Australian Camp Connect Association Inc.

ACCA is Proudly Supported by...

ACCA - Testimonials

Video Testimonials

Click here for video testimonials from the Fathers Day Weekend 2005 Camp at Allambee Camp in the Strzlwecki Ranges.

Written Testimonials

" “I have no doubt my children and I will carry these memories for the rest of our lives.”" Camp Allambee, Strzelecki Ranges, Gippsland, Victoria

"“I honestly think it was great the way it was all set up. Don’t change a thing!”" Fathers Day Weekend 2005, Camp Allambee, Strzelecki Ranges, Gippsland, Victoria.

"“The kids loved every minute of this. We have not done anything like this before. They made new friends and learned to trust others.”" Fathers Day Weekend 2005, Camp Allambee, Strzelecki Ranges, Gippsland, Victoria.

"“My son is 4 years old and I think he benefited from the challenge of relating to a group of dads and kids that he did not know previously. It increased confidence and social skills.”" Fathers Day Weekend 2005, Camp Allambee, Strzelecki Ranges, Gippsland, Victoria.

"“For the dad that feels they won’t or are unable to spend quality time with their kids, this is perfect.”" Fathers Day Weekend 2005, Camp Allambee, Strzelecki Ranges, Gippsland, Victoria.

"“It was good to spend time with my family”" Fathers Day Weekend 2005, Camp Allambee, Strzelecki Ranges, Gippsland, Victoria.

"“I like it because I was able to beat some of my fears, and now they are fun.”" Fathers Day Weekend 2005, Camp Allambee, Strzelecki Ranges, Gippsland, Victoria.

"“Impressed and moved by men who clearly love being with their children, and see us through the lens of fatherhood is a uniquely valuable experience.”" Fathers Day Weekend 2005, Camp Allambee, Strzelecki Ranges, Gippsland, Victoria.

"“I found the camp very beneficial, being able to spend time with other dads and their kids isn’t something that I am able to currently do. Camp Connect provides a forum, and connection to other families that I don’t currently have”" Fathers Day Weekend 2005, Camp Allambee, Strzelecki Ranges, Gippsland, Victoria.

"“My two boys and I had a wonderful experience this weekend. Never before have we done anything like the stuff this camp had to offer. I hope we can have the opportunity to come again.”" Fathers Day Weekend 2005, Camp Allambee, Strzelecki Ranges, Gippsland, Victoria.

"“We came from Melton to enjoy this fantastic weekend and we are privileged for the experience. We leave only because the time is up and I’ll bet we sleep like babies tonight. We will remember this weekend for life.”" Fathers Day Weekend 2005, Camp Allambee, Strzelecki Ranges, Gippsland, Victoria.

"The Dad's and kid's camp provided an essential space for the participants to enjoy their time together, relax and get to know each other"...Paul, Dylan 12 and Miles 11, Fitzroy Victoria.

"Camp connect started just that... connecting in a deeper way with my daughter. It was great to obtain the skills to cheer kids up, talk on the phone, list ALL of the things she likes and identify non-costly activities, discuss topics with other dads but most of all.... camp, eat and have loads of fun!" ... Tony and Meg 6, Geelong Victoria.

"We had a great time. Ebony hasn't stopped asking about returning to Mt. Evelyn. As far as I'm aware, there is nothing else supporting Dads and kids - that's why I am giving my time to build the web site - Camp Connect is a valuable, needed resource for a forgotten group in our Society."... Simon and Ebony 3, Ormond Victoria.

"A great weekend. For the kids and I, meeting other people that were surviving a marriage breakdown was really helpful - we weren't the only ones in this predicament. The kids really enjoyed the activities with me and with the other kids. And what did they say on the way home? "Dad, can we come again next year"?" ... Mark, Rebecca, 9 & Alison, 6, Brighton Victoria.

"I believe the 2 1/2 days at the camp created an environment to reinforce our relationship through some close and special moments, and so for me it was the best fathers day I've ever had. I'm sure this weekend will be remembered by my children for a very long time as it will by me." Antony, Alison 9, Christopher 8 Highett, Victoria.[Emerald, September 2004]

"What my children got out of the Camp Connect Weekend

• learnt to be more patient
• more outgoing and confident
• being able to interact with other children and adults for an extended period
• to be humble
• to be able to ask adults that they didn’t know previously for help and guidance
• better sharers
• felt safe around adults they had never met before
• more responsible
• both children made new friends

"Camp Connect was referred to in a forum posting for Men's Rights Agency. I thought it worth looking into and made some enquiries earlier this year. Checked out the web site and liked the idea of offering activities that dads and kids could enjoy together. Since then I've received a couple of newsletters.

The September weekend turned out to be a good opportunity to spend quality time with my children.

Being a first-timer, I wasn't real sure what to expect. After checking out the venue web site, I thought it could be a lot of fun. Brad's responses to my questions were very supportive and encouraging. I was wanting to make a real adventure out of it for my kids. The cost of airfares for four of us was prohibitive, so we drove. That was great. The kids had a lot of fun.

For me, I was hoping to connect with guys who had learnt how to avoid the traps on this rocky road we call "Family Breakdown". To see other blokes getting on with their lives and how they relate to their kids was important to me.

After two full days on the road, arriving at the camp site in the pouring rain, I thought "Great, we'll be stuck inside and bored out of our brains. We came all the way for this?!!" Richard Yiap, the guest presenter, met us outside and led us to our room. We had 24 beds in our room, all to ourselves!! In the morning, the reality of Melbourne weather hit. No rain. Introductions, over a great breakfast, were most welcoming. The kids wasted no time getting to know one another. Funny how they were nowhere to be seen when it was wash-up time. There was so much for them to do, they couldn't wait to get stuck into it. The other guys were really friendly and it didn't take long to feel relaxed. Wasn't it great to take our time over breakfast, with our kids, on Father's day?

I am really thankful I had the opportunity to meet Richard. He tuned in so quickly to where we were at. He immediately offered his help to assist with a particular problem I have with my son. He went beyond the call of duty to do what he could. Thankyou Richard.

I certainly will be looking to attend another one of these camps. I feel I made some good friends and hope I can stay in touch. The photos on the web site are great. Thanks Brad. I can't wait to show my kids."...John, Emma-Leigh 15, Jason 13 Bradley 10. Helidon. Qld. {Emerald, September 2004]

The workshop day was really engrossing and illuminating. It was wonderful to see committed fathers who were willing to share their experiences and emotions about what is obviously a very difficult transition in life-that of separation and all that it entails. Of particular comfort was the fact that there is support and services out there, that we can share common concerns about many major issues, not least of all the impact separation has on our children and ourselves. I found the speakers very informative and insightful. In particular, Julian, who has done some work at Relationships Australia, was very knowledgeable when it came down to the practical do's and don’ts when dealing with children and former partners. ... Louis, Prahran. Victoria. [Dads Workshop Day, Boronia, August 2004]

The Fathers Day Weekend camp at Emerald will be an experience that my son, Andrew, age 9 and I will always remember and treasure. Since this was our first camp, I was not sure what to expect. By the Sunday afternoon Andrew did not want to leave and asked when we were coming back again. The organised activities enabled real bonding to occur, and many happy and wonderful memories will remain of the fun times. Andrew and I will also value the friendships we made at camp and can’t wait for the next event. A big thank you to Camp Connect Organisers for making the idea a reality, and especially a big thank you to Brad Mander. ...Louis, Andrew 9. Prahran. Victoria. [Emerald, September 2004]