Everything we do as a BB Company, Battalion, or State is built on a strong and unshakable foundation: our BB Object. In the same way, our State Events are shaped with that same intentionality and purpose. For this reason, we’re highlighting one of the most significant events for our Seniors this week: BASE Camp.
“The advancement of Christ’s Kingdom among boys and the promotion of habits of obedience, reverence, discipline, self‑respect, and all that tends towards a true Christian manliness.”
This isn’t just a statement we print on posters or recite at parades. Instead, it’s the heartbeat behind every devotion, every game, every badge, every camp, and every conversation we have with our boys. As a result, when we view our ministry through this lens, we begin to see how each moment—big or small—shapes young men for life.
Purpose of BASE Camp
BASE Camp runs every May long weekend and holds a significant place in our BB Calendar. However, it’s far more than a date on the schedule. At its core, BASE Camp is a pathway, a challenge, and a catalyst for growth—designed with the same intentionality that shapes every BB activity. Because of this, BASE Camp exists to:
- Provide opportunities for boys to progress their Expedition badgework and qualify for levels.
- Introduce boys to diverse expedition experiences—walking, riding, and paddling—broadening their skills and confidence.
- Create meaningful devotional spaces where biblical insights connect with real life.
- Encourage deeper conversations with leaders and peers, often sparked while walking a trail, riding a bike, paddling a canoe, or sitting around a campfire.
- Challenge boys physically and mentally, helping them discover their limits and realise they can go further than they think.
Three Stages of Growth at BASE Camp
BASE Camp is intentionally structured in three progressive stages, each building on the last so boys can grow step by step. As a result, every boy is supported and stretched at the right level.
Stage 1 – WALK
To begin, Stage 1 introduces boys to the fundamentals of expedition. They learn:
- Basic navigation
- Safety while walking
- How to prepare for and complete challenging hikes
As the camp unfolds, boys put these skills into practice on real trails, gaining confidence with every step.
Stage 2 – WHEELS
From there, Stage 2 builds on the foundations of Stage 1 and takes boys into the world of cycling expeditions. They learn:
- Bike safety
- Basic bike maintenance
- How to handle longer rides
After developing these skills, they ride sections of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and explore other local routes, experiencing the joy and challenge of covering distance on wheels.
Stage 3 – WATER
Finally, Stage 3 shifts the adventure onto the water. Boys learn:
- Water safety
- Canoe and kayak handling
- Techniques for rescuing capsized boats
Throughout this stage, they spend time paddling on the Brisbane River or on Wivenhoe or Somerset Dams, discovering the unique rhythm and teamwork required for water expeditions.
More Than a Camp
Ultimately, BASE Camp is a place where boys grow in resilience, leadership, and faith. Along the way, they learn to trust their leaders, support their peers, and push themselves further than they thought possible. Time and again, it becomes the setting for conversations boys remember for years. It’s where purpose meets adventure.
And through it all, the purpose remains the same: to help boys become the men God created them to be.