Our Year 8 students have just returned from nine days in Central Australia on a culturally immersive camp experience, learning about country and ancient practices of the Anangu and Arrernte people of Uluru and Alice Springs.

This authentic and unique opportunity for our students included a dynamic and engaging range of activities.  Highlights included a guided tour around Uluru at sunrise, Shabbat in a magnificent camp setting overlooking the East MacDonnell ranges and star gazing with expert guides and a fully equipped observatory at the camp site.  The exquisite site also featured its own wind and solar energy with a focus on sustainability and climate change awareness.

Hiking in the magnificent McDonnell ranges uncovered magnificent viewpoints and areas that are sacred to the world’s oldest living culture.

This experience has no doubt encouraged our students to appreciate the preciousness of life for all the world’s inhabitants.

Enjoy reflections below from two of our students:

Year 8 camp this year was a real treat! Over a week of bonding, learning and taking in the sites of beautiful Central Australia. We were in the Red Centre for a total of 9 days and 8 nights across two spectacular campsites. With our dedicated staff, knowledgeable and friendly guides, talented cooks and the two brothers who ran the whole operation; Tom and Danny, we were well taken care of!

After a layover in Sydney, we finally arrived in Yulara (the town outside the Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park). We settled in our tents for 2 days. We got to experience an amazing sunset at Uluru and Kata-Tjuta. We enjoyed the fresh air and the dazzling colours.

Our peers also experienced sleeping in a swag for the first time (a swag is like a one-person tent and acts as an outer layer for your sleeping bag). It allowed us to sleep under the enchanting milky-way and wake up to the colourful and beautiful sunrise.

Our time at the Uluru campsite was filled with fun and eventful activities. We woke up early for sunrise and went to local museums where we learnt about Aboriginal art and culture. We did the base trek around Uluru and rode camels through the desert. We had delicious meals, put on all our warmest gear at night and sat around a bonfire. One night, we went to a lookout, lay down and looked at the stars in our vast night sky while listening to a didgeridoo. Our guide pointed out many constellations like the Southern Cross. Now nobody should get lost because we all know how to navigate using the stars. 

Shabbat was also a highlight. We had a Friday night service under the gorgeous setting sun to welcome in Shabbat (thanks to Jade and Nina!). It was full of beautiful tefillot and great community vibes. Then we had a Shabbat morning service and a Havdalah service to farewell Shabbat.

After a five hour bus ride we arrived at the amazing Earth Sanctuary in Alice Springs. We kept our legs moving by going on long distance and challenging hikes. We walked many trails and went to lots of scenic locations. Such as Emily’s and Jessie’s Gaps, Standley Chasm, different parts of the Larapinta trail and more. At the stunning Ormiston Gorge we hiked up a mountaintop and looked down at spectacular hills and lakes.  

After a long yet exciting camp, it was time to go home. A final delicious meal and expert packing, we were off to Melbourne. This camp had been a series of ups and downs but it was filled with great memories too. Every little detail was organised by Russell Newman and the KDS staff and to them we are indebted. So once again thank you guys for giving us the privilege of an amazing outback adventure! 

By Giselle and Lennox (Year 8)