COMMEMORATE THE 100th anniversary of legacy australia
REMEMBRANCE DAY 2023
KOKODA LEGACY IS BACK
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 locally operated charity that has proudly supported Australian young people by inspiring them to do extraordinary things for more than 17 years.Â
Our experiential youth programs help young people gain physical and mental resilience, confidence, and instill in them the values of Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice through the story of the Kokoda Campaign in 1942. These values take their origin from Australian soldiers who fought the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea during WWII.
Still relevant today, it is our central mission to reignite these timeless values into our communities.
Each of our youth programs encourage our ‘Kokoda Kids’ to become active members in their local community and educates them on the Indigenous culture and history of Australia, always keeping the respect for the contributions of our diggers at the forefront. We challenge the kids’ deeply held beliefs, allow their limits and abilities to be explored, and provide opportunities for growth.
The Kokoda Youth Foundation receives no government funding and relies solely on donations and sponsorship from generous Australians, just like you. This may be through participating in our fundraising Kokoda Challenge hiking events, giving one off donations to our Foundation, or attending one of our Kokoda Outdoor Education facilities.
Everything we do is for the good of the kids and we would love for you to join us in making a difference in young lives through the Spirit of Kokoda.
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
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
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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.
