Eco Warriors Australia recently ran our first camp with Bunjilwarra Rehabilitation Centre at Wirra-Lo wetlands in the State’s north. The on-Country camp was focused on learning through hands-on experiences, cultural connection and getting the opportunity to spend time in nature. Throughout the camp, participants had the opportunity to learn directly from First Nations people, including local Rangers, Elders and community members who facilitated workshops and shared knowledge about culture, Country and traditional practices. The camp created opportunities for young people to get out on Country, slow down and reconnect with the environment around them. Participants learnt about bush tucker foods, wetland restoration, artefacts, traditional ecological knowledge and the importance of caring for Country. Some of the activities throughout the camp included:
- Fishing along the river systems
- Kayaking through the beautiful wetlands, lakes and waterways
- Bush walks exploring native plants and animals
- Wildlife monitoring and habitat observations
- Swimming and spending time on Country
- Animal track and scat identification
- Bird walks and bird watching
- Nocturnal spotlighting for microbats, reptiles, frogs and insects
- Aboriginal artwork and creative workshops
- Campfire cook ups and sharing bush tucker foods
- Yarning circles and storytelling around the fire
- Workshops with Elders, Rangers and other special guests
- Learning about wetlands and restoration projects
- Traditional knowledge sharing and cultural learning
- Card games, team activities and lots of laughs
- Exploring different bush tracks, lakes and river systems
- Learning about native species, totems and connections to Country
- Mindfulness and quiet time in nature
- Building confidence through new outdoor experiences.
For some participants, this was their first time getting the chance to go camping, fishing or kayaking. Opportunities like this are incredibly important because they give young people the chance to build confidence, try new experiences and create positive memories in safe and supportive environments. Spending time outdoors can have a huge impact on wellbeing, helping people step away from the pressures of everyday life, slow down and reconnect with themselves, culture and community.
The camp also highlighted the importance of wetlands and healthy ecosystems. Participants were able to see firsthand how wetlands support wildlife, improve water quality and provide important habitat for native species. Nights were spent doing nocturnal spotlighting where participants discovered microbats, reptiles, insects and other nocturnal wildlife while learning about totems, Aboriginal lore and the deep cultural connections First Nations peoples have with the land and waterways.
Camps like this are so important because they create opportunities for cultural learning, healing, connection and belonging. They allow young people to build stronger relationships with Country, develop respect for the environment and learn directly from Elders and Traditional Owners. In a world where life can move so quickly, spending time on Country gives people the chance to slow down, breathe, listen and appreciate the beauty and knowledge that nature holds.
Each day was filled with laughter, learning, storytelling and sharing meals together, including beautiful bush tucker foods. The camp was not only about education, but about creating meaningful experiences, strengthening connections and empowering young people through culture, nature and community.
