Leading child rights agency Save the Children is calling for registrations for its inaugural nine-day Born to Trek Kakadu adventure volunteering challenge to raise funds for indigenous kids to learn, grow and prepare for school.

Exploring Kakadu & Beyond is Save the Children Australia’s first ever domestic Adventure Volunteering program and is now open for registrations for people of all ages who are in relatively good health.

Save the Children National Community Engagement Coordinator Janosh Biczok said participants will challenge themselves physically by trekking and canoeing through Australia’s iconic Kakadu National Park. The trip will culminate in a visit to a Playscheme program in Darwin, where the volunteers will have the opportunity to take part in day-to-day activities.

“Surrounded by more than 20,000 years of Aboriginal Heritage we will observe Dreamtime Rock Art, swim in remote gorges, hike through magnificent gorges and cruise among the abundant wildlife of Yellow Waters,’’ Mr Biczok said. “This is followed by canoeing on the magnificent Katherine River.’’

“What makes this trip truly unique is that participants will be actively participating at the front line of Save the Children's work with early education programs for the children of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. Early learning is critical to helping children learn and experience new things and learning to share and socialise with other children.’’

The cost of the trip is $2595 and participants are required to raise a further $4500 - all of which is donated to local programs for Australian children.

“Through supported playgroups in community settings in Wadeye and the suburbs of Darwin, vulnerable and disadvantaged children are given opportunities to learn, grow and prepare for school,’’ Mr Biczok said.

St Kilda East resident Tiffanee Cook, 29, has already signed up to take part in the challenge.

“I’m really excited to explore that part of Australia as I’ve heard it’s really beautiful and I’ve always wanted to visit,” Ms Cook said. “I consider myself very lucky to have this opportunity and I hope that in return I can bring loads of awareness, support and additional participants to get involved and join me on the trek.’’

“If the Playscheme program didn’t operate, children would go straight to kindergarten without any prior learning. This program is all about helping children prepare and transition into school.’’