Two fathers have been inspired to help launch a project to benefit local parents and carers and their relationships with their children.
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In March, Evan James and Jon Louth took the chance to galvanize relationships with their boys through a Father-Son camp, hosted by Habitus.org, at Kiama Public School.
The fathers said it was a fantastic experience that provided more tools for building a better relationship with their respective sons.
"Taking a break from the bustle of home life and dedicating that small time to my son and only my son has given us both so much joy and development," local Apex member Evan James said.
"This type of camp provided guided experiences and insights for how my son and I can better relate and understand each other. My son enjoyed the experience so much he now says it was the best weekend of his life, which serves to highlight the power of getting help with the parenting journey."
Following their successful experience the Milton Ulladulla Apex Club has embraced the national program, The Fathering Project, which will include the start of a new Milton Ulladulla Apex Dads' Group in the district.
The Fathering Project will be kicked-off with a Community Launch night on Monday, May 20 from 6.00pm at Ulladulla Civic Centre.
In addition to the involvement of Apex, Milton Primary School, Ulladulla Primary School and St Mary's Catholic School have partnered together for this project.
At the launch, The Fathering Project's regional representatives will share information and explain how all parents can play their part in benefitting their children and the community.
"To this end, mums, dads, grandfathers, grandmothers, aunts, uncles, carers, guardians are all welcome as this is not for father figures only," Mr Clear said.
"The project is intended to benefit our entire community and we recognise all families are different. The more diverse an audience this program can reach the better everyone can understand its background and goals accordingly."
Dads' Group Activities
Following the launch event, Milton Ulladulla Apex are hoping to form a Dads' Group, who will then help drive this program within the community. It will involve developing ideas and organising dad/kid events at all three local primary schools along with other periodical dad only events.
Events held elsewhere in Australia have included; Paper-plane making and throwing competitions, Daddy-daughter Hair and Karaoke, Bangers and Bingo, Breakfast with Dad and Movie nights.
In addition to holding these events - the primary aim of the Dads' Group will be to assist local primary schools in addressing community engagement and building communities of dads using the framework to improve student outcomes.
"This will be an enjoyable, social group that builds interaction, knowledge and skills of fathers, and father figures, but most importantly is an opportunity for dads to get together in a relaxed and informal environment," Mr James said.
For more information and to find out more about the Fathering project as a whole - visit www.thefatheringproject.org and become a member - it's free.