Blake, from Wingham, joined home bound Taree resident Barry Watts on the Shar Jem Gypsy Camel Trek last month.

A longtime friend of Barry's through a youth group, Blake said the decision to take part was easy.

"When he told me he was doing the trek, I just wanted to be a part of it," Blake said.

Barry purchased the plane ticket up to the Northern Territory for Blake as an early birthday present.

Once he was on the ground, it was straight into camp life.

"Everyday we'd wake up, make breakfast, harness the camels up and walk about 20 kilometres," Blake explained.

"We would pull over about 4 o'clock to settle the camels and give them food before we'd make a fire, set up camp and plan out the next day."

It was here he formed a special bond with 12-year-old twins Tyler and Tashiem, who are accompanying Barry back to Taree.

Blake was thrilled to learn from them and hear their life stories.

"I enjoyed working with the boys as a team, we helped and looked after each other and made sure everyone was safe," Blake said.

Driven by his passion for nature, Blake admired the "neon glow of the Milky Way" and the freedom of camping outdoors.

"It was great sleeping under the stars, away from pollution," Blake said.

"There's no crime, no temptations and nothing to lead you astray out there."

Spending time in Indigenous communities was a surreal highlight.

"A huge eye opener was going into the Indigenous communities and taking a step back and living life in their shoes, hearing stories from the old days in their time, it must have been tough times," Blake said.

"They're beautiful people and very spiritual. At night we would cook tea for 20 to 30 people and just to see the excitement and smiles on the kids faces was very beautiful and special to me."

With the mindset of Bear Grylls but the finesse of Russell Coight, Blake was confident he could handle the camels right off the bat.

On his first day, Blake was tasked with walking with and steering the camels.

"I didn't know what to expect but they were so energetic and easy to get going," Blake said.

As the camels moved from a canter into a sprint, Blake was left eating dust.

"I ended up face planting the ground," Blake smiled.

"The boys thought it was hilarious, they had me laughing in stitches."

He noted Barry's role as a mentor and a wonderful advocate for World Vision.

"Barry has a big heart, he's a big support of kids through his youth group. Once the boys got involved they never left," Blake said.

On their arrival back to Taree, Blake is hopeful of organising a fundraiser at Taree Skate Park.

"We could have the camels doing trips around the oval," Blake suggested.

He recommended anyone keen to get involved to get in touch with the team.

Visit their website or Facebook page to find out more.

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