From Camping to Culture: Surviving 24 Teenagers and Exploring Ancient Aboriginal Lands

Twenty-four teenagers, outback NSW, no camping experience, and no showers—what could possibly go wrong?

I took leave from work to embark on this adventure as a volunteer Immersion Leader with Red Earth, an organisation that creates purposeful and meaningful connections with First Nations people through multi-day programs to Aboriginal communities. I helped lead this trip to Mungo National Park with a group of 15-year-olds, most of whom had never been camping before, so they could learn about the rich culture of Traditional Owners through local Elders.

Thankfully, not a lot went wrong—just a few bleeding noses, tears for home, and a bunch of stinky kids, all of whom gave us heartfelt thanks and big waves from the bus as they bid us farewell after five days together.

Setting out

Packing camping gear and catering for a large group is next-level camping organisation! We hired a 4WD and a trailer to collect all the equipment from a local shed, then picked up pre-ordered food from the Red Earth team. The camping trip was five nights long, but I spent three additional days preparing.

We then set off from Mildura, VIC, embarking on the 1.5-hour journey to Mungo National Park in NSW. The students, who arrived by bus, were excited but inexperienced campers. Unfortunately, nature had plans of its own, and day one greeted us with strong winds that made setting up tents a real challenge.

Learning from Aunty Vicki Clark

A highlight of our trip was welcoming Aunty Vicki Clark to the camp. Aunty Vicki, an elder from the Mutthi Mutthi tribe, has spent decades sharing her deep understanding of Aboriginal spirituality with others. One evening, she guided us on a cosmic walk under the stars, sharing stories of the “emus in the sky,” a part of Aboriginal astronomy that connects the stars to the land in profound ways.

The next morning, we gathered early to watch the sunrise over the ancient dry lake bed—a breathtaking sight that reminded us of the ancient history of this land. Later, we were treated to a stunning sunset over Mungo’s lunettes, the curved formations that give the area its signature landscape.

A deep connection to Country: A conversation with Aunty Tanya Charles 

One of the most memorable parts of our camping trip was the time spent with Aunty Tanya Charles, another Mutthi Mutthi Elder. For Tanya, Mungo is much more than just a place to camp—it’s a sacred and ancient museum that tells the real history of the land. 

Aunty Tanya talked about the land’s ancient heritage, how it reflects thousands of years of Aboriginal history. “Scientists have dated Aboriginal presence here back 72,000 years,” she said, a fact that left us all in awe.

But her stories weren’t just about survival through hunting and gathering. They were about resilience, adaptation, and the ebb and flow of Aboriginal life in connection with nature. Mungo’s landscape tells stories of good years, when the land flourished, and bad years, when the people had to rely on their deep knowledge of the earth to survive.

Her words brought a whole new perspective to the trip. The teenagers, most of whom had never thought deeply about the land they were camping on, began to see it through a different lens. They weren’t just setting up tents in the NSW outback—they were on ancient land that held the history of the world’s oldest continuous culture. It’s a powerful place.

Aunty Tanya’s stories reminded us all that camping isn’t just about adventure or fun—it can also be about learning to respect the land and the people who have lived in harmony with it for tens of thousands of years before us.

Discovering tradition with Aunty Sophia at Culpra Milli Station

After a few nights, we moved camp about two hours away to the Traditional lands at Culpra Milli Station, located along the banks of the mighty Murray River. This land holds a deep significance for the Aboriginal people, so being there was not just about camping but about engaging in practices that have existed for thousands of years.

We spent time with Aunty Sophia, a river and forest woman from the Barkandji tribe. She showed us ancient fish traps, and we were invited to participate in the time-honoured tradition of making clapsticks, traditional Aboriginal instruments.

With activities like these, everyone began to appreciate the deeper cultural significance of the land we were on. The whole group was able to see firsthand how the Murray River is not just a body of water but a lifeline that has sustained communities for thousands of years.

What the kids learnt

It became clear pretty quickly that some kids are used to things being a bit easier. One student, for instance, had to be shown how to find the perforation on a bin bag to tear it off. And of course, there were always a few mysterious “migraines” that conveniently appeared when it was time for chores. The really smart students listed themselves with dietary requirements to be served first at meal times. But they learnt real outdoor skills—the students quickly figured out not to stay in their tents during the hottest part of the day, and they also discovered that sleeping on a thin camp mat for five nights isn’t exactly the height of luxury.

Why I volunteered

I’ve always volunteered in some capacity, whether for sports clubs or school committees. With my kids growing up and the netball team no longer needing a coach, I was looking for a new way to give back, but this time involving something I loved too. Enter…camping.

I also have an interest in learning more about the true history of Australia, and connecting first-hand with Traditional Owners is the best way to do this.

Was it worth it?

Absolutely. We weren’t just camping—we were part of something much bigger, an ancient narrative that has shaped not only the landscape but also Australian history. The trip was a powerful reminder of the resilience, knowledge, and spirituality of Aboriginal culture, and how its traditions continue to resonate in the present day.

This immersion trip wasn’t just about pitching tents or cooking meals over a fire. It offered the opportunity to connect with the true history of Australia. Many of the teens struggled to grasp the vastness of time and what 72,000 years (or more) looks like. But by the end, they walked away with a deeper connection to the land and a newfound, deeper respect for our First Nations history.

For me, this didn’t feel like “work” at all. Volunteering in this capacity—sharing a passion for the outdoors while helping young people explore and appreciate nature, culture, and history—felt like a perfect match for me. My hope is that some of these first-time campers fell in love with the outdoors and will continue to explore its beauty. For others, even if this remains their only camping experience, I’m confident it will be a memory they cherish.