Kokoda Youth Foundation
An Australian charity changing kids’ lives through outdoor experiences, mentorship, and
the Spirit of Kokoda
20 Years Helping
Aussie Kids
Changing Lives In
Our Local Community
Keeping the Spirit of
Kokoda Alive
About
Kokoda Youth Foundation
The Kokoda Youth Foundation is a local charity that has been empowering young Australians to achieve extraordinary things for over 20 years.
Through our experiential and challenging youth programs, we help young people build physical and mental resilience, boost their confidence, and develop the core values of Courage, Endurance, Mateship, and Sacrifice – inspired by the remarkable 1942 Kokoda Campaign.
Our mission is to reignite these enduring values within communities across Australia.
Each of our programs encourages our ‘Kokoda Kids’ to become active, engaged members of their local communities. They also learn about Australia’s rich Indigenous culture and history, while honouring the legacy of our diggers. We challenge participants to step outside their comfort zones, push their limits, and grow into stronger, more capable individuals.
The Kokoda Youth Foundation relies on the generosity of Australians like you. You can help make a lasting impact by taking part in one of our Kokoda Challenge fundraising events, making a one-time or regular donation, or visiting one of our Kokoda Outdoor Education facilities.
We exist to transform the lives of young people—for good—and we invite you to join us in making a difference through the Spirit of Kokoda.
KYF acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live and work, and extend our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging. We recognise the deep connection of  First Nations peoples to this land, and honour their proud history of service and contribution to our shared nation.Â
KOKODA CHALLENGE YOUTH PROGRAM
Kokoda Challenge Youth Program
Aimed at 15-17 year olds, this 9 month life skills program is for teens from all walks of life. It is built around our core values of Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice, while being focused on training for a peak overseas hiking experience.
Throughout the program, kids are challenged and mentored through weekly endurance hikes and volunteer community service to learn the skills that build personal strength and resilience to help overcome adversity and succeed.
On the Right Track
On the Right Track
On The Right Track (OTRT) is available in select high schools for students aged 13 - 15. This in-school program takes a proactive approach to support at-risk youth, aiming to prevent them from engaging in criminal activities and becoming disengaged from education.
The program runs one day a week and includes three months of training to prepare for the 48km Kokoda Challenge. It aims to foster self-discipline and resilience while helping participants push beyond their personal limits.
Following the training, students engage in three months of community service, giving them the opportunity to build positive connections within their local community.
Digital Detox Program
Digital Detox Program
Our Digital Detox Program (DDP) gives 12-14 year olds the time and space to disconnect from technology and become more conscious of their digital habits.
This fully-funded 8-day camp takes place every school holidays at our outdoor education facility, Kokoda Park, and has proven success for teens who are showing signs of digital dependence.
Through a series of adventure-based activities and educational workshops, participants create healthy new habits and boundaries in order to thrive in a digital world. It also provides parents with input and 6 months aftercare support.
Isurava Regional Reset Program
Isurava Regional Reset Program
KYF's new Isurava Regional Reset Program is a structured, phased intervention for Ipswich and Gold Coast youth aged 8–17 who are at risk of disengagement or justice involvement.
Delivered as part of the Queensland Government's Regional Reset Program, it combines trauma-informed practices, outdoor experiential learning, daily emotional regulation, and goal setting, all in a safe mentoring environment.
This fully-funded program offers a transformative experience with ongoing support for young people and their families.
Your Generous Donations Go Straight Towards
Learning about
indigenous culture
Partnering with your
local community organisations
Building more resilient and
confident young people
Helping us develop
new youth programs
Creating more opportunities
through school education
Changing attitudes
through trekking adventures
Providing a once in
a lifetime peak experience
Engaging kids in
their local community
Our Partners
How We Help
Success Stories
Over the last 20 years, the Kokoda Youth Foundation has proudly supported more than 1,311 teenagers through our locally run youth programs. We have seen huge life transformations, not just in the form of physical fitness but in our participants’ mental resilience, community contributions, sense of purpose, and social connections.
We are proud to share some of their incredible journeys.
As Featured In
SEE OUR RECENT SUCCESS STORIES
Keep Up To Date
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land we gather on, and extend my respects to Elders past, present, and emerging. We recognise the deep connection of First Nations peoples to this land and honour their proud history of service and contribution to our shared nation.
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About
Our People
The Kokoda Youth Foundation is a locally operated charity that has proudly supported Australian young people and their local communities for 20 years. Our experiential youth programs help young people increase their physical and mental resilience, confidence, and instil the Kokoda values of Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice through the story of the Kokoda Campaign in 1942. These programs are offered free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our supporters.
