Outdoor programs for ADF families.

Our programs create intentional space to rebuild connection in a supportive environment.

Programs

Younger Heroes delivers meaningful Outdoor programs for ADF families designed to help current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force parents reconnect with their children after periods of service-related separation.

Military life can create distance within families. Time apart, high-pressure roles and constant adjustment affect how parents and children communicate and relate to one another.

Outdoor programs for ADF families built around connection.

Our outdoor programs for ADF families take place in natural environments where distractions are removed and focus returns to relationships. Families participate in fireside conversations, facilitated workshops and shared outdoor challenges that strengthen communication, rebuild trust and restore a sense of belonging.

Nature encourages presence. Shared activity encourages teamwork. Guided reflection encourages understanding.

The result is a structured yet relaxed environment where families feel safe to reconnect.

Outcomes.

Families consistently leave our outdoor programs for ADF families with meaningful outcomes that continue long after the program ends.

They experience stronger communication, renewed trust, shared positive memories and practical tools to maintain connection at home. Parents gain strategies to support their children emotionally. Children feel heard and valued.

Most importantly, families rediscover how to work as a team.

Who can take part.

Participation in our Outdoor programs for ADF families is open to current serving ADF members, ex-serving veterans and their direct family members. Programs are designed for one parent attending with one child aged between 9 and 15 years, with age variations considered individually.

This structure allows focused attention and meaningful interaction between parent and child.

What to expect.

Each of our Outdoor programs for ADF families runs as a two-night, three-day experience centred around strengthening family bonds through improved resilience, communication and teamwork.

Activities may include trekking, bush skills, collaborative challenges and time around the campfire. Families also have space for rest, reflection and informal connection. A detailed preparation guide is provided once registration is accepted so participants know exactly what to bring.

Program Schedule.

Upon acceptance of your registration, you will receive a more detailed document outlining everything you need to bring.

Note: you will have plenty of free time and time for showers to cleanse from the day’s activities.

Program cost.

All Outdoor programs for ADF families are fully funded through generous community support. A refundable deposit of $200 per family secures a place and contributes to program delivery costs. This deposit is returned following participation. Support from RSL NSW sub-Branches allows Younger Heroes to provide approximately 90 veterans and family members the opportunity to attend sponsored programs in 2026.

Tailored Programs.

While our primary focus is Defence families, Younger Heroes can adapt Outdoor programs for ADF families principles for aligned organisations seeking to strengthen connection and resilience within teams.

Tailored programs maintain the same emphasis on trust, communication and shared experience while meeting specific organisational needs.

For tailored program enquiries, families and organisations can connect with our team directly through the Contact page.

Program dates.

March 13 to 15 / UKI NSW

(sponsored by RSL NSW)

April 10 to 12 / Busselton WA

June 26 to 28 / Southern Highlands NSW

(sponsored by RSL NSW)

August date / venue TBC

October 9 to 11 / Southern Highlands NSW

(sponsored by RSL NSW)

November date / venue TBC

A skilled team delivering outdoor programs for ADF families.

The Younger Heroes team includes facilitators, support staff and health professionals with extensive experience supporting individuals and families affected by high-stress occupations. Their combined expertise ensures our Outdoor programs for ADF families are engaging, safe and impactful.

Programs are experiential, interactive and genuinely enjoyable. Activities are designed to feel positive and energising while still addressing real challenges families face after separation or transition.

Building resilience through outdoor programs for ADF families.

The primary focus of our Outdoor programs for ADF families is strengthening both individual and collective resilience. Defence roles expose families to unique pressures that can carry emotional weight long after service events occur.

By creating opportunities for shared success, open conversation and supported challenges, families begin to recover from stress together. This process helps reduce the likelihood of long-term strain and supports healthier communication patterns.

Importantly, these programs also consider the impact of service on children. Helping families reconnect early can reduce the risk of generational trauma and empower families to move forward together.

A technology-free environment.

Our outdoor programs for ADF families intentionally minimise technology use. Without phones or digital distractions, families engage more deeply with each other and their surroundings.

