East Kimberley Service-Learning Tour

Student Leadership, Culture & Conservation

JSR’s Inaugural East Kimberley Service-Learning Tour

JSR provides our students with a well-rounded education, nurturing their intellectual, emotional, psychological, physical, and spiritual development. In particular, our Service-Learning program, Catalyst23, plays a vital role in that growth. This year, the East Kimberley Service-Learning Tour was a new and exciting addition to the program.

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During the final week of Term 2, a group of students embarked on this fantastic tour. Over the course of the transformative 10-day journey through the East Kimberley, students immersed themselves in cultural experiences and hands-on community service. Mr Kelly was the driving force behind the tour, which aimed to provide more than just a fun school trip.

The main learning outcome was for students to reflect on the society in which they live, to connect with the people of the Kimberley region and reflect on how Aboriginal people direct an Australian culture. We want students to understand the importance of community to all groups of people living in Australia and to explore the ways in which various groups can collaborate through a unified Australian identity.

To make the tour possible, we partnered with Infuse Travel, experts in providing school tours focusing on experiential learning.

Hands-on Service and Student Growth

A significant component of the tour was experiential learning through community service. Throughout the trip, students served in various ways, including selling raffle tickets at a local market, preparing hot meals at PCYC, cleaning animal cages, and gardening in the community garden.

To encourage collaboration, students were placed in different groups throughout the tour. As a result, they learned to value the unique skills each team member brought. By working together to solve new challenges, students developed a stronger respect for one another. In fact, they even discovered hidden talents among their peers.

Additionally, students learned the importance and value of flexibility. At times, the people they served had tough days, and plans had to change. For students used to structured school routines, this was a new experience. Nevertheless, they adapted quickly and found new ways to support others.

Each evening, students reflected on their experiences by sharing their ‘diamond’ (best moment) and ‘dirt’ (worst moment) of the day. Interestingly, many struggled to find a ‘dirt,’ which showed how meaningful the experience had been.

One of the biggest takeaways was a deeper understanding of First Nations peoples. Students learned about their pride in heritage and strong connection to country and community. They saw this love in action by participating in environmental conservation programs.

Exploring Country and Environmental Stewardship

While on tour, students experienced the vast beauty of the East Kimberley. They hiked Emma Gorge, relaxed at Zebedee Hot Springs, cruised Lake Argyle, and explored El Questro Wilderness Park.

Accommodation included ‘million-star’ hotels (swags under the stars). Students new to ‘swagging’ were supported by their more experienced peers.

They also learned about conservation efforts. At Kangaroo Haven, students saw how endangered species are cared for. The Department of Wildlife and Parks taught them about the threat of Cane Toads in the region. Students even joined a night-time Cane Toad muster.

The biggest learning curve for me was catching cane toads. Although initially challenging, it provided an important lesson about the impact of invasive species on the environment and the role communities can play in managing ecological issues.

Students also worked in a community garden, learning about sustainable food sources and connecting with the people the garden serves.

I met Mandy from the community garden that told me how she went through depression and family turmoil, but eventually found a way to find peace at the community garden.

The most rewarding part was seeing our students serve with their whole hearts. They shone as a beacon of hope for the future. We’re in good hands.

   Mr Kelly

Student Voices: Tour Highlights and Lessons

Our students had a fantastic tour experience, and they shared some of their highlights and biggest learning curves with us.

My favourite part of the tour was visiting Lake Argyle and spending time at PCYC. Hanging out at PCYC was a really enjoyable experience, and Lake Argyle was amazing with the cruise and swimming activities. Also, hanging out with the baby kangaroos was probably the most enjoyable part. The biggest learning curve for me was the cooking at PCYC, seeing that a huge community like that relies on people to cook for them every day.

I enjoyed the hiking across the cliffs seeing what mother nature had to offer. The biggest learning curve for me was probably working with PCYC. At first, I thought it would be boring and uninteresting, but I soon realised it was actually fun and the kids were really nice to work with. I enjoyed the swimming activities the most because I generally love the ocean and water, so the Lake Argyle cruise really stood out to me. The activity I enjoyed the most was going down to the football ovals and working with the community. This experience highlighted the way sport can create unity, strengthen relationships, and foster a strong sense of belonging.

Looking to the Future

This inaugural trip gave students experiences that will shape the adults they’re becoming. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Infuse Travel, Anglicare Kununurra, and the Anglican community in the East Kimberley. We’d also like to thank Mr Kelly for his work in making the tour a reality.

As we continue championing learning beyond the classroom, the East Kimberley Service-Learning Tour shows what’s possible when service, learning, and adventure come together.

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