Join us at CAMP FWP in Victoria’s High Country
Join us in June as For Wild Places hosts our first camp, taking place over three nights, four days on Gunaikurnai and Taungurung Country at Mt Hotham. The camp combines movement and education, with athletes, leaders and activists mentoring participants to become more engaged in advocating with their communities to protect wild places.
Camp details
Date: Thursday 1st June – Sunday 4th June
Location: Private Lodge, Mt Hotham
Activities: Trail running, hiking, presentations & workshops
Cost: $500 – $750 per person (scholarships also available)
Accommodation & food provided
Scroll down for more details in the FAQ’s section
What to expect from Camp FWP
Activists, athletes, changemakers and creatives will host workshops that will focus on environmental advocacy, connection to Country, leadership and embracing your weird. Mentors will also join participants for fireside yarns, trail runs and communal dinners, creating plenty of opportunities for embracing curiosity, through evolution and awareness raising. Each mentor will focus on different aspects of advocacy, athleticism, allyship and the outdoors, giving participants a diverse range of experiences and perspectives.
Rather than focus on one particular outcome, participants will be encouraged to tap into their unique skills and knowledge and recognise a variety of ways they could utilize their passion and experience to help serve, protect and celebrate wild places. Surrounded by the unique alpine environments of Mt Hotham, hosts, mentors and participants alike will be inspired by the surroundings and reminded of the fragility of nature.
The schedule includes a Smoking Ceremony with Traditional Owners, trail runs and hikes through the alpine landscape, movie nights, site visits and plenty of hearty meals to sustain even the most ravenous ultra-runner.
Places are strictly limited, with several pricing options available, to ensure the camp is inclusive for all. This includes three zero-fee scholarship places, which are available for people who would like to attend the camp but do not have the financial means to do so, or are from an underrepresented group in the trail and endurance community.
Registration and scholarship applications close on Monday 22nd May.
Sponsors & Partners
Our camp mentors
Coz Fleming
(they/them)
Coz is an adventurer, activist, writer and Australia’s first supported trans-non-binary adventure athlete. For over a decade, Coz has worked within some of Australia’s key movements for change leading in governance, strategy and people spaces within the climate justice, student and youth leadership, environmental, regional community organising and LGBTQIA+ movements. The impact of Coz’s work in individual and community capacity building has led them to the forefront of historic impact work within the Australian outdoor industry to improve visibility & outcomes for diverse athletes and communities. Through Coz’s leadership in the industry, they have achieved historic investments in the development of communities of colour, representation of diverse athletes and collaboration on development opportunities across the sector. Coz is a member of The North Face Australia & New Zealand’s Explore Fund Council, a previous recipient of The Adventure Grant and current managing editor of Vertical Life Magazine.
Cam Walker
(he/him)
Cam is campaigns coordinator with Friends of the Earth Australia and has been leading the campaign to protect Snow Gums. He is a keen hiker, backcountry skier and volunteer firefighter and involved in many outdoor events including the Backcountry Festival.
Paige Penrose
(she/her)
Paige is a trail runner with The North Face, and currently living and studying in Reno, Nevada and competing in track and field. While she’s not studying biomechanics or trying to keep the planet alive, Paige can be found eating an abundance of oats, peanut butter & vegemite.
Calumn Hockey
(he/him)
Calumn is a self taught photojournalist and videographer, who focuses on conservation and adventure. In 2022 one of Calumn’s photos was included in the ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ exhibition which toured internationally. Calumn is passionate about the potential of storytelling through photography, and will be hosting a workshop to that effect.
Naomi Brand
(she/her)
Naomi is a professional ultra trail runner, artist, veterinarian and addict to all things outside and adventure! Born and raised in South Africa, Naomi now calls ‘Moomin’, a van, home in Aeotera with her partner. Naomi combines her running and artistic skills to create conversations about wildlife conservation and promote mindful living. Sharing nature with like-minded people is what brings her the greatest joy.
Richard Bowles
(he/him)
Richard is an adventurer and educator, focused on helping leaders with the challenges of the modern world. Through his travel and ultra adventures, Richard has developed unique insights that allows him to develop research that helps major organisations accelerate the progress and performance of their people. Richard is motivated by curiosity, which he embraces in the documentary series ‘In their Shoes.
Lucy Clark
(she/her)
Lucy is a trail runner with a penchant for multi-day adventures, having previously set the record for running the 3,000km long Te Araroa Trail in NZ, cycling the length of the UK and running across Wales in the world’s toughest mountain race, The Dragon’s Back. In 2020 ‘The Longest Pathway’ documented Lucy and her husband’s (aka crew’s) experience along the Te Araroa.
Blake Hose
(he/him)
Blake is a trail and mountain runner with The North Face and has competed all around the world. Blake’s other passion is zoology and animal science, working as a Conservation Officer for Trust for Nature around his hometown of Bright. His current work focuses on the restoration, improvement and maintenance of habitat for the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot.
Lou Clifton
(she/her)
Lou is a Blue Mountains-based trail and ultra runner, who has been racing globally since her first ultra in 2015. With a passion for exploring new places, she has raced across Asia and Europe, connecting with new people along the way. She works as the Visitor Experience Team Leader at NSW National Park & Wildlife and has also worked with Greenpeace in the UK. With a wealth of outdoor, trail, and ultra knowledge, Lou brings a contagious passion for trails and the community it creates.
FAQ's
Here are some answers that might help.
How much does camp cost?
There are three pricing options available – waged, unwaged and scholarship.
Waged – $700pp
for people in sustainable employment that have the means to pay the full fee)
Unwaged – $500pp
(for students and people working part time, or are under financial difficulty)
Scholarships – free
We have three scholarship positions available for people who would like to attend the camp, but do not have the financial means to do so.
How do I apply for a Scholarship?
You can apply for a scholarship here. Applications will be assessed by the camp organisers, and allocated to three individuals who they feel would benefit most from the experience.
Applications close on Monday 22nd May. We will let all applicants know of the outcome by Thursday 25 May.
When do registrations close?
There are limited spaces available and they will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis. If not sold out, registrations will close on Monday 22nd May.
When is payment due?
Payment will be due by Monday 22 May 2023.
If I register, am I guaranteed a spot?
There are limited places available, and registrations will be on a first-come-first-served basis. There will be a waitlist for those that miss out, and if you can’t make it, registrations are transferable but non-refundable. For more information on pricing, head to the Camp website.
Are travel costs included in the camp fees?
No, transport to and from Mt Hotham is not included, but we will assist with coordinating carpooling from wherever you’re travelling from (including Tullamarine).
What if I can’t attend for the whole time?
Although we strongly encourage all camp attendees to attend for the full 3 nights and 4 days, we understand this isn’t always possible. You are welcome to arrive and depart when it is convenient for you.
I’m injured, tapering or not feeling well and can’t run. What does that mean?
No stress! The focus of camp is movement, not speed or endurance. For the outdoor sessions, there will be running and hiking options available. If you want to sit out a session, no stress. Camp is about connection, not splits!
Do For Wild Places Members get a discount?
Sadly, no. For Wild Places Members received access to early registration. This is something we will consider next time.
What are the terms & conditions?
You can read the terms and conditions of participation here.