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Over 1,400 Men Encouraged to “Wise Up with Jesus” at BASECAMP 2025

This August, 1,400+ men gathered across two weekends to open God’s Word together at BASECAMP 2025.

450+ men met in the heart of Sydney for BASECAMP City, while 900+ men made the trip to the Blue Mountains for BASECAMP Mountains. Another 40+ men joined online, connecting in living rooms, churches, and ministry spaces across Australia. Together, these men represented over 250 churches united under one theme: Wise Up with Jesus.

Whitefield lifted the room with heartfelt worship, leading the men to praise God with one voice. Listen to the BASECAMP 25 playlist here!

International speaker Zack Eswine and local speaker Peter Sondergeld unpacked what it means to grow in true wisdom, drawing from the book of Proverbs and the life of Jesus.

Across the talks, men were reminded that:

  • Meekness is not weakness – it is the strength of God’s power under control.
  • Friendship with Jesus changes everything – shaping how we relate to Him and to others.
  • Wisdom protects – guarding us from the traps of being naive or foolish.

The call was clear: wisdom begins with knowing and following Jesus, the One who loves us deeply and leads us in steadfast love.

Walking Away Changed

Men left BASECAMP encouraged to meditate on God’s unchanging love, to pursue friendships marked by grace and truth, and to walk humbly with Christ in every area of life.

“Attending the Basecamp Men’s Conference was a real blessing for me. It was a refreshing time away to pause, reflect, and be challenged as we dug into the topic of wisdom from God’s Word. Hearing from faithful speakers, sharing honest conversations with other men, and spending time in prayer together helped me see areas in my life where I can grow in humility, godliness, and decision-making… I left feeling inspired and challenged in my walk with Jesus.”
– Sebastian, BASECAMP 25 Mountains Attendee

“Thank you so much for all the hard work and prayerful way you serve God’s people with this conference! What an amazing blessing over so many years. Wisdom was an excellent an appropriate and useful topic and the speakers perched from the heart: very moving and encouraging. I thank God for you!”

– Stephen, BASECAMP 25 Mountains Attendee

“Every man and his dog should be coming to basecamp to be spiritually renewed and encouraged through the word of God and fellowship with other men and to connect with other men.”

– Sul, BASECAMP 25 Mountains Attendee

“It was such a great time of fellowship while also listening to (and supporting each other in) great talks from Zach & Peter. As always, you can’t help but walk away changed and challenged to be more Christ-like, with practical steps that help set us on the right course.”

– Andrew, BASECAMP25 City Attendee

Catch up or re-watch on KCC One!

Couldn’t make it to BASECAMP, or want to keep the momentum going? All the BASECAMP talks are now available on the KCC One app! Watch a snippet of Zack’s second talk “The Naïve Man” below.

Zack was excellent – I loved his way of presenting and found his content to be deep, meaningful, and impactful. His talks have inspired me to look deeper and make some real changes in my life.
– Hugh, BASECAMP 25 Mountains Attendee

You can also access exclusive content from Peter Sondergeld, a 4-part devotional series “Wisdom Through Life in Christ” where you’ll get practical wisdom on every part of your life.

Keep reflecting on Zack Eswine’s talks through BASECAMP Local (free!), a guided resource designed to help you grow in strength and purpose through Jesus’ wisdom. Drawing from Zack’s new book Wiser with Jesus, BASECAMP Local unpacks the four types of people the wise person encounters in the first chapters, offering practical applications for gaining wisdom and living with Christ as Lord in everyday life.

Subscribe to KCC One for as little as $4.99/month (on an annual subscription): kccone.org.au/subscribe 

Save the Date: BASECAMP 2026

Next year, international speaker Matt Fuller will join us for another powerful weekend in God’s Word.

BASECAMP City – 1 August 2026
BASECAMP Mountains & Online – 7–8 August 2026

Mark your calendars and start planning with your mates – you won’t want to miss it.

This August, 1,400+ men gathered across two weekends to open God’s Word together at BASECAMP 2025. 450+ men met in the heart of Sydney for BASECAMP City, while 900+ men made the trip to the Blue Mountains for BASECAMP Mountains. Another 43 men joined online, connecting in living rooms, churches, and ministry spaces across Australia. Together, these men represented 257 churches united under one theme: Wise Up with Jesus.

By KCC Staff

Three Decades of Faith & Fellowship: Andrew’s BASECAMP Story

What started as a group sign-up with his church in 1997 has grown into over 30 years of being encouraged by God’s Word and strengthening his brothers in Christ. Andrew shares how BASECAMP has shaped his convictions, challenged him to be a “3am mate,” and why he’s in it for the long haul.

