Justin joined Kokoda Youth Foundation Outdoor Education Department in 2022. He brings extensive experience in management and operations, having had a military career and previously owned a business. As a veteran Justin identifies with the Kokoda values of Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice and looks forward to sharing these with clients and colleagues.
When Justin isn’t at work he enjoys spending time Kayaking and bushwalking with his family.
Jared has been part of the KYF since 2019, when he joined the Foundation as a 2019 KCYP Kokoda Kid whilst finishing school.
Since then, he’s learned to live by the four pillars of Kokoda (Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice) and joined the Camp Kokoda team, where he’s been able to give back what he has learnt throughout his time as a Kokoda Kid and in the Outdoor Education setting.
Declan brings a deep passion for the outdoors and a strong sense of purpose to every program he leads. With extensive experience working at various outdoor education centres across South East Queensland, he has developed a rich understanding of how nature can be a powerful teacher.
Now proud to call Camp Kokoda home, Declan is driven by a profound respect for the history and legacy of the Kokoda Campaign. He is passionate about sharing the stories of the soldiers who fought along the Kokoda Track, using their experiences to inspire the next generation.
Through his work, Declan is dedicated to teaching and embodying the four pillars of Kokoda: Courage, Endurance, Mateship, and Sacrifice. Whether on the trail, around the campfire, or during team-building activities, Declan’s goal is to challenge, support, and empower young people to grow into resilient and compassionate individuals.
Katie has been involved with the Kokoda Youth Foundation since 2021 as a volunteer. In 2022 Katie was a participant in the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program, where she learnt about the Kokoda Youth Foundation in depth as well as the Kokoda Campaign.
Since then, she worked in other outdoor education facilities before joining the Kokoda Outdoor Education team as a camp instructor. She enjoys being able to facilitate growth and challenge in the young people attending camp and sharing with them the four pillars of the Kokoda Spirit – Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice.
Craig has over 35 years’ experience of working in the building and construction industry and brings his many skills to keeping our camp in tip-top shape. One of his latest projects is an obstacle course that students are tackling as part of their program.
When Craig isn’t working, he enjoys camping and hanging out with his dog, Kip, in his downtime.
Jase joined Outdoor Education in February 2023 as camp chef and has volunteered as an event cook for the Foundation since 2021. He enjoys time with his family (including his furry family), trying new recipes and time in the garden.
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.
