Dads’ Camp at Ocean Reef: Building Bonds Beyond the Playground

It all started back in 2016, a simple idea born out of a desire to connect the dads of Ocean Reef Primary School with the school. The mums had always been the ones to do the drop-offs and pick-ups, the ones to manage the logistics of school life. But there was something missing—a way for the dads, the quiet contributors in the background, to become more involved. That’s when the idea for Dads’ Camp was born.

Held annually on the school oval, Dads’ Camp has since become one of the most anticipated events of the year for the school community. What began as a small initiative has grown into an event that brings together fathers, father figures, and their kids for a night of camaraderie, laughter, and, yes, a little bit of chaos.

The event kicks off at three in the afternoon, the date of the camp etched into the calendars of nearly every family. As the clock strikes three, the first cars begin to line up at the entrance to the oval. They come in all shapes and sizes—tents, campervans, and caravans, some new and others decades old. The dads know exactly where they want to set up; certain spots have become traditions, passed down year after year. These little campsites are more than just a place to sleep—they represent a sense of belonging.

The event is low-key, with minimal organisation, save for a sausage sizzle run by the P&C (Parents & Citizens association). The goal is simple: create an opportunity for fathers and father figures to connect with their children and with each other. There are no formal activities, no structured schedules. Just a shared space where everyone can relax, play, and enjoy each other’s company. For a school of just under 200 students, it’s remarkable that nearly 90% of families participate, and many FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) dads coordinate their schedules so they can be there.

Over the years, Dads’ Camp has accomplished far more than anyone expected. One of its key achievements has been strengthening the relationships between the dads and the school leadership team. Before the event, many fathers had never really interacted with the leadership, but now, after years of casual conversations and through shared moments, they feel more comfortable approaching the principal or teachers with ideas, concerns, or just to check in.

And it’s not just the dads who have benefited. Many have trades skills—carpentry and construction—and through their involvement in the camp, they have become instrumental in enhancing the school’s adventure play areas. These dads, who now feel like true members of the school community, have contributed countless hours of work to improve the playgrounds, creating spaces where kids can explore, climb, and imagine. Their involvement has sparked a sense of pride, not just for the dads, but for the entire school.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Dads’ Camp is the stories that emerge in the days and weeks after the event. Stories of unexpected moments, challenges faced, and friendships formed. Some of these stories are repeated year after year. Take, for example, the tale of the sprinklers going off at 2am one year. The dads, woken by the unexpected spray, ran out into the darkened oval in their pyjamas. The event is now a running joke among the group, and it’s become one of those “you had to be there” moments that will be passed down through the years.

But beyond the laughs, the jokes, and the adventure, Dads’ Camp has had a profound effect on the school culture. It has created a space for fathers to be present, to show up, and to feel that they too are part of the school. It’s more than just a camping event—it’s a celebration of fatherhood and community, a reminder that when parents are engaged, schools become stronger, more vibrant places for children to grow.

As the years go on, Dads’ Camp continues to evolve. But its core purpose remains the same: to build connections, to foster pride in the school, and to ensure that every child grows up knowing that their school is a place where everyone, no matter their role, has a part to play.

In the end, it’s the relationships that matter most. The friendships between the dads, the bonds formed with the school, and the way it all circles back to the kids, who benefit from the sense of community and care that permeates every aspect of their education. And for the mums? Well, they’ve got to admit, it’s one of the highlights of the year for them too. They know that when the dads connect, everyone benefits.