Our 6-month On the Right Track (OTRT) program is tailored for students aged 13-17 at risk of disengaging from their education. It helps them build real world skills through physical challenges, experiential activities and ongoing mentorship. Hear more from our recent participants….
Sam Grew her Confidence and Community Connection
What began as a fun adventure for Sam, turned into a powerful journey of personal growth, confidence and a new level of commitment to her school life and learning. Through Kokoda’s OTRT program, she was able to push beyond her perceived limits and unlock potential she didn’t know she had – a true testament to the program’s mission to inspire and help students develop a greater sense of accomplishment and purpose.
Riley was Rewarded for Pushing Beyond his Comfort Zone
“You’ve just got to push and get through it.” Riley said, when we asked him how he navigated this challenging, yet rewarding program
Riley was inspired to join OTRT after seeing the powerful impact the 6-month youth program had on his peers. Through a challenging three-day camp, including a tough mountain hike, he learned teamwork, resilience and that many obstacles are mental. Riley made new friends and learned that anything is possible when you apply the Kokoda Values of COURAGE, ENDURANCE, MATESHIP AND SACRIFICE.
You can help students like Riley and Sam grow both personally and academically, by helping Kokoda Youth Foundation provide more students with the support and tools they need to overcome any of life’s challenges.
Kia Ora, jingeri, g’day and warm Pacific greetings my name is Azania, and I’m a Kokoda Kid.
I was part of the 2022 Kokoda Challenge Youth Program (KCYP). I came across KCYP through an email that was sent out to my school, Trinity College. My mum and my teacher Mr. Cappleman, an avid advocate for KCYP, encouraged me to apply. I read a description of the program and made an application immediately! Unaware of the full commitment, besides knowing they did long, uninterrupted walks through the bush, and that my school participated in the Kokoda Challenge annually, I was excited about the opportunity.
When joining the program, I was anxious. The thought of meeting a bunch of strangers wondering if they were going to like me, and the doubt of completing 96KMs was playing out in my head before even attending our first meeting. I didn’t know what the next 9 months of my life would look like or even if KCYP was for me. One thing that was constant, was the excitement and adventures that may lay ahead of me. Later, I learned this was how everyone else felt at orientation.
We were allocated our groups by districts; I was a part of Gold Coast KCYP. This included our four volunteer leaders eleven Kokoda Kids. We broke the ice at orientation with some games and by sharing a meal with our families. Here we received the infamous red KCYP shirts. This set a foundation for our time at Camp Kokoda. On this camp, we connected on a deeper level. Complete strangers turned into connections likened to family.
During the program, there were weekly training sessions on Wednesday at the Pimpama Sports Hub. Each week my team and I would alternate in leading the training sessions. This included cardio, resistance training, callisthenics, and playing different games such as Red Rover. All these activities are beneficial for trekking through the bush. Personally, Red Rover was my favourite activity, because we would get really competitive and work as a team. Mateship, a pillar of the Kokoda Spirit, is the key to successfully completing KCYP as a cohesive cohort.
Each person in the Gold Coast team brought different experiences and personalities which enriched the group. On reflection, I don’t remember how physically demanding the numerous hills we climbed were. But, I remember all the random conversations I had with my team. Like Mo, the academic team member, telling us about science and singing songs… only so many bottles can fall off the wall. During our training hikes, we came up with a friendly game involving a rock. The rock would circulate within our group, and the person who had it at the end of the hike had to hold it on the next hike, adding a new accessory each time. Eventually, we began placing random items in each other’s bags for amusement.
Our first Kokoda Challenge was the Sunshine Coast 48km event. We had one supported checkpoint where we enjoyed a warm meal and encouragement from our families to recharge us. Naturally, some team members required emotional, mental, and physical support throughout. And we supported each other with each step. Thank goodness we had amazing leaders who diverted negative thoughts and helped us cross that finish line. I felt like I personally smashed it and was ready to go again, I finished that race on a colossal rush, feeling irrepressible!
