First Reconnection Weekend of the year
Military families from across the country gathered in Dorset for the first Reconnection weekend of the year. The event was part of our All Together project, which supports military children and their families during, or following, time apart.
Funded through a partnership with Team Forces, the weekend brought 11 families from the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force to the Portland Outdoor Centre.
Louise, founder of the charity said, “Portland always delivers and this weekend was no exception. The families came together to enjoy time in nature, try new activities, strengthen family connections and make new friends. It was wonderful to see families reconnecting, creating memories and supporting one another throughout the weekend.”
Across the weekend there was time for children, time for adults and opportunities to come together as a group. It was about creating special time for families to reconnect away from technology, enjoy the outdoors, and try new experiences together.
Jam packed weekend
Families arrived on Friday evening, kicking off with a sunset gathering and hot chocolate. On Saturday we challenged participants to step out of their comfort zones. They learnt how to prepare mackerel before hiking to Portland Bill for fire-lighting and cooking their fresh fish. In the afternoon there was coasteering along the rugged Dorset coastline in the beautiful sunshine. Before leaving on Sunday we went to the harbour for water sports, which included raft building, kayaking, and mega paddleboarding.
Michelle who attended with her family said, “Thank you so much to all involved in making this weekend as brilliant as it was including, funders, instructors, organiser and all the awesome families! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, did activities we had never tried before and came out of our comfort zones. We certainly got our steps in !!!. We have made some fab memories and friends along the way!”
Next Reconnection Weekend
The next Familiy Reconnection weekend will be 31st July – Sunday 2nd August 2026. For this one we’ll be heading Potters Bar, Hertfordshire and offering a weekend of woodland adventurous activities.
Find out more
Our Reconnection weekends are available for Military families with children 9 years (school year 4) +. You can find out more and apply for a place on our next weekend, by clicking here.
Jodie, who also attended the Portland weekend, said, “We honestly had the best weekend we can’t thank you enough for the opportunity! Our children have made memories to last a life time, what you do is amazing. The weekend was very well organised and we urge anyone thinking about going to do so you won’t be disappointed.”
