Catholic Family Camping Weekend | 19–21 May 2023
We’re thrilled to announce the Called to Holiness: Catholic Family Camping Weekend, which will be held on 19-21 May 2023 at Wooglemai Catholic Camping Facility/ Environmental Centre, Sheehys Creek Road, Oakdale (just a 15-minute drive from Picton). And for those who can’t make it, don’t worry, we’ll be hosting it again 27-29 October 2023!
This special weekend is for families of all ages, including couples with or without children, single parents, and grandparents. We want to celebrate the beauty of Catholic family life and bring families closer together. It’s an opportunity to share meals, games, music, and prayer with other families from across the Diocese.
We’re also excited to have Bishop Brian Mascord join us for Sunday Mass. Our hope is that families will leave feeling inspired, strengthened, and empowered to share God’s love in our world.
If this sounds like something you and your family would enjoy, we invite you to learn more about the event below and register using the link at the bottom of the page.
Accommodation Options
This is a beautiful campsite, with plenty of space for families to set up a tent, caravan / camper trailer or swags. These are unpowered / unwatered sites, but drinking water is available on site. All rubbish / waste water must be collected and disposed of thoughtfully. There are no pets allowed on this site.
Bunk Rooms: There is an option to register spots for separate male or female bunk rooms which will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Parents / guardians who select this option, must have a guardian staying with their children in these rooms, as there will be adults and children of all ages potentially in each bunk room. Children are not to be left alone in the bunk rooms or other accommodation on site at any time during the event.
Toilets / Showers
There is a male / female toilet block for campers and a toilet in each of the bunk houses. There are only 4 showers, 2 in each of the bunk rooms and as such, campers are asked to come prepared to have a basic wash in their own accommodation space. The bunk room showers can be made available for other campers, but only if really necessary.
Supervision of Children
- Parents/legal guardians of children in attendance at the event are responsible for the safety and care of their children at all times. Please note there are two ropes courses on site that are the property of the Department of Education and are not to be used by campers.
- It is the responsibility of parents / guardians for constant supervision of their children, including in their selected accommodation option.
- Children are not to be left alone in any accommodation, or other rooms at any time during the event
- If a parent/legal guardian has a safety or wellbeing concern about a child or adult participant, it is their responsibility to immediately report the concern to the event organiser and onsite event coordinator, Mr Jude Hennessy
Food / Cooking Facilities
This is a self-catered weekend, so families need to plan their own meals. There is a camp kitchen and eating area with access to the following.
- BBQ
- Gas cooktops
- Hot Water
- Sinks
- Small Gas Fridge for basics (So bring your own esky / Ice)
- We have options for an indoor or outdoor fire (weather permitting), with plenty of firewood on site – so camp oven cooking is another option.
- NB: Responsible consumption of alcohol is permitted.
Activities / Games
There is plenty of space for fun and games such as;
- Soccer
- Touch footy
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Bocce / Finska
- Bushwalks
- Board games
- Music – Campfire Singalong (Bring an instrument if you play)
What Else
- Mass with Bishop Mascord in a beautiful bush chapel on Sunday
- Rosary walk together on Saturday afternoon
- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – with 1 hour sign on shift options – praying for marriage and families
- 30 minute talk on vocation of marriage & family for adults and a separate talk for teenagers (Wollongong, National Evangelisation Team)
What to bring
- All your own food and drinks / cooking and eating utensils etc.
- Toiletries / towels etc.
- This is a bush setting, so sturdy enclosed shoes are recommended.
- It is heading into summer, but still potentially cold overnight, so be ready for anything – including rain, when packing clothes
- Some sporting gear will be provided, but you may have a game you wish to bring and include others in.
- Basic first aid supplies will be on site – but families should make some provision for this
- Camp chairs / rug
No Pets
No pets are allowed on this campsite.
Cost
TBC – (last year it was $30 per adult or $70 per family (regardless of size))
More information
To register your interest, more information or to help with the organisation of the weekend, please contact Helen Bennett [email protected] / 02 4222 2403