Fast forward to July 16th, 2022, the day of the 96km Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge, one of my favourite memories. I know I definitely had my peaks and troughs on the track, as did my team members. On arrival, we found out that due to illness one of our leaders was unable to walk with us. That left an empty space within the team, but we carried Matt in our thoughts. The atmosphere was electrifying, buzzing with excitement, I had to contain myself because I wanted to conserve energy. There were hot air balloons in the air, hundreds of supporters, army members, a drumline, and most importantly my family. We all lined up at the starting line and the Gold Coast KCYP team was given the honour of being the first ones to step off. There I was, standing side by side with my team about to embark on the best journey of my life thus far. “BANG!” sounded the canon. Off we went, one foot in front of the other. The crowd was roaring. I spotted my family and gave them one last hug. The immense feeling of pride to be wearing the red KCYP shirt was indescribable.
We reached the water circuit at night. We were belting out the SpongeBob SquarePants theme song, and our infectious energy prompted other contestants to request songs, keeping their spirits high. Later that night most of us girls had our first of many pit stops in the bushes, as well as our first group experience using nature as our bathroom. I never imagined team bonding would occur this way. By the end of the program something that was so foreign before now seems so normal.
During the challenge I experienced weaknesses I never felt before. Not only mentally but physically, it was a humbling experience. I injured my calf just over the halfway mark. This impacted me significantly and had a flow-on effect on my team. With each step I took, I felt a sharp pain pulsating through my leg. The physical ailments started affecting me mentally. But I kept asking myself, “Why am I still walking? Who am I walking for?“. My biological dad passed away on that day in 2006, before I was born. I dedicated this walk to his memory and spirit. I knew that I had to prove to myself that I couldn’t let anything stop me and called on all the spiritual strength I conjured up to help me physically. We arrived at Clagiraba, the last supported checkpoint. I limped into the checkpoint, crying. My parents took me in their arms, gave me reassurance, and strapped my leg. My dad wrapped my biological dad’s bandana around my wrist so I could look at it, to draw on him when I felt low.
My clearest memory was in Nerang State Forest at checkpoint 13. I walked out of the checkpoint with Meg, my KCYP sister, and Carmen, our KCYP leader, on each of my sides with the boys holding our bags. I was beyond struggling, almost medically unfit to continue. But having them both support me, knowing I wasn’t alone gave me strength to persevere. We all suffered as one and were bound to cross that finish line together. Nothing was going to stop us.
Crossing that finish line with linked arms with one another full of unknown sensations. The emotions were unreal. The pride I had for my team, our leaders, the families and myself, the happiness that we completed the 96km challenge will always be indescribable, as no words can fully comprehend the journey we had. We completed the challenge in 34 hours 43 minutes and 53 seconds. I was unable to walk for 5 days after due to my injury. With no hesitation, I would do it all over again.
Buy now the focus had shifted to the Peak Experience in Cairns. All the KCYP teams were dispersed, and we would be experiencing the trip with another set of friends. Once we landed in Cairns, we promptly collected our bags and filled our water bladders with water from the airport bathroom basins. Then we were ushered to our bus and taken directly to our first hike of the trip. While hiking it was extremely hot and the humidity hit differently than back home. The views were breathtaking, along with the rich history that lay upon the tracks.
While waiting for our lunch from Subway to arrive, we rested next to a freshwater mini waterfall. To help us cool down we soaked our trekking shirts and dunked our heads in the water. We even filled our bladders up. Once we all started to get a little bit peckish, we lent on nature to feed us. Ryan, from KCYP Tweed, told us it was okay to eat the bums of green ants. I initially had to get over the fact that it was crawling around before entering my mouth. We indeed ate the bums of green ants.
The next day we had our tour around Cairns where we visited different historical sites, ranging from memorial sites to runways. We visited a dam that day. The water was gushing out creating strong winds, which was trying to steal our hats from us, but we held on tight.
We had the privilege to hike beside Milo, Mr Chips, Duffy, Jack, Priscilla, Bella, Snow, Casper, and Murphy. The famous 9 Donkeys. Each and every donkey had their own personality. Hiking alongside Milo on the first day was something truly magical. Although he was stubborn and would attempt to go off on his own journey, he and I bonded that day. We were also shown and taught indigenous techniques to gather food through spearfishing. And let’s just say, that if the village had to rely on me to bring food back, we would have starved.
