The sail training vessel Leeuwin II will host dads and their children for two nights in November as they collaborate with The Fathering Project.
The tall ship experience will see a dockside camp where fathers can build positive relationships with their kids.
Leeuwin education manager Michelle Reidy-Crofts said it’s very important for kids to spend time away with just their father or father figure.
Photo: Catherine Massey.
“It is a chance to take them into a new environment and challenge them in a different context,” she said.
Michelle said the Fathering Project is a wonderful not-for-profit organisation.
“I’m really pleased that they’ve used this initiative to come down and use the Leeuwin ship to help develop the youth like we do” said Michelle.
The Fathering Project is an Australian organisation that aims to foster effective relationships and improve child development.
Dads and father figures have a huge impact on their child’s wellbeing and The Fathering Project aims to inspire and equip them to be the best they can be.
WA state manager for The Fathering Project Steven Rushforth said it aims to provide some kind of social structure to support fathers in bringing up their children.
“The Leeuwin overnight stay is a great opportunity we’re providing for fathers to get involved with their kids.”
He said the research is overwhelming that more engaged dads make a big difference in reducing impacts of substance abuse and domestic violence, and increases positive aspects such as school results, social and mental wellbeing, and relationships with others.
Video: Catherine Massey.
“The Fathering project on the Leeuwin is creating an opportunity for dads to talk to one another about being fathers.”
“The objectives of the Leeuwin in terms of personal development and growth closely align with ours,” said Steven.
The Fathering Project was first started by a leading lung specialist Professor Bruce Robinson.
Bruce said the project began with the objective of telling dads to spend more time with their kids.
“Bruce diagnosed a lot of men with terminal lung cancer and the main thing they would say to him after being diagnosed was they wished they had spent more time with their kids and that someone had told them that.”
The camp will run dockside at B Shed in Fremantle on Saturday, November 9.