Andrew (far right) with his BASECAMP crew

1. Please introduce yourself!  

I’m Andrew Legge (leg), or Leggie (leggy) to my friends and a bunch of past and present Hope 103.2 presenters! (I used to be a regular caller/texter!). I’m 46, go to Bobbin Head Anglican Church (a service plant of St. James, Turramurra), enjoy Piña coladas and getting caught in the rain! I’m pretty sure I’ve been to all Basecamps/ Men’s Conventions since 1997!  

2. Why did you start attending BASECAMP?  

I became a Christian in Year 8 and was blessed with good preaching and great fellowship, both at St. James and while attending other KCC events like KYC (Katoomba Youth Convention), CYC (City Youth Church), Kyckstart (now KYCK) & Easter Convention. When the church found out that the then-named Men’s Convention was starting up early in ’97, we got a bunch of guys together and signed up.  

For me, it kicked off what’s coming up to a 30-year journey! The expedition continues, partly for the same reasons it commenced, but also now with a complimentary, outward focus not only to be fed & encouraged by God through the word and others, but to be that to my fellow brothers, too! I’m here for the long haul and pray that I might be able to attend/ feed/ support for at least another 40-50+ years! To say that the late, great Dudley Foord isn’t my personal, effervescent inspiration in this matter would be a lie! 

3. Can you share a BASECAMP highlight?  

 I have so many amazing talks that come to me when I think about KCC. Unfortunately, I can’t pin down in my mind which are from BASECAMP or the other awesome KCC events I’ve attended. So, instead, I’ll generally echo my earlier comments to reinforce that BASECAMP for me encapsulates faithful bible-based teaching, by faithful and encouraging men, in a fun and playful environment wrapped in great fellowship.  

… BASECAMP for me encapsulates faithful bible-based teaching, by faithful and encouraging men, in a fun and playful environment wrapped in great fellowship.  

4. How has BASECAMP encouraged and challenged your faith?  

It has definitely & significantly contributed to the depth of my Christian conviction, the honing of my personal response to the revelation of the truth found only in the gospels, and the refining of my spiritual and brotherly solidarity when we are ever challenged to give up in both big and small ways. 

The conduit for all of this is great, bible-based preaching and the encouragement & direction of mature, like-minded Christian brothers, whether on the pulpit or standing beside me!  

It has definitely & significantly contributed to the depth of my Christian conviction, the honing of my personal response to the revelation of the truth found only in the gospels, and the refining of my spiritual and brotherly solidarity when we are ever challenged to give up in both big and small ways. 

5. Last year, you wrote in our feedback form that you were ‘instilled with the importance’ of having a 3am mate. Why do you think this is so important for men?  

 As guys, any of us with a modicum of emotional awareness recognises that we are typically emotionally stunted, especially when compared with our female counterparts and particularly when it comes to going deeper into less comfortable realms. Even the simple task of talking about being vulnerable can be too much for some of us! It’s no wonder that our inner-circles dwindle into middle age, if not before. So how on earth are we to have or be ourselves a 3am mate without deeper friendships? With intentionality. With persistence. With gentleness. Even some of those characteristics are hard to muster, sometimes.  

I’m meeting with two guys, now, since BASECAMP 2024. While I’m in the mentor role for both, someone wiser than me spoke to a group of us once and told us that a mentor/mentee relationship isn’t like that of a Jedi Master/Padawan. A single party doesn’t have all the answers, or even arrogantly think they might. It’s simply about two men getting together so that, as Proverbs 27:17 describes it, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”, both men learn (sharpen) and both men grow! Being a 3am mate can come from that mentor/mentee role, either because you’re that for each other, or because that partnership can grow in you a deeper other-person-centeredness which other people might see and call on in their time(s) of need! 

Being a 3am mate can come from that mentor/mentee role, either because you’re that for each other, or because that partnership can grow in you a deeper other-person-centeredness which other people might see and call on in their time(s) of need! 

6. Why would you recommend BASECAMP to others?  

For all the reasons above, and possibly others I’m forgetting. If you’re even slightly interested in growing in your faith, growing in your connectedness with other men and possibly, in maturity, wanting to sow into others in both above ways, there’s no good reason for you not to go! If you disagree, let’s chat at BASECAMP (I’ll be the one wearing the cool, blue stripy beanie-scarf)! 

What started as a group sign-up with his church in 1997 has grown into over 30

By Patrizha Yeomans

“A Reset Button for Me”: Corey’s BASECAMP Story  

For Corey Matthews, BASECAMP has been a spiritual reset for over two decades. In this interview, Corey reflects on the power of gospel-centered teaching, the strength found in shared vulnerability, and why he believes BASECAMP is one of the best investments a man can make each year. 

