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Loving, engaged fathers contribute a unique blend of fun, protective, and practical problem-solving qualities to their children’s development. This constructive father influence shapes growth and resilience for children. The science backs it up, and this positive dad dynamic is on full display every year at our fantastic Dads4Kids Fun Camp, taking place next weekend 23-24 October 2026 on the South Coast of NSW. Watch the video below to find out more.

A Weekend of Adventure, Fun and Father-Child Connection

Every spring, the Dads4Kids Fun Camp brings dads, grandads and their kids together for a memorable weekend at the stunning Coolendel Campground, nestled along the Shoalhaven River, around 3 hours south of Sydney.

The fun begins from 4 p.m. Friday, as families arrive, pitch their tents, get to know fellow campers and enjoy dinner together (BYO food and beverages). Weather and conditions permitting, the evening is a great time of gathering around the campfire, sharing stories and toasting marshmallows with the kids.

After breakfast on Saturday, it’s time for some fun-filled activities, creating fantastic memories together. The Dads4Kids team work hard to prepare a great mix of games, with fun for everyone, no matter the age of participants. The official camp wraps up after lunch, around 1–2 p.m., although families are welcome to stay an extra night and head home on Sunday.

The Dads4Kids Fun Camp is a free Dads4Kids event, though payment to Coolendel Camp on arrival is required for use of the facilities (more details here). All dads and their kids are welcome! Registration is required to help with our planning for games and activities.

There is no age limit for dads and their kids (grandads are welcome too); however, dads and grandads are responsible for their own children, so it is important that you feel comfortable with the age of the children in your care. My 5 daughters (ages from 10 – 19) and I look forward to the camp every year!

If you’re not able to join us on the New South Wales South Coast, gather some mates and host your own dads and kids fun camp. There’s nothing quite like a night out in the Australian bush, but if you’re not able to travel, consider camping in the backyard. Whatever you do, do something and get amongst it with your kids.

In a blog post titled “The Unsung Superpower of Fathers: What Dads Really Bring to the Table“, Lauren Hall, President and CEO of US-based non-profit organisation First Things First, writes:

It’s no secret dads play a special role in the lives of their children. Whether they’re fully present, somewhat present or not present at all, the impact fathers and even father figures have on children’s lives is profound. Yet a report by the US Department of Health and Human Services notes, “Too many fathers become convinced that they are simply an extra set of hands to help around the house, rather than irreplaceable to their children.”

I couldn’t agree more, and it’s a valuable reminder as to why it’s so important for dads to get amongst it with their kids. Lauren outlines 7 well-researched ways fathers influence their children’s development, mental health and overall outlook on life:

1. Fathers Shape Emotional Intelligence and Relationship Skills
2. Dad’s Involvement Boosts Academic and Behavioural Outcomes
3. Unique Play Styles Foster Development
4. Fathers Influence Long-Term Mental and Relational Health
5. Dads Teach Practical Life Skills
6. The Absence of Fathers Has Tangible Effects
7. Fathers as Attachment Figures

You can read more here, but in summary, ‘Fathers and father figures bring a unique set of skills and attributes that are indispensable to a child’s development. From shaping emotional intelligence to teaching practical life skills, a father’s influence is profound and far-reaching.’

Lovework

Dads, do your best to get amongst it! As Carl says in the Dads4Kids Fun Camp Video, get out and about with your kids. The memories you make together will last a lifetime.

If you’re near the NSW South Coast, join us next Friday and Saturday, 23-24 October 2026, at the Dads4Kids Fun Camp. The forecast is looking good, but even if we do get a little inclement weather, it’s all part of the adventure. It’s going to be a fantastic weekend for both kids and dads — find all the details and register here.

Yours for getting amongst it,
Nathaniel Marsh

P.S. If you’re in or near the Sydney CBD this Thursday, 22 October, I’ll be at the 2500 Too Many Male Suicide Awareness Event being held at The Phillip Precinct in The Domain (1 Art Gallery Rd, Sydney) from 9:30 a.m. (wraps up early afternoon). Click here to find out more — it would be great to see you there.

P.P.S. Thanks to generous Dads4Kids supporters, we’re able to encourage incarcerated fathers through Dads4Kids Inside-Out Fathering Program and host the annual Dads4Kids Fun Camp to help dads get amongst it with their kids. If you can support our vision to help dads be the best they can be for their children, please call 02 4272 6677 or click here to make a tax-deductible donation. Thank you for your support.

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Republished with thanks to Dads4Kids. Image courtesy of Unsplash.