At one point we were in the Daintree Rainforest swimming and rafting with turtles. Trekking around Cairns and sleeping at various locations was very therapeutic. We would set up our own campsite including our tents and a kitchen, something I have never been exposed to previously. I feel like I could rival Bear Grills with the experience Cairns has gifted me. One of the nights we were star gazing and listening to stories being told. The experience was captivating. Laying amongst my friends, it felt like we were there for hours, in reality, it was only 20-30 minutes. Staring up into the stars was a peaceful experience, that I will never forget.
After the peak experience, we volunteered for community events and organisations such as Kokoda Legacy, Raw Challenge, Surfing with the Disabled, Sea Shepherd Australia and many more. One of my favourite volunteering events was the Raw Challenge. We filled cups with water and handed them out, while cheering for the contestants, giving them motivation to carry on. I also did this at Kokoda Legacy, at the start and at the finish line. Surfing with the Disabled was so rewarding, you get to help the disabled by giving them a fun experience in a safe environment.
The program taught me that the only limitation in life is one’s mindset. The program enabled me to push myself beyond my perceived limits. Now I know I can do far more than I originally thought I could. I’ve also discovered that relying on others when you are vulnerable signifies trust and comfort in our relationships. And that in order to grow, you have to experience discomfort. Because of these experiences, I am a better version of myself.
I really believe that KCYP changes people and the way they look at life. It taught me to challenge myself more in everyday life. It is an opportunity to learn about yourself and gain a new perspective on everything you embark on. It also allows you to meet new people who will make an immediate impact. To those who are thinking about doing the program, I say “Do it!” you will regret not taking a chance on yourself.
I have been involved with the Kokoda Youth Foundation since graduating from the program. I’ve shared my journey preparing for the 48km Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge and volunteering at the challenge after completing the 48km trek. Thank you, KYF, for the experiences. Thank you to my leaders Leigh, Beau, Carmen and Matt. Thank you to my Gold Coast KCYP members Abi, Febe, Kai, Liv, Lochie, Meg and Mo.
Once a Kokoda Kid, always a Kokoda Kid!
The Kokoda Challenge Youth Program is a 9-month life skills program for 14-16 year olds, affectionately know as the ‘Kokoda Kids’. The program offers an opportunity for young people who are looking for direction and motivation to succeed.
Participants undergo 6 months of weekly training session followed by two challenges, the 96km Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge, and the KCYP Peak Experience. The Kokoda Kids then engage in 3 months of biweekly volunteer service days.
At the heart of the program lies the history of the Kokoda Campaign during World War II. Drawing inspiration from the Australian Diggers who defied insurmountable odds and accomplished the seemingly impossible, the KCYP instils the values of Courage, Endurance, Sacrifice, and Mateship, collectively known as the Kokoda Spirit.
Past Kokoda Kid, Olivia, spoke about her connection to the 1942 Kokoda Campaign at her KCYP graduation ceremony. You can read her speech below ↓
“In 1954 Young met the Late Queen and Duke of Edinburgh. He later lived in Kempsey and Dolphin Point. Ted Young died on the 17th of March 2003 at age 85 in Temora Hospital.
“I am so proud to be related to such a brave individual. I feel grateful to have such a personal connection to the Kokoda campaign because it made the entire program all the more meaningful. I believe it is imperative that we continue to learn about the sacrifices, small or great, made by our veterans. That sacrifice our brave soldiers made will never be forgotten.
Thinking back to 2009 feels like a stretch sometimes, but when it comes to the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program the memories are clear. I recall a school assembly for year 11 and 12 students where we watched a presentation and were told about the program and what it entailed. I liked how it sounded – being challenged physically and learning more about WWII. That day at lunch I spoke to some friends and found that some of them had done it the year before and recommended it. Doing the program in year 12 felt like a challenge but I had a feeling that I needed to apply.
