Elite Australian summer camp simulates Holocaust atrocities, including mock gas chambers

Participants were forced to engage in Holocaust re-enactments, with campers forced to dig their own graves on a beach and take a collective shower, simulating gas chambers at concentration camps.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

An Australian youth leadership camp attended by students from some of Victoria’s top schools is facing renewed scrutiny after allegations that teenagers were subjected to simulated Holocaust scenes, humiliating punishments, and intimidating late-night exercises.

The Herald Sun reported that Lord Somers Big Camps, which have operated since the 1930s and bring together about 100 boys aged 16 to 18 with up to 200 volunteer leaders and staff, were investigated in 2023 by Victoria Police and the Commissioner for Children and Young People over concerns about participant safety.

A Safeguarding Services review that year found certain activities posed “potential risks to participants’ emotional and psychological wellbeing.”

According to the report, campers were allegedly made to dig mock versions of their own graves on a beach, take part in group showers meant to resemble gas chambers, and endure overnight wake-ups involving blindfolding and strobe lighting.

Leaders were said to have worn electric dog collars during some exercises. Other reported incidents included public humiliation, water being thrown on campers as punishment, and practices described as designed to be confronting and intimidating.

The Safeguarding Services review recommended that leaders remain clothed, that informed consent be obtained, that disruptive nighttime activities be limited, and that emotionally distressing practices cease.

However, the Herald Sun reported that at a camp held from January 3 to 10, some leaders were again shirtless and participants were still awakened during the night.

A separate 2023 report by a child safety expert and psychologist claimed parents were “actively deceived about some aspects of the program” and that limited phone access made it harder for campers to seek outside support.

A whistleblower told the paper that “most parents and schools have no idea of what happens on these camps,” describing the culture as having “major negative impacts” and calling for an independent investigation and the temporary standing down of leadership.

A spokeswoman for Lord Somers Camp and Power House said the organization self-reported to authorities in 2023 and that police “determined no action was required.” She said recommendations from child safety officials had been implemented and that those involved were informed of the outcomes.

The Herald Sun said the girls’ Lady Somers camp was not part of its investigation.

Participants were forced to engage in Holocaust re-enactments, with campers forced to dig their own graves on a beach and take a collective shower, simulating gas chambers at concentration camps.