Frequently Asked Questions

What is the retreat all about?

The MindStorm Foundation understands the unique emotional challenges faced by families who have had a child killed in an accident. We also know how difficult it can be for familes to take time out and figure out how to re-connect and rebuild after such a tragic and unexpected loss.

We are aware that access to essential services is particularly limited in regional and rural areas and that families in these areas are less likely to be able to be a part of a larger support network.

M-power camp was the idea of a 9 year old girl, struggling with how to move forawrd after her brother was killed in an accident. She wanted to be able to meet other kids that understood what she was feeling, but also find a way to create some new happy memories with her Mum and Dad.

The entire camp has been designed around having fun, being adventurous and connecting with nature. All the activities we have planned are specifically for kids but can be enjoyed by all ages.

M-power camp is an amazing opportunity to take some time out and allow these kids (and big kids too!) that have experienced so much heartbreak, just be kids again.

Will there be workshops or classes?

Not really. We have scheduled a few games based sessions to get to know each other and share our stories.

We hope that by taking part in the camp, and meeting other families, you will learn new skills and strategies that may help you all when you experience those really rough days in the future.

A counsellor or phsychologist will be available throughout the duration of the camp if you feel overwhealmed, upset or just want to chat.

How much does it cost to attend the retreat?

A small $100 non-refundable deposit is required per person attending the camp. This fee helps to cover the cost of insurance and administration for the camp. It also ensures expenses are covered if a family cancels thier booking. (Please note, this fee is not due until confirmation of your booking on 18th August.)

Our M-POWER Family Retreat is completely free for the families that are invited to attend. All accomodation, meals and activites are provided free of charge for each family.

This is made possible by the genorosity of the MindStorm Foundations supporters, volunteers donations and local businesses.

If the $100 fee is difficult for your family finaincially, please get in touch with us here at The MindStorm and we may be able to make arrangements for additional funding from the community.

What are the transport/parking options for getting to and from the retreat?

Each family is responsible for getting themselves to and from the retreat.

DRIVE - Plenty of parking is available on site if they would like to drive. Please note, thier car will not be required once at the camp.

FLY -  The camp location is 40 minutes from Newcastle Airport. If families would like to fly into Newcastle we can arrange a pick-up and drop-off service to and from Newcastle Airport. Please do not book flights untill we have confirmed your registration and you have received a full registration pack.

TRAIN - CountryLink and CityLink train services are available. We reccommed Broadmedow Train Station, which is a one hour drive from the camp location. We can arrange pick-up and drop off services to and from Broadmedow Station. Please do not book travel until we have confirmed you registration and you have received a full registration pack.

BUS - Bus and coach services are available but there are many connections and it is a long trip. We suggest only using bus and coach travel if you have no other option.

If the cost of travel to and from the retreat is an issue for you, please contact the organisation that nominated you to attend and discuss with them. If this is not an option for you contact us directly and we can help you get some support from your local community.

Will we be sleeping in tents?

Yes! Each family will have thier very own luxury 5 metre canvas bell tent. These tents are large enough to stand up in and will be set up ready for you when you arrive. Every tent will have delux velour air mattreses made up with quality linens, pillows, blankets and towels. We will also throw in a few little suprises.

Flushing toilets and hot showers are only meters away from your tent so you will not need to 'rough it'. Think of it more as a glamping experience :)

What do I bring into the retreat?

Each family will only be required to bring thier clothes, toiletries and personal items. All food, linen, and activities will be provided for you.

This is a strictly alcohol, smoke and drug free retreat (dont panic, there will be coffee!). 

Please DO NOT bring expensive devices, excess cash, any food including lollies, alcohol or drugs (prescription medication is obviously allowed)

A full checklist will be provided in your registration pack.

Can I bring my mobile phone?

We would really like to encourage you to take the opportunity to switch off from the outside world while you are with us. So, we ask that if you do bring your phone along you do not play games or check in on social media but rather enjoy the time away. 

All adults at camp do have the option of keeping thier phones with them, but children will be asked to leave them behind. Keep in mind, some of our activites will involve water, sand and getting dirty!