I spoke to my parents who agreed that it would be a great opportunity for me. We met Doug and Anna and attended an interview. I got in! I was so excited. I didn’t really understand what it meant at the time but that feeling remained that I needed to do this.
I met my peers for a fitness test at Burleigh Beach. I can still recall having many thoughts racing through my mind. The day went well and by the end everyone was doing their best.
From then on it was weekly hikes with our Team Leaders. Sometimes, I really enjoyed seeing how much I could push myself when I was already tired, I felt a sense of pride in that. It was nice to be on my own in a group, silent with my thoughts or just taking in the fresh air and native bird sounds. I also got to chat with the other members of my crew and found it a little easier to come out of my shell with each conversation. It felt like the barriers that I had built up in my head were being broken down and I felt freer to be myself.
It came time for the ultimate challenge, we had become much closer as a group and had gotten fitter too. The Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge. I am sure I wasn’t the only one with a lot of feelings as we crossed the starting line, heading out with excitement and knowledge of the pain to come. I made it halfway when I had to be taken out due to exhaustion and a bad knee. At the time it was hard to bear that I hadn’t been able to finish it but reflecting on it now, I’m proud of how far I’d gotten and the person I was developing into.
Flying out to Papua New Guinea came quicker than I could process. Seeing the City of Port Moresby and the surrounding villages as we were bussed to Ower’s Corner was an eye-opening experience. Truly becoming aware of how different my life would have been if I were born in another country.
A new level of appreciation was growing inside me. My experience of the Kokoda Track in PNG remains difficult for me to summarise. The rainforest and mountains were breathtaking, and the people were humble. Learning more about what the diggers went through really brought home the sacrifice they made to protect our country. And the human bonds created with the fuzzy wuzzy angels showed a depth of humanity that was inspiring.
Alongside the values of Mateship, Endurance, Courage, and Sacrifice that were instilled in me was also a nurtured sense of gratitude.
Over the years I can recognise these values and where they have guided me to make important decisions in my life. Having the Courage to go for things like my motorbike license and scuba diving certificate, overcoming my fears and that voice that tries to hold me back.
Knowing that life is a journey of endurance, it may take a little long to get where you want but with perseverance you will get there. Understanding mateship and what it means to be there for others when they need it. Sacrificing the creature comforts for a longer-term goal or even just to better appreciate what we have, left such an impact on me during my trip to Papuan New Guinea.
I have volunteered over the years at the Kokoda Challenge events with my dad who has been helping ever since I was in the Youth Program. I enjoy that we have a common appreciation for nature and have had the opportunity to spend quality time together putting out track signs, moving around the big electronic road signs and even track marking with tree tinsel.
My favourite part of volunteering at the events over the years would be cheering on the competitors through checkpoints and watching them cross the finish line. Seeing the emotion on their faces was truly touching, and inspiring. It reminded me of what an incredible achievement it is to compete in these events and what I have achieved in my own life thanks to the KCYP.
I now have the honour of working with the Kokoda Youth Foundation as Admin and Event Liaison Officer and will get to interact with all the wonderful people the KYF involves and looking forward to what the future may hold.
My name is Tiffani, and I am a Kokoda Kid.
You might be scratching your head as you know me not as a ‘kid’, but as a part of the Kokoda Youth Foundation working team. However, journey with the foundation started back in 2015, when I became a Kokoda Challenge Youth Program (KCYP) Kokoda Kid.
I first heard about the program during a school assembly. A representative from the foundation gave a presentation about a “life changed opportunity” that would “help me reach my full potential”. At the oh so wise age of 15, I thought to myself “how could some program promise so much?” and pushed the program to the back of my head.
A few weeks later during a careers and university expo, I realized the opportunities that program presented. The words ‘extracurricular activities’ and ‘leadership’ reoccurred up in conversations about university, scholarships and future employment. So that afternoon while feeling motivated and driven I completed the application to become a Kokoda Kid, “surly this would tick the extracurricular box” I thought. Little did I know that I had just taken the first step in a journey that would change the direction of my life.
