Kokoda Challenge Youth Program (KCYP)
KCYP is a 14 month life skills program for 15-17 year olds, affectionately known as our ‘Kokoda Kids’, who come from all walks of life and every segment of society. We passionately believe there is no difference between those who are expected to fail and those who are expected to achieve – except for opportunity and the right support.
"The one thing that every ‘Kokoda Kid’ has in common is that they are seeking a sense of purpose and direction," says Doug Henderson.
THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFE TIME
Covid 19 travel restrictions mean the 2021 KCYP will differ from previous years, in that the peak experience will not be held in Papua New Guinea. We hope to return to PNG in 2022 but our 2021 'Kokoda Kids' will take on a new peak experience - a 10 day afghan camel trek in the Flinders Ranges. With rugged weathered peaks, red sand dunes and gum lined rocky creek beds, the Flinders Ranges in outback South Australia form dramatic and beautiful landscapes, with the added challenge of leading and camping with camels. This trek will still honour our Kokoda diggers, be culturally and historically significant and offers a truly unique adventure.
A 14 MONTH COMMITMENT
KCYP differs from other programs because it’s long-term. The 14 month commitment includes physical training and mentoring in preparation for the peak experience - a 10 day afghan camel trek in the Flinders Ranges. This trek will be a physical, mental and historical experience of a lifetime, followed by a period of community service to learn the value of giving back. The extended time frame allows for opportunities to learn, make choices, form life long bonds, fail and flourish. Strict attendance and disciplinary standards, physical conditioning and social service leads to discovery and fulfilment.
WHAT THE KCYP INVOLVES
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DOING WHAT YOU THOUGHT IMPOSSIBLE
20 weeks of Sunday bushwalks, mid-week training sessions, two-day overnight camp and participation in the 96km Kokoda Challenge.
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CREATING LIFELONG BONDS
Regular activities which encourage team work, cooperation and leadership skills, going beyond your comfort zone with likeminded people to make lifelong friends.
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EXPERIENCING HISTORY AND CULTURE
A funded 10 day afghan camel trek in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia, that honours our Australian veterans and enables you to experience our cultural heritage.
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GIVING BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY
10 months of community service to learn the value of giving back, the true meaning of sacrifice and a chance to give back to those who make this program possible.
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DISCOVERING YOUR POTENTIAL
Discovering a sense of purpose, forming life skills of responsibility and reliability, developing confidence and learning that you are capable of extraordinary things in the face of difficulty.
ARE YOU THE NEXT KOKODA KID?
Applications for the 2021 program on the Gold Coast and Brisbane are now open.
"KCYP completely changed my perspective on life, it helped me figure out what I wanted to do and what kind of person I wanted to be. It gave me complete life direction. It’s big, amazing and magical and it’s different for every person, it really does impact you as an individual and the way you see the world around you."
TIFFANY, 2015 KOKODA KID
"KCYP has been the best change in my life. I’ve improved in fitness, learned more values and how to take the Kokoda spirit everywhere with me. Because of this program I have the confidence and ability to run for school captain, because of this program I can achieve the unachievable and do the impossible."
MIKALA, 2018 KOKODA KID
"KCYP gave me the confidence to be the person who I am today. The fellow Kokoda Kids and Leaders have become some of my best friends, they’ve helped me gain direction and figure out what I want to do. Now I’m enrolled in University and I’m continuing to support the Kokoda Kids to come."
AARON, 2017 KOKODA KID
"Being a Kokoda Kid has absolutely changed my life, it’s given me opportunities I would never have had. Being able to create a bond, hike every weekend with people who have become like family, meet new people, make new friends, experience new cultures... It has been an unforgettable experience."
