At the AFX Camp in April, our Knox Ravenswood Cadet Unit created memories with a strong sense of collegiality, purpose, and inclusivity. This annual camp in Lithgow gives our students the opportunity to bond with fellow Knox students as well as students at Ravenswood School for Girls.
The AFX Camp provides an environment in which cadets can further develop key life skills, including teamwork, leadership, resilience, self-efficacy, discipline, and agility.
Arjun (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:
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.
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!
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 Senior Under Officer (SUO) Abbey 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.
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:
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.
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.
30 May 2025
The Prep School hosted Old Boy Alex Richter (OKG20) for our bi-annual Ride With Richter fundraiser, to support SpinalCure Australia’s impactful neurostimulation research.
26 May 2025
We are delighted to announce that Knox students Ryan (Year 10), Harry (Year 11), and Summer (Year 11) have represented New South Wales with distinction at the 2025 National Schools Debating Championships (NSDC), held 11–18 May.
26 May 2025
For the annual Anzac Service and Parade, CUO Abbey, Senior Cadet Under Officer, reflected on why we commemorate Anzac Day. She spoke of a ceremony of tradition, where we remember sacrifice which continues to shape our two nations, as well as the young men that fought for one another and something greater than themselves.