Before I knew it, I had been accepted into the program began training with my Tweed KCYP team. Every Wednesday we met at the Tweed Heads PCYC and completed our fitness training. This was followed by conversation around the history of Kokoda, something that I surprisingly became very engrossed in. Our team met again each Sunday at 4:30am for hiking training. It’s funny, now that I look back on the hikes, I don’t remember the grueling hills, endless false peaks, early wake ups and sore muscles. The memories that flood back are of the stories shared whilst hiking, the endless laughter and the feeling of being supported by my team. During our breaks we would listen to stories of the Kokoda campaign, learning about the four pillars of courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice. Each week, the spirit of Kokoda grew within our group.
Before I knew it, my team had completed the 96km Kokoda Challenge finishing in 32 hours and 31 minutes. To us, it didn’t matter the time we finished in, it only mattered that we finished together. After completing the challenge, we swapped our camelbacks for trekking packs and commenced our pack training. Our packs got heavier each week as we conditioned ourselves for the KCYP peak experience, walking the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.
I remember feeling excited and nervous at the airport. Despite all the training we did to prepare for the trek, there was still a fear of the unknown. After a couple of cuddles from mum and dad, we said goodbye and walked towards the security gates. We were on our way to walk in the footsteps of the diggers.
Each day on the track presented a new challenge. The humidity was indescribable, the hills appeared ten times steeper and longer than Polly’s and the homesickness was taking a toll. However, every time I felt like I couldn’t keep going I thought of the diggers. They didn’t have a choice to stop, they didn’t have consistent food and water supplies, they didn’t have the comforts that we had. So, putting one step in front of the other I just kept going, driven by the spirit of their sacrifice. Before we knew it, we had completed the track and were on the flight home. I remember looking out the window as the plane took off, knowing the version of me that would return was not the same me that left for the trip.
For the next 12 months we completed community service, one of the most rewarding aspects of the program. Then within a blink of an eye, I had graduated from the program. Upon completion of the program, I had a new view of the world. I had given me the desire to travel, I wanted to see where help was needed and how I could give back.
Since completing the program in 2016, I have travelled to over 35 countries, gone to university, had various careers, and have bought a house of my very own. If it wasn’t for the program, the old version of me would probably still be searching for her purpose. Instead, I sit here as a young woman who has ventured the world and found a passion in giving back. My work is my passion and I get to be a part of something bigger than myself; I help change the lives of others. I now work for the Kokoda Youth Foundation, not only as a part of the events team but as a qualified youth worker.
So, what did I get out of the program? The KCYP gave me the confidence to take on the world. It pushed me to travel well outside of my comfort zone, allowing me to learn things about myself that otherwise would have never been discovered. I developed a sincere passion for community and giving back as well as some lifelong friends. But most importantly I found ME. The real me.
Flashback to day five of the 2021 Kokoda Challenge Youth Program peak experience trek! We pulled Kokoda Kid Harry aside at our campsite at Jubilee Creek in Stannary Hills to ask him what he thought of the donkey trek and the entire program so far:
What has your Kokoda Challenge Youth Program experience been like?
Harry: My experience so far, I’ve made friends with a lot of people. This entire program has been very much life-changing I would say and it has given me new perspectives on what is important.
What have you gained from the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program?
Harry: Actually caring about what I want to do in the future. Like actually care about that and I appreciate the things that I have because I know that they can swiftly be taken away. And a lot of people won’t have those things and won’t have the opportunities that I have so I think I’m very thankful and understand that I’m thankful for the things that I have.
What has been the highlight of the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program?
Harry: it would probably be the leaders and Steve in general [a KCYP leader]. He’s really taught me a lot of times through this program and really changed my mind on a lot of things. All the people that are here and surround this program are all fantastic people and I think it’s a very good place to be.
What would you say to anyone thinking of applying for the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program?
Harry: Join! Just do it! I did it, I looked at it and I was just like you know, I’m just going to do it, I signed up online, I did it immediately and it’s been the best thing I’ve done so far in my life, definitely. It’s been a fantastic experience and I never thought I would even travel on a plane again at my age. All the things that are good about this program really add up and make it worth everything.
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.
