An elite Australian youth leadership camp is under renewed scrutiny after disturbing allegations revealed that teenagers were subjected to simulated Holocaust atrocities as part of its program. Reports indicate that participants at Lord Somers Big Camps were forced to dig mock graves on a beach, take collective showers meant to evoke gas chambers, and endure intimidating nighttime exercises involving blindfolds and strobe lights. What was reportedly framed as character-building crossed into practices that child safety experts say risk severe emotional and psychological harm.

Investigations in 2023 by authorities and safeguarding bodies warned that several activities were deeply inappropriate, recommending an end to humiliating punishments, distressing reenactments, and confrontational exercises. Yet fresh reports suggest some of these practices continued, raising serious questions about deception, consent, and accountability. Parents were allegedly kept in the dark, while limited phone access left campers isolated during moments of fear and confusion. Survivors of the Holocaust and Jewish advocates have long warned against trivializing or reenacting genocide, particularly in ways that desensitize rather than educate.

SOURCE: WIN