AFX Camp 2025 reflections

Arjun Vishnu (School Captain and Cadet Under Officer, Unit Second in Command) and Major (AAC) Ainsley Hart (KRCU 2IC – Students and Staff) shared their reflections of the 2025 AFX Camp experience in this Q&A:

How was the 2025 AFX Camp, and how was it different from previous years?

Arjun: AFX 2025 was truly an incredible experience for everyone involved. The weather held up beautifully, allowing all activities to run without disruption, and the cadets brought a high level of energy and engagement throughout the week. What really set this year apart was having the full camp duration back; it created a natural rhythm and structure that made the whole experience feel more cohesive and purposeful. The continuity helped everyone settle in and get the most out of their roles, activities, and opportunities.

Ainsley: Yes, the biggest difference was the weather, which was fantastic, and we only experienced some light showers one afternoon. Our suppliers helped with the Engineers, Constructions and Pioneers as well as the abseiling and rogaine activity (long distance cross-country navigation). All of these resulted in an enhanced experience for our cadets.

What was the atmosphere of the camp?

Arjun: The atmosphere of AFX 2025 was something truly special; a rare blend of camaraderie, purpose, and belonging. It felt less like a camp and more like a family bound not by blood, but by shared challenges, late-night laughs, and the quiet understanding that we were all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Whether sitting in silence at O-Group, pushing through an activity, or simply resting under the stars at day’s end, there was a deep sense of mutual respect and unspoken support. In those moments, rank faded and what remained was connection; the kind that only comes from serving together, growing together, and carrying each other through.

Ainsley: The senior cadets were very excited to be on camp and made the most of the brilliant weather. The recruits, some of whom were nervous about their first AFX, settled in very well and by mid-camp they were having a great time in the outdoor conditions. All cadets experienced a digital detox with eight days sans phones!

What activities did the cadets get up to?

Arjun: Cadets across the Unit got involved in a wide range of activities including abseiling, water exercises, the infamous mud run, rogaine navigation, Pioneers and Construction exercises, medics scenarios, and an operations exercise.

My main role was within the Command Post, working alongside the Senior Under Officer (SUO) and staff to keep track of all personnel and ensure the Unit was accounted for at all times; a responsibility that requires consistent communication and coordination. When time allowed, I got to take part in the Engineers’ exercise, which was a wonderful experience.

Ainsley: Hiking, navigation, abseiling, rogaine, archery, canoeing, raft building, mud run, bushcraft, confidence and team building exercises, and medics activities.

What were your memorable moments or highlights?

Arjun: One standout moment for me was the final night of camp — sitting around with my closest mates, reflecting on the week and the journey we’ve shared, knowing it was our last AFX. Another highlight was the Regimental Headquarters (RHQ) fire night, where our team got to relax and bond with the rest of the Unit in a rare, light-hearted setting that reminded us how connected we all are beyond the chain of command.

Ainsley: Top three moments for me:

1. Seeing our school’s leaders (Dr Andrew Weeding and Mr Sam White) on the abseil, rallied on by enthusiastic Year 9 recruits.
2. Seeing our recruit platoons emerge from the ‘Lithgow bush track’ after a challenging hike.
3. Seeing cadets find the ‘wildlife’ (soft toys) during the checkpoint activity.

How was the experience for staff and Knox leadership?

Ainsley: AFX is a challenging activity as a staff member, the sense of personal accomplishment at the end of camp and the team building with other staff and students is like no other experience in the school. Building the camp is a 12-month operation and involves a huge commitment from the cadet staff with the support of both schools.

What were the learnings to take forward into 2026?

Arjun: One key takeaway is that success comes from collaboration. Nothing on AFX happens in isolation, from logistics to activities, everything relies on teamwork. Another big lesson is the value of preparation; the smooth set-up by the advance party and the seamless running of the camp proved how far proper planning goes in preventing issues down the line.

Ainsley: Active cadets equate to happy cadets! Lots of activities keeps everyone interested and helps them sleep well after an energetic day.