Sustainability Net-Zero Camp 2025

This year, our passionate Year 10 Environmental Leaders Jessica Jhoomun and Georgia Bell had the privilege of attending the annual Kildare Ministries ‘Sustainability Net-Zero’ camp at Edmund Rice Centre in Amberly. This transformative two-day experience focused on developing environmental leadership and spiritual resilience in our young people, equipping them with the knowledge and inspiration to drive meaningful change in our school community. The camp blended spiritual reflection with hands-on learning, creating a unique environment where students could explore the intersection of faith, science and environmental action.

Throughout the camp, our students engaged with several distinguished presenters who brought diverse perspectives to the sustainability conversation:

Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony: The program opened with a traditional Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by Elder Perry Wandin, grounding the experience in Indigenous wisdom about caring for country.

Alice Carwardine: Alice delivered powerful presentations throughout the camp, including an ecological mandala workshop, exploring the dynamics of living through ecological crisis through simulation activities, and sessions on integral ecology and Laudato Si, helping students understand the vital connections between mind, body, spirit and our relationship with Earth.

Lauren Dillon’s Continued Leadership: Lauren, a graduate from Clonard College Geelong who was instrumental in establishing this camp, led sessions on maintaining momentum and resilience through connection, and explored how failure can serve as a great teacher in our sustainability journey.

Linda Dolling from Kildare College: Linda facilitated reconnecting games and led the powerful Council of All Beings session, where students engaged in deep ecological reflection and role-playing from the perspective of various species and natural elements.

Beyond the formal presentations, Jessica and Georgia experienced the restorative power of nature through forest bathing, river walks, and body prayer led by Jane Collopy from Kildare Ministries. These mindful practices helped them develop a deeper connection with the natural world and understand the importance of spiritual wellness while working for environmental justice.

A highlight of the program was the opportunity for students to tell their school’s eco story, sharing successes and challenges with peers from other Kildare Ministries schools. Jessica and Georgia participated in collaborative planning sessions to identify priorities and new opportunities for environmental action. Jessica and Georgia returned from the camp energised and equipped with both the knowledge and spiritual foundation needed to advance our school’s sustainability efforts. They are now part of a broader network of young environmental leaders across Kildare Ministries schools, with concrete plans for ongoing collaboration and support.

Emily Aherne and Sarah Avitabile

Teachers: Sustainability Leaders