Dont forget your charger and please be aware that there may be limited reception at some of the camp locations.

If you do choose to leave your phone behind, we will have access to phone services for emergencies or if you need to check in on things at home.

Will I need to participate in all the activities?

The purpose of the retreat is to step outside of your comfort zone just a little while you are supported by a team of experts. While we will not force anyone to do any of our activities we will encourage evryone to have a go at our challenges, after all it is an adveture camp!

How do you select which families attend the retreat?

Ultimatley, we would love to be able to have all families attend. Unfortunatley, due to funding restrictions and venue sizes the retreat is limited to 8 families. We feel this size is also the most suitable for group activities.

We want all the families that attend our camp to have a fun time, get along and make connections that will help them in the future.

We use a careful selection process to decide which families will be offered a place the the retreat. This includes things like mix of ages of children, group compatibility and the region that you currently live in.

Due to our current funding, preference may be given to families that live in the Hunter, New England and Mid North Coast Regions of NSW.

The MindStorm Foundation hopes to run another M-POWER Family Retreat soon. All families that apply this round will be automatically added to the wait list for the next retreat.

When will we find out if we are one of the families selected to attend?

On Friday 18th August 2017 all families that have applied will be notified of the outcome of thier application.

If you are not invoted to attend the retreat this time round, we will automatically add you to the waitlist for our next retreat.

If you are invited to attend, we will send you a registration pack full of all the things you will need to know about the camp. this pack will also include a form for you to provide us with more detailed information about you and your family, any medical issues, allergies and other important things we should know before the camp.

This will be your opportunity to formally accept you place at the retreat.

Do all members of our family need attend the retreat?

Quite simply, Yes. This camp is designed to help families reconnect and rebuild. The best way for this to happen is for all family members to come along for the weekend. In this case, 'family' refers to all parents and children currently living together. We understand that there can be complex family situations, custody and living arrangements. If you feel that you would like us to take your unique family circumstances into account please get in touch, have a chat and we will do our best to accomodate your family needs.

What happens if we cant attend the whole retreat?

The camp will be open form 2.00pm on Friday afternoon for families to arrive and settle in. The first official activity  begins at 6.00pm with a welcome BBQ and pool party. Families can arrive any time between 2.00pm amd 8.00pm on Friday evening, this allows time for families to travel after school and work. We expect all familes to have arrived by 8.00pm so they have the opportunty to meet everybody and get to know the camp facilities.

Families are expected to stay at the camp for the duration of the weekend. You can not come and go as you feel like it as this will impact negitively on the camp organistaion and other families.

On Monday, families will be free to leave any time after 12.00pm, although we will have activities right up unitll 2.00pm. We suggest you take the day off work and school to enjoy everything the camp has to offer. If you are not in rush to get home, take some time to explore the natural beauty of the Port Stephens area.

What if we cant make it to the retreat once we have confirmed our registration?

If your family is unable to attend the retreat please contact us at least 2 weeks prior to the start date so we can offer your place to another family.

A huge amount of planning and a considerale amount of publicly donated money has gone into this retreat. We dont want to see it go to waste.

If you chose to not show up to the retreat and we haven't received a formal cancellation from you, we will charge you 50% of the cost of your place at the retreat. Specific details of this will be included in your official registration pack.

What if we have special needs or dietary requirements?

If your familiy is selected to attend camp we will send you a full registration form where you can provide us with any medical issues, special needs and dietary requirements.

There is disabled access at the campsite and all our activites. While we will do everything we can to assist you, please keep in mind there will be rough ground, sand and limited facilities.

Trained counsellors and phsycologists are available for the duration of the camp to help with any issues that may arise.

All allergies and dietary requirements will be catered for as long as we know in advance.

However, we are not able to accomodate specific needs, food preferences or schedules based on your individual religious beliefs.

Is this camp run by a church?

No. The MindStorm Foundation is not linked to any church or religion. We respect all peoples right to thier own faith and beliefs.

I can't attend the retreat but I really feel like I need some help. What can I do?

Please get in touch with us asap and we will have a chat about your story, how you are feeling and what we may be able to do to help you out.