UP! Club Autumn Camp 2026 - Golden Leaves Getaway

In late May UP! Club members and staff packed their bags and headed to the picturesque Hunter Valley for our first camp of 2026, the Golden Leaves Getaway. With around 25 people attending, the weekend was filled with friendship, learning, laughter, and plenty of memorable moments.

The adventure began on Friday 29 May, when the group met at Central Station and travelled together to Rydges Resort Hunter Valley. For some members, it was a chance to reconnect with long-time friends, while for others it was an opportunity to make new connections. We were especially excited to welcome a mix of familiar faces and some members we had not seen for quite some time, making the camp feel like a true reunion.

After arriving at the resort and settling into our rooms, everyone came together for a delicious group dinner. The evening provided a chance to relax, catch up, and get excited for the busy camp ahead.

Saturday began with one of the most anticipated activities of the weekend, a visit to Hunter Valley Wildlife Park. This visit was made even more special thanks to five local families joining us, along with members of our Growing, Connected community from the Blue Mountains.



The group spent the morning exploring the park and getting up close and personal with a wide range of fascinating animals, including lions, giraffes, kangaroos, koalas, wombats, meerkats, camels, lorikeets, and many more. The beautiful weather and relaxed atmosphere made it the perfect setting for a day of adventure and discovery.

Following our exploration of the park, everyone came together for lunch, creating a wonderful opportunity for camp participants, local families, and community members to connect, share stories, and build new friendships.


This event was free to attend for campers and locals alike, thanks to the support of the DHDA Information Linkages and Capacity Building Social and Community Participation grant.

After returning to the resort, members enjoyed some quieter activities, including arts and crafts, relaxation time, and a talent show. These moments gave everyone a chance to unwind while also celebrating the many unique talents and personalities within our community.

Later that afternoon, members took part in our Speak Up and Shine self-advocacy workshop. This free event was made possible through funding support and welcomed additional participants from the local community. We were delighted to be joined by Angelo from Self Advocacy Sydney, who connected brilliantly with participants and encouraged meaningful conversations about speaking up, making choices, and building confidence.

The workshop received overwhelmingly positive feedback from members, families, and staff alike. Participants engaged enthusiastically in discussions and activities, demonstrating just how powerful it can be when people with Down syndrome are given opportunities to share their voices and experiences.

As the sun set, the atmosphere shifted from learning to celebration. The evening's golden-themed dance party quickly became one of the standout moments of the entire weekend. Members embraced the theme with enthusiasm, hit the dance floor, and enjoyed an evening filled with music, laughter, and fun. For many attendees, it was their favourite part of the camp.

On Sunday morning, the group gathered for some quiet reflection before choosing between arts and crafts activities and a music session. These final activities provided a relaxed and enjoyable way to spend our last morning together before coming together one final time for camp graduation.

Camp graduation is always a special moment, giving us the chance to celebrate achievements, friendships, and the memories made throughout the weekend. As certificates were handed out and farewells exchanged, there was a strong sense of pride in everything the group had accomplished together.

While goodbyes are never easy, the Golden Leaves Getaway left everyone with wonderful memories, stronger connections, and plenty of stories to share. A huge thank you to our members, families, volunteers, staff, guest speakers, and community partners who helped make the weekend such a success.

We are already looking forward to our next UP! Club adventure!