Agroup of young people from around the world will get the opportunity to explore the South East in an exchange program hosted by a prestigious service organisation.
Campers from the Lions Club’s Youth Exchange Program will travel to Blue Light SA outdoor adventure camp Noorla Yo-Long this week.
The visitors were hosted by Australian families for two weeks before travelling as a group to Kangaroo Island on the first leg of their tour.
This year’s participants hail from Mongolia, Utah, Italy, New South Wales and Western Australia.
During their stay, the youth will learn about Aboriginal culture from indigenous elder Uncle Doug Nicholls and visit the Naracoorte Caves, The Sheep’s Back Museum and the Duck-A-Roo Wildlife Santuary.
Hahndorf Lion and Lions Noorla Yo-Long Camp director Amber Cauchi said last year’s camp was the first Lions Club’s Youth Exchange Program hosted by South Australia.
“Lions have been running these kinds of camps for over 75 years but South Australia has always missed out because the Eastern States are really exciting,” she said.
“It was excellent last year so we are doing it all again this year.
“We like to give them a bit of education on what Australia was like and what it is like now.
“They are sponsored by their own Lions clubs from across the world who help them financially to get over here and then once they are here we show them around.”
The Lions Noorla Yo-Long Camp is run by 10 committee members and supported by over 60 businesses, Lions clubs and members.
Mrs Cauchi said the aim of the opportunity was to create and foster an experience of understanding among the people of the world.
“They are over here to learn leadership skills, but for some of them it is also their first experience on a plane or being away from their family,” she said.
“One of the good things we are bringing back that we did last year is international food night, so the kids cook a dish that is traditional to them or something their mum cooks and they cook it for us.
“It gives them a bit of ownership and pride over what they are doing and it is teaching us.
“It is really about cultural understanding and if we can get these kids to participate in something they love, they are going to remember it for the rest of their lives.”