1. Please introduce yourself! 

My name is Corey Matthews. I’ve been married to my wife Carla for 33 years now and we have 4 delightful adult kids, all of them have wonderful partners, 3 of them married and the last one is planning to be married later this year. To date, we have three beautiful grandkids and we are loving this new stage in life.  

2. How long have you attended BASECAMP?  
I’ve been attending BASECAMP, when possible, since around 2001. 

3. How has BASECAMP encouraged your faith?

In my early years of becoming a Christian and attending BASECAMP, I clearly remember the profound impact these events have had on me. They still do today but I think I’ve become more expecting of it knowing how good the teaching and preaching always is.  

It’s like a reset button for me, I can be so easily distracted by worldly influences. Conferences like this, sitting under solid teaching for an extended period, enables a spiritual recharge or refocus and gets my perspective and priorities realigned. I think we need this, we need constant reminders of God’s amazing grace. 

It’s like a reset button for me, I can be so easily distracted by worldly influences. Conferences like this, sitting under solid teaching for an extended period, enables a spiritual recharge or refocus and gets my perspective and priorities realigned.

4. Why do you think men should set aside time to attend conferences like BASECAMP? 

I think the vulnerability I have seen by those that have been interviewed or have given testimonies over the years that has been so powerful. Whether it’s been stories of conquering addictions, dealing with chronic illness or disability, or just struggling with sin in general. Understanding that we are all so dependent on God’s grace as we journey through life, and hearing of other people’s experiences and their trust in God, is always such an encouragement to me. 

Understanding that we are all so dependent on God’s grace as we journey through life, and hearing of other people’s experiences and their trust in God, is always such an encouragement to me. 

As my wife so rightly says, why wouldn’t  you set aside time for such an amazing opportunity to sit under God’s word with your brothers in Christ and listen to relevant topics that us men need to hear. It’s such a privilege and so many of our brothers from around the world would love to have the accessibility that we do in Sydney, so don’t let this opportunity pass you by. 

It’s such a privilege and so many of our brothers from around the world would love to have the accessibility that we do in Sydney, so don’t let this opportunity pass you by. 

5. What would you say to someone who’s thinking about coming to BASECAMP for the first time? 
It’s one of the best investments, of both your time and money, you’ll make all year! 

Register for BASECAMP 2025

The theme for BASECAMP is ‘Wise up with Jesus’ — Strength & purpose through Jesus’ wisdom. Join us to find wisdom for your life that really works!

Standard ticket rates apply from now till 27 July. We also provide heavily discounted rates for our interstate and regional brothers who join us online due to their distance from Katoomba.

Register here: https://basecampmen.com/registration/

For Corey Matthews, BASECAMP has been a spiritual reset for over two decades. In this

By Patrizha Yeomans

“A Rare Gift”: 20 Years of BASECAMP

Having attended BASECAMP for over 20 years, Jason shares how the event has become a treasured space where men gather to depend on the grace and goodness of God. In this story, he reveals how BASECAMP consistently challenges and refreshes his faith, and why he continues to return year after year. 

1. Can you please introduce yourself?  

Hello, my name is Jason Perini. I am 41 and attend Bulli Anglican Church. I have been attending men’s events at KCC for over 20 years and BASECAMP since it began. A few men from my church all travel up to BASECAMP City together, it’s always a meaningful day for me. 

2. Why did you start attending and what keeps you coming back? 

I started attending BASECAMP because I need it. 

Like most of us, life can weigh me down and BASECAMP is a God given gift to help lift me up. Each year, I marvel at all these men coming together. We collectively depend on the grace and goodness of God to direct us towards humility, praise, and love for Jesus and each other.  

I am grateful to L-T and his team that they keep making BASECAMP such a valuable ministry to men. 

3. Tell us a BASECAMP highlight! 

For me, the highlights are never one thing, but the combination of things together that make BASECAMP what it is. 

I once heard a story about a musician that got frustrated with playing the piano because he wanted to find the notes in between the notes the piano offered. He could sense there was more music in the piano that he could get at, so he started playing the fiddle because it offered him more notes, more music. I have no idea about music, pianos or fiddles but for me, BASECAMP reminds me there are more notes, more music to my Christian life that I often get access to in my local church context. 

It’s of great personal joy to me that BASECAMP steers away from cliches and surface level faith. 

The whole day – from the teaching, singing, interviews and everything in between, is trying to draw me closer to God and my brothers. That’s a rare gift in my experience, and one I treasure. 

