The Parent-Child Retreat is a special two-night getaway in nature where parents and kids have the chance to slow down, connect, and share an experience that really matters. It’s designed for young people around Bnei-Mitzvah age and their parents or carers to step away from everyday distractions and spend time learning, reflecting, and growing—side by side.
A Rite of Passage: Marking This Milestone, Together
While the Bar and Bat Mitzvah mark an important milestone, the journey into adulthood is ongoing. This retreat creates space for that journey, offering meaningful time for parent and child to learn from each other and strengthen their connection.
Through immersive experiences in nature and reflections on the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), families gain a deeper understanding of what it means to engage with the world with kindness, justice, and responsibility.
The retreat is not just about preparing for a moment; it’s about creating memories and understanding that last far beyond it.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
At Stand Up, we recognise that all families are different. While our 2026 retreats are offered in father-son and mother-daughter formats, we know that this might not be a good fit for everyone. We are committed to making our programming available for all who wish to take part, regardless of gender identity or family makeup.
What the Retreat Offers:
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Deepened Parent-Child Connections
Guided activities designed to foster meaningful conversations, shared learning, and lasting memories. -
Exploration of Jewish Values
Reflections on Jewish values and the role of compassion, justice, and responsibility the world around us. -
Developing an Understanding of Social Justice
Learning how core Jewish teachings inspire us to become compassionate upstanders. -
Immersion in Nature
A beautiful environment to make space for reflection, bonding, hiking and appreciation for the natural world. -
Strengthening of identity
A supportive experience during a key life transition, helping young people step into their teenage years with confidence, self-awareness, and deeper connection to family and tradition. - Empowering Parents
Parenting teenagers is no joke. We will provide a supportive environment to reflect on the role of parents and how we can show up for our kids in a way that supports their development and growth.
What Parents Are Saying:
Testimonials from our successful retreats in NSW
"The retreat delivered. We were able to spend quality time with each other, which leant to a deeper level of respect. We share knowing smiles and feel closer since the weekend. He is even practising his parsha without me prompting him. Who would have thought"
"The retreat exposed my son to a positive model for Jewish males as he enters his bar mitzvah year. It provided an opportunity to explore a meaningful way to connect to family, religion, community and broader society as well as how to manage the challenges faced by adolescents such things as social media and toxic masculinity. It did this through various workshops and physical adventures. I was surprised at the maturity of the children in exploring various issues and how engaged they were in the program. I could see them truly digesting the concepts and getting a lot out of the topics explored. It was also a unique opportunity to engage in conversations which we would not typically have and there were many bonding moments"
"We share knowing smiles and feel closer since the weekend. He is even practising his parsha without me prompting him. Who would have thought?"
Stay tuned for the announcement of our next Parent-Child Retreat, which will take place in late 2026. In the meantime, please complete our EOI form to stay informed on the application dates and process.