have to miss out.
Lunch back at the Lodge leading into some personal time to explore Wangat or relax your own way.
Afternoon session – Between approximately 3-5pm there will be a range of bush craft, art, gardening, and other creative sessions you can join. Again, they will be offered and led by a combination of Friends of Wangat (you guys!) and Wangat staff.
6:00pm - evening meal served.
Night session – Each night will have an adventure into the inky blackness. A beautiful time in the Australian forests. Included will be “frogging” - an exploration of Wangat’s “frog pond” and its incredible biodiversity. And a night “challenge”... We usually hold a “talent show”, and story-telling evening on the last night of camp.

“Wangat camps are a magnificent time and space away from city life. Time together, away from digital demons. Connecting with nature, connecting with each other. Rediscovering the important things in life. Surrounded by incredible flora & fauna, adventure, the sky and stories. The very best form of quality time you could possibly spend with your kids.”

— Susan H

Holiday Camp Rates

Prices include accommodation, camp activities and evening meals.
All Camps run for 4 nights.

Private bunk room (in the lodge) –
$340 /adult, $560 /child
BYO Tent (limited to 4 sites) –
$300 /adult, $500 /child
Cottages** – Our 2 cottages Melia and Clancy will be available each camp and charged as:
Clancy Cottage - $1140 + participation charge*
Melia Cottage - $900 + participation charge*
*Plus a camp participation charge of $200 /adult, $440 /child (includes communal evening meals in the lodge).
**Cottages must be booked for the entire duration of the camp and this option cannot be booked through our online store. Please contact us for availability. Book early to avoid disappointment!

T&Cs:A full refund (less $100 admin fee) will be given for cancellations made prior to 56 days before the commencement of Camp. A refund of 50% will be given for cancellations made prior to 28 days before the commencement of camp. No refund if cancelled 28 days or less from start date. If you need to cancel, we will try and fill your place. If we do, we will give full discount, less $100 admin fee. Thanks for your understanding and please contact us if you have any queries.

Age guide: 0-2 years = no charge, 3-17 = child, 18+ = adult.

Safety
All our programs are…
– Fully risk-assessed.
– Facilitated by professional, experienced and specialist guides who are trained in First Aid and have current WWCC.
– We are a Covid aware and safe business.