Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a Base Camp and an Outpost?
Every WildDad town has a Base Camp, where dads can organise or join Open Adventures with their kids and Open Fire Pits with other dads. There's no weekly commitment, and Base Camps can have hundreds of dads.
While that sounds great in theory, there's one problem with casual groups. When nobody makes a commitment to organise anything or show up, quite often nothing happens! Everyone waits for someone else to get things going.
That's why we've created Outposts. Smaller groups capped at 12 dads who commit to showing up regularly, sharing the responsibility of organising adventures, and building genuine friendships with each other and their kids.
Outposts are where WildDad really comes to life.
What age is WildDad suitable for?
Every Outpost is different, but at our Outpost we currently have children ranging from 1 to 16 years old.
You are welcome to bring older teenagers as well.
It really comes down to your own child's ability. Some four-year-olds can happily hike for a couple of hours, while others would struggle.
Most Outposts are mixed ages, so occasionally an activity may not suit younger children, such as archery or a high ropes course. However, things like bush walks, river adventures, rock pools, beach adventures, camping and exploring are suitable for almost everyone.
Does my WildDad membership include all of my children?
Yes. Your WildDad membership covers you and all of your children. There are no extra membership fees based on the number of children.
Are mums allowed to come?
No.
WildDad is intentionally a space for dads and their children.
We know there are many incredible mums doing an amazing job, often on their own. But WildDad exists to create opportunities for dads to spend meaningful time with their kids and to build stronger relationships with them.
Stepdads, granddads, uncles and other positive male role models are all welcome. But mums and partners do not attend WildDad adventures.
I have shared care and only have my children every second week. Can I still join?
Absolutely.
Many dads in WildDad only have their children every second week.
If you have your children full-time, we encourage you to show up every week. If you have shared care, show up on the weeks you have your children. If you work shifts, show up when you're not working.
Does WildDad cost money?
Yes.
WildDad is a membership-based organisation. Membership is $19 per month or $180 per year, and helps cover the costs of running and growing WildDad, including the WildDad app and getting new Outposts established around the country.
When you first join, there is also a one-off $36 Starter Pack, which includes one WildDad T-shirt for you and covers the cost of a T-shirt for one of your children. If you have more than one child, additional kids' T-shirts are $15 each.
Any costs involved in the adventures themselves are paid for individually by the dads. Most WildDad adventures are deliberately free or low-cost, but occasionally your Outpost might plan something that has an entry fee, equipment hire or another cost.
Your membership covers you and all of your children. There are no additional membership fees based on how many children you bring.
Click here to learn more about membership options.
Can I cancel at any time?
Yes.
Monthly memberships can be cancelled at any time.
There are no lock-in contracts.
When is WildDad on?
Outposts meet every week during school term.
The majority of Outposts currently run on Sundays from 2pm–5pm, while some run on Saturdays from 2pm–5pm.
If you're in Base Camp, there are no set meeting times. Open Adventures and Open Fire Pits happen whenever dads organise them.
Why does WildDad meet every week?
Because relationships are built through consistency.
The goal of WildDad isn't to create one or two big adventures each year. It's to create regular, predictable time where dads and kids can connect.
We've found that when dads commit to showing up every week, friendships form faster, children build stronger connections, and Outposts thrive.
2 - 3 hours a week can change everything.
Is WildDad a support network for dads?
What started as a way for dads to get out and connect with their kids has, for many dads, also become a support network by default.
We're all figuring out this fatherhood thing together, and when you spend time with the same group of dads each week, friendships naturally form.
Can stepdads, granddads or uncles join?
Absolutely.
If you are a positive male role model, mentor or father figure in a child's life, you are welcome at WildDad.
My child doesn't have a father. Can I send them along?
WildDad is built around dads and children sharing adventures together.
Because of that, WildDad is not the best fit for a child attending on their own. Organisations such as Scouts may be a better option.
In the future, we would love to create mentoring opportunities for children who don't have a father figure in their lives, but WildDad is still in its early stages and that is likely years away.
Can I bring my daughter, or is WildDad just for sons?
Absolutely.
WildDad is for dads and their children, whether they are boys or girls.
Can I visit WildDad before joining?
If you have a friend who is already part of WildDad, you're welcome to come along as their guest and see what it's all about.
Otherwise, WildDad is very much a jump in and give it a go community.
The best option is to sign up, commit to a few months, get involved, and see whether it's a good fit for you and your kids.
What if I miss a week?
Life happens.
Family commitments, sickness, holidays and work will occasionally get in the way.
What sort of adventures do you do?
Every Outpost plans its own adventures.
Some examples include beach adventures, bush walks, river exploration, fishing, kayaking, disc golf, rock pools, bonfires, hut trips, target practice, building stuff, cooking on open fires, service projects and overnight camps.
Most adventures are deliberately simple, low-cost and focused on creating memories rather than spending money.
Do I have to organise adventures?
If you are in an Outpost - Yes.
Every dad takes a turn organising adventures. That's how Wild Dad works.
When an Outpost is just getting started, you'll probably organise two or three adventures each term. As more dads join, the load becomes lighter. Once there are around 10 dads, you'll typically organise one adventure each term.
Wild Dad isn't a spectator sport. It's a roll-up-your-sleeves community where every dad gets involved and helps build something awesome for the kids. That shared effort is what creates a strong Outpost and a culture that lasts.
What if my child isn't outdoorsy?
That's perfectly fine.
WildDad isn't about sport or athletic ability.
It's about spending time together, trying new things, building confidence and creating memories.
Many children who don't initially see themselves as "outdoors kids" quickly discover they enjoy the adventures.
What happens if it rains?
We go anyway.
Some of the best WildDad adventures happen in the rain.
Kids generally don't care about getting muddy, wet or dirty nearly as much as adults do.
Is WildDad faith-based?
No.
WildDad welcomes dads from all backgrounds, beliefs and cultures.
Is there alcohol at WildDad events?
No.
WildDad adventures are alcohol-free whenever children are present.
The focus is on creating a safe environment and being positive role models for all children involved.
Do I need camping gear or expensive equipment?
No.
Most WildDad adventures require little or no specialist gear.
Occasionally there may be an adventure that requires extra equipment, but the majority of activities are simple, accessible and low-cost.
How many dads are usually at an adventure?
It depends on the Outpost.
Some adventures may have only a handful of dads, while others can have much larger numbers.
Most Outposts start small and grow over time as more dads join.
Each Outpost is now capped at 12 dads. However, newly forming Outposts initially attend the same adventures as their original Outpost, so you may have more than 12 dads attending an adventure together.
What if there isn't a Base Camp in my town?
No problem! That's where WildDad Pioneer comes in.
When you sign up to WildDad, if there isn't an existing Base Camp within about a 30-minute drive, you can join as a Pioneer.
You'll be able to see and message other Pioneer dads in your area, connect with each other, and start building
WildDad in your town.
And you don't have to wait for a group to form before getting started!
You and your kids can begin working towards your Pioneer Challenge Coin, with 54 adventures and challenges designed to build confidence, resilience, independence, practical skills, and character.
Once two dads are keen to get things going, you can establish your own Base Camp and start working towards forming your first Outpost.
Every WildDad Base Camp has to start somewhere. Why not be one of the dads who gets it going?
How else can I support WildDad?
Tell your friends about it.
The best way to help WildDad grow is to encourage other dads to join and get involved.