Participants stay in nature-based accommodation with all meals provided. Families only need to organise travel to and from the meeting point, allowing them to focus entirely on the experience once they arrive.

Some common questions.

What do I bring for Outdoor Activities.

Small day pack – Recommend at least one each for Parent and Child*
Shoes for hiking / walking in bush. Ideally these are ankle high boots and lightweight*
Water Bottle*
Comfortable long pants to hike in*
Long sleeve shirt to hike in*
Lightweight fleece*
Waterproof/resistant jacket
Basic medical items (suncream, bandaids, sting cream, Aeroguard)

What do I bring for the Campsite.

Spare change of clothes for time around camp
Jumper or warm jacket (ideally one that is weather/waterproof or resistant)
Second pair of shoes for the campsite – flip flops/sandals are suitable
Torch (head lamp or hand held)*
Warm sleeping bag
Pillow
Dry warm clothes to sleep in

What do I bring, personally.

Toiletries/sunscreen/insect repellent
Personal medications as needed
Towel
Swimwear
A musical instrument if you are happy to perform

Do I need to bring camping equipment?

TYH supply everything, from tents to mattresses and all cooking equipment. Just pack a sleeping bag and pillow for comfort. (Don’t forget a torch to look for glow worms)

What level of fitness do I need?

A moderate range of physical fitness will be fine.

What about food, do I bring my own food?

No, we strongly suggest that no foods, especially sugar (lollies) are brought on the program.

TYH will be supply all adequate meals plus morning tea and afternoon tea.

Participant release and waiver form.

Please choose the program you wish to be attending.

NSW Program ADF Members Current and Ex Serving (March 13 to 15 2026. Mount Warning Uki NSW) WA Program ADF Members Current and Ex Serving (April 10 to 12 2026. Busselton WA) NSW Program ADF Members Current and Ex Serving (June 26 to 28. Southern Highlands NSW) TBC Program ADF Members Current and Ex Serving (August 2026) NSW Program ADF Members Current and Ex Serving (October 9 to 11 2026. Southern Highlands NSW) TBC Program ADF Members Current and Ex Serving (November 2026)

Children's Details

Child 1

Name

DOB

Age

Address

Child 2

Name

DOB

Age

Address

Child 3

Name

DOB

Age

Address

Child 4

Name

DOB

Age

Address

Guardians Details

Name

Phone

Name

Phone

Emergency Contacts

In the event of an emergency the parent/guardian will be contacted first. Please provide a second contact in case they cannot be reached.

Name

Relationship

Phone

Name

Relationship

Phone

Other Details

Please list any medical/physical limitations

Please add any additional notes you would like to include

Accident Release, First Aid, Media and Financial Responsibility Wavier

With my signature, I agree and understand that it is my responsibility to offer more than 4 weeks notice for cancellation.

Please read and sign below.

Registration forms cannot be accepted without a signature!

I authorise and grant permission for a representative of The Younger Heroes to treat minor injuries including scrapes, small cuts, splinters, and insect bites, ideally in the presence of a parent or guardian. I authorise and grant permission for a representative of The Younger Heroes to obtain emergency medical care from any licensed physician or hospital and/or medical clinic should my child become ill or injured. I therefore freely and voluntarily execute this release with such knowledge, assume the risk of personal injury and/or property loss arising from or in any way connected with the Younger Heroes Program. I hereby release and discharge any and all agents from any liability, claim, cause of action, demand or damages from injury or damages of any kind to myself or my child or my property as a result of participation in the programs of The Younger Heroes. I grant permission and understand that photos and other images taken during this event could be used in print advertisements and other forms of media. I understand that should my child become a disruptive force during the educational program, the instructor may choose to release him/her from the program.

Please Confirm

I confirm that I have read and understood the waiver, including an acknowledgement of all Accident Release and First Aid information, and the understanding that Photography captured during the program may be used for marketing purposes

Parent/Guardian Signature 1

Date

Parent/Guardian Signature 2

Date