4. How has BASECAMP challenged and encouraged your faith? 

BASECAMP challenges and encourages me to go deeper in my relationship with my Heavenly Father. It challenges me to pay attention to the layers and complexities of being a man in 2025. It reminds me of the wonder and security found in knowing Jesus as Lord, Saviour, and Brother, the Holy Spirit as Comforter and Guide, and experiencing God as a loving, tender, and strong Father. 

5. Why would you recommend BASECAMP to others? 

I would recommend BASECAMP to all men at any season of life. 

If you’re in a season of feeling ‘on fire’ for God in your faith, I believe it will fan that flame. 

If you’re in a season of feeling ‘stale, dry and flat’ in your faith, I believe it will give fresh air and refreshment. 

Wise Up With Jesus at BASECAMP 2025

There are a multitude of men, especially young men, looking for something that works. This is why Jordan Peterson has more than 8,000,000 followers, Joe Rogan has 14,500,000 listeners and Andrew Tate has more than 9,000,000 disciples.

These men offer something that ‘works’. Get rich. Get a woman. Get fit. And in Peterson’s case, 12 Rules for Life that will take you from an anxious, lost boy to a confident, productive man. They offer something that works, and men (especially young men) are running towards them.

Yet, in Jesus, we have what really works. A Savior that never disappoints. A well that never runs dry. A truth that sets the captives free.  A wisdom for life that never fails. This is why the theme for BASECAMP is ‘Wise up with Jesus’ — Strength & purpose through Jesus’ wisdom. Join us to find wisdom for your life that really works!

Choose the BASECAMP format that works for you: 

  • a six-hour recharge in Sydney;
  • an overnight weekend retreat in the Mountains; or
  • join us online from wherever you are!
Register Today

Having attended BASECAMP for over 20 years, Jason shares how the event has become a

By Patrizha Yeomans

Faith, Friendship, and Firepit Chats: Why BASECAMP is More Than a Conference 

Every year, hundreds of men gather at BASECAMP with a shared desire—to grow in faith, strengthen their relationships, and be challenged by solid biblical teaching. For Mike, BASECAMP has been a transformative experience. It’s not just the powerful teaching or the atmosphere of worship that stands out, but the depth of conversations it sparks.  

1. Introduce yourself and how long you’ve been attending BASECAMP!  

My name is Mike and I’m a Youth Pastor at Harbourside Church in Mosman. I’ve probably been coming along to Basecamp for 7/8 years. 

2. What have been some of the highlights of attending BASECAMP? 

The shared gathering of a couple thousand blokes all with a desire to deepen faith and strengthen relationships with one another is a big highlight for me. I’ve often seen incredible depth in relationships form over the weekend as our groups have spent time reflecting and discussing content that we’ve been hearing. I’ve personally found some great strength in one particular relationship with a mate of mine and our times at BASECAMP discussing the content has had a huge part to play in that.  

A favourite memory would be what BASECAMP helps facilitate rather than something specific at the conference. As our group often stays the full weekend (in the Mountains), we had a great firepit night on the Sunday evening. It followed on from the content we had in the 2023 edition and provided a space and language to have a chat about how we were honestly doing with our emotions as well as a commitment to support one another. Without BASECAMP’s content and encouragement to pursue those sorts of things, stuff like that wouldn’t happen with our group of lads. 

3. How has BASECAMP encouraged your faith? 

I always come away from BASECAMP with a strong challenge, regardless of the teaching content. I think that’s largely down to the commitment and focus to provide good solid Biblical teaching that challenges me to ask some really good questions of myself, my faith and my lived experience following Jesus. I’ve never come down the mountain and thought, “Ah, well I didn’t really get much from that one.” It’s always been a transformative weekend and I leave encouraged and refreshed. 

BASECAMP provides just a small space within the grand scheme of a year to take some time out and hang out as a bunch of lads, to know we’ll get solid teaching, great content and have plenty of food for thought that will foster great conversations both up at the mountain and back home.

4. Why do you think men should set aside time to attend conferences like BASECAMP? 

Particularly in the church on Sundays, it’s tough to have properly deep conversations, where you actually work through the hard/serious/challenging/emotional stuff. It’s often just checking in and seeing how each other’s weeks were. Which don’t get me wrong, that’s great, but it doesn’t always scratch the itch for real depth in relationships. BASECAMP provides just a small space within the grand scheme of a year to take some time out and hang out as a bunch of lads, to know we’ll get solid teaching, great content and have plenty of food for thought that will foster great conversations both up at the mountain and back home. I couldn’t encourage it more highly to men’s groups of all sizes in churches. 

Men, we know you love a good deal so make sure to grab your early bird tickets before they end this month!

Register here

Every year, hundreds of men gather at BASECAMP with a shared desire—to grow in faith,

By Patrizha Yeomans
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