The Father and Son Camp, which ran from the 8th to the 9th of September, was a unique opportunity for fathers and sons to spend some time away, immersed in the beauty of the Hawkesbury Valley on the banks of the Grose River. The formalities started with dinner followed by an empowering fathers' talk by Marty Fitzgerald on being strong fathers.  Marshmallows and an open fire concluded the first night.

Day two was full of challenging activities, including a giant swing, alpine rescue, and a high ropes course. It was great to see the boys and dads putting their fears aside and strapping on the harnesses.

It was a great weekend filled with some good laughs, new friendships, strengthened bonds, and most importantly, some lasting memories. We certainly look forward to the next one, with hopefully some more Dads on the giant swing!

 

 

Mason Khachan (Fifth grade) says:

On the 8th of September, an exciting adventure unfolded as the entire school embarked on a father-son camp. My dad and Cooper's dad teamed up for the journey, and together, they collected Cooper and me. The drive to our destination was expected to take just over an hour, but we encountered an unforeseen 20-minute traffic delay along the way.

Upon our arrival, Cooper and I couldn't contain our enthusiasm and rushed out of the car to explore our surroundings. As we scurried back to retrieve our belongings, a staff member directed us to place our things in the hall. We were then generously supplied with a multitude of basketballs to kick off the fun. When everyone had arrived, we ventured to inspect our cabins before coming together for our first evening meal.

Dinner was a delightful feast of nachos and refreshing cordial. After our meal, we eagerly set out for some playtime before retiring for the night.

The following morning, we emerged from our cabins and gathered for a hearty breakfast, which featured bacon, eggs, toast, and pasta. Energized and ready for more activities, we embarked on our first adventure, the alpine rescue. Although it may not have been the most thrilling experience, it emphasized teamwork, involving a plank and a tank of food that two individuals had to transport together.

Following a quick snack break, we moved on to one of the highlights of our trip: the GIANT SWING! Each of us was equipped with a harness, and as some brave souls hoisted everyone up, I nervously took my turn. I didn't swing all the way, but the experience was undeniably exhilarating. Cooper followed, and I summoned the courage for another round. Afterward, we enjoyed lunch and proceeded to our final activity of the camp, the high ropes course.

Though I opted not to participate in the high ropes course, it marked the conclusion of our adventure-packed camp. Eventually, we all piled into the car for the journey back home. Exhausted from our thrilling experiences, both Cooper and I quickly drifted into slumber. Cooper's dad later shared our memorable journey with the other parents on the group chat, capping off a fantastic and unforgettable father-son camp.

 

 

Nathan Brown (parent) says:

 

I had a fantastic experience at the recent Hartford Father & Son camp with my son, William. The activities were not only fun and engaging, but also provided a wonderful opportunity for us to strengthen our bond. The camaraderie among the fathers and the teaching staff was truly heart-warming, and I can't express how grateful I am for the memories we created together.

 

One moment that particularly stood out for me was during the fathers' chat, where Martin Fitzgerald delivered a simple yet profoundly inspiring message. He reminded us that if we want to raise good sons, we must strive to be good fathers ourselves. His words underscored the immense impact we have on our children during these precious years, and it was a wake-up call to the importance of our role as fathers. I left the camp not only with cherished memories but also with a renewed commitment to being the best father I can be.

 

Thank you, Hartford, for this unforgettable experience and the valuable life lessons it imparted. I’m looking forward to the camp next year and continuing this tradition with William and the other Dads.