Youth Program
APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2010 KOKODA CHALLENGE
YOUTH PROGRAM ARE NOW OPEN!
Click here to apply on-line now
The Kokoda Challenge Youth Program (KCYP) is an experiential learning program offering young people the opportunity to realise their full potential and gain a brighter future for themselves and their families.
Since it's inception five years ago, the KCYP has made a difference in the lives of 115 young people and in 2010 will be expanding to take on 52 young people between the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Tweed Branches.
The length of the program (14 months) combined with the strong physical component and use of the Spirit of Kokoda is proving to be a winning formula. The fundamental philosophy of the program is about structure, discipline and boundaries, what is referred to as old fashioned values.
The KCYP has two prime objectives:
- To establish in young people a clear understanding that whatever achievements they gain in their lives that they are exactly related to what they put into it, whether that be school, jobs, professional and personal relationships.
Consequences of choices they make will have a profound effect on their happiness, future, lifestyle and what they achieve.
Making a difference
The Kokoda Challenge Association recently engaged an independent consultant to carry out a 5 year review of the KCYP. The report and evaluation findings were released in January 2010 and provided overwhelming evidence of the incredibly positive impact the KCYP has on the lives of the participants and their families.
The evaluation revealed that for the majority of 'Kokoda Kids' this program changes their life as they see the ‘bigger picture’, have more respect and empathy for others, more patience and tolerance, want to give back to others and are more grateful for what they have. It also helps participants make better choices in life, teaches them not to give up and that they can do anything they put your mind too.
Many of the young people interviewed said they put the Kokoda values into practice every single day of their lives and gave examples of how they do this at home, school and in their places of employ
ment.
To read the full report of the 5 Year Evaluation, please click on the PDF image here.
To learn more about the impact the KCYP has on it participants, click on the links below to read the personal accounts of previous Kokoda Kids:
The eventual goal is to establish branches of the KCYP in major towns all over Australia and to help hundreds of young people each year. However, this can only be done with the strong support and continued success of our annual fundraising event the Kokoda Challenge. 2010 will be a year of consolidation and in 2011 the Kokoda Challenge Association will look at the prospect of opening branches in Victoria and New South Wales.
Please add your support by making a fully tax deductible donation to a team or donate direct to the Kokoda Challenge Public Fund through this website.
