Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge

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Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge

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The Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge is a peer group leadership program established by the RSL & Services Clubs Association in 2004.

The program involves an arduous 10 day trek across the original Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea, presentations at significant battle sites and discussions on sacrifice, courage, mateship, endurance and leadership. The program was developed by Charlie Lynn of Adventure Kokoda. The objectives of the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge are to:
• Create an awareness of the campaigns in Papua New Guinea during WW11.
• Foster an understanding of the environment, the languages, and the cultures of our nearest neighbour, Papua New Guinea.
• Encourage a commitment to community service.
• Develop adventure-based skills.
• Enhance the personal development of participants.
• Provide an opportunity to walk the Kokoda Trail to experience the conditions under which our Diggers fought and died for our freedom.
• Prepare participants for a future leadership role within our Australian community. Being selected for the trek is a privileged opportunity to develop personal leadership skills based on the values our Kokoda veterans held dearly. These include personal discipline, mutual respect, trust, mateship, courage and self-sacrifice. Successful candidates should be prepared to act as a community volunteer in some way after they return. Association CEO, Garrie Gibson, said the leadership program provides a major contribution to the community by:
• Encouraging these young leaders to help motivate their peers to take a positive role in their community and, among other things, reduce youth crime rates;
• Creating a source of young leaders coming back into their ranks; and,
• Encouraging participants to work with local community leaders on a range of projects. He said that for clubs the program had the potential to build stronger ties with the community and local business while increasing their relevance with young people who will be their future members and become the ‘custodians’ of the Anzac and Kokoda traditions. The leadership program aims to create a greater awareness of the sacrifices of the diggers on the Kokoda campaign among our young people to ensure the traditions live on. At the same time it instills in participants a commitment to community service, enhance their personal development by providing an opportunity for them to experience the same conditions under which our diggers fought and hopefully transform them for future leadership roles back in the community.

03/11/2026

Today, on Kokoda Day, we pause to honour the extraordinary courage, resilience and sacrifice of the Australian soldiers who fought along the Kokoda Trail during World War II.

Their courage, mateship, endurance, and sacrifice helped shape the values we continue to uphold as Australians today.

For the RSL & Services Clubs Association, Kokoda Day holds special significance through our Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge (KYLC).

Since 2004, our Association, together with the generous support of our member clubs, has provided more than 650 young Australians with the life-changing opportunity to walk in the footsteps of our Diggers along the Kokoda Trail.

The Challenge is about much more than completing a physically demanding trek. It is about developing the next generation of leaders, building resilience, understanding the importance of service and sacrifice, and carrying forward the ANZAC spirit.

We are incredibly proud of the role our member clubs play in making this program possible and ensuring the legacy of those who served continues to inspire future generations.

Today, we remember their sacrifice. Through the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge, we help ensure their legacy lives on.

Lest We Forget.

RSL & Services Clubs Assoc

09/10/2026

2026 Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge – Welcome Home!

After 10 days trekking the Kokoda Trail and 12 days away from home, our 2026 Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge trekkers are finally home safe and sound!

They set off on this journey as a group nervous and quiet, but returned with so much more than memories of an incredible adventure. They share a deep bond forged through challenging times, teamwork, resilience and a shared respect for the Australian soldiers who fought along the Kokoda Trail.

They are now Kokoda custodians — carrying forward the stories, sacrifices and spirit of those who came before them, and the lessons they have learnt along the way.

To their parents, families and friends, we know how proud you must be of what they have achieved. We share that pride and are incredibly grateful to see them return home safely.

The physical challenge was immense, but the personal growth, friendships and leadership lessons they take home will stay with them for a lifetime.

To our 2026 trekkers, congratulations on an outstanding achievement. You have challenged yourselves, supported one another and become part of something much bigger than yourselves.

Welcome home, everyone. You should be incredibly proud of what you have accomplished. The Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge family certainly is!

LestWeForget

08/10/2026

2026 Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge

As the group has now finished their journey across the Kokoda Trail, we’re pleased to share a selection of photos capturing some of the memorable moments from the trek so far thanks to Adventure Kokoda.

A highlight of the journey has been the opportunity to give back to the local communities along the Trail. Donations of school supplies and sporting equipment were warmly received by students and teachers, with plenty of smiles and gratitude shared along the way.

These experiences provide a valuable reminder of the strong connections, generosity and community spirit that make the Kokoda Trail such a special place.

08/10/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge trekkers!

After 10 unforgettable days on the Kokoda Trail, our group successfully completed their trek this morning, marking the culmination of an incredible leadership journey.

Led by Adventure Kokoda Trek Leaders Peta Bull and Ben Vahland, the group demonstrated resilience, determination, teamwork and leadership every step of the way.

Before departing Kokoda, the trekkers enjoyed a well-earned breakfast prepared by Marcella, before boarding their Tropicair charter flight back to Port Moresby.

Completing the Kokoda Trail is an extraordinary achievement and one that will stay with these young leaders for a lifetime.

Congratulations to all trekkers on representing yourselves, your communities and the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge with pride. We are incredibly proud of what you have accomplished.

07/10/2026

2026 Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge – Day 10

An early start this morning saw the group attend the Adventure Kokoda Dawn Service at the Isurava Memorial, a moving and memorable experience as they reflected on the courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice displayed on the Kokoda Trail.

Following the service, the trekkers continued on to Hoi, where they will spend their final night on the Trail. After ten days of challenge, growth and achievement, there is a real sense of pride among the group as they near the completion of their Kokoda journey.

Tonight, the trekkers will enjoy a traditional Papua New Guinean Mumu feast, featuring lamb, chicken, sweet potato, greens, banana and pumpkin, infused with spring onion and fresh coconut — a fitting way to celebrate their final evening in the mountains.

Tomorrow brings the final day on Trail and the completion of an experience that will stay with these young leaders for a lifetime.

PNG FutureLeaders

06/10/2026

2026 Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge – Day 9 Update

Our 2026 Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge trekkers have completed another challenging day on the Kokoda Trail, making their way from Templeton’s Crossing to the Isurava Memorial.

Despite another hot and dry day on the Trail, the group remains in great spirits. After a chilly night in camp, they set off early and enjoyed a well-earned morning tea stop at Eora Creek, with doughnuts providing a welcome energy boost for the journey ahead.

The climb to Alola tested both determination and resilience before the group stopped for lunch and continued on to the Isurava Memorial, arriving mid-afternoon.

With tired legs but strong minds, the trekkers are reflecting on the significance of the Trail and the leadership lessons they have gained throughout the journey. Tonight will be an early one as they prepare for tomorrow’s Dawn Service at Isurava.

Everyone is safe, well and continuing to show the teamwork, perseverance and leadership that define the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge.

05/10/2026

2026 Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge – Day 8

Bomber’s Campsite → Templeton’s Crossing

After an early start on the Trail, our 2026 Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge trekkers made their way to Templeton’s Crossing, covering 19 km through some of the Kokoda Trails most iconic terrain.

The group stopped for morning tea at Crossing 1 before continuing on to camp, where a refreshing dip in the cool waters of Templeton’s Crossing provided a welcome reward after a big day of trekking.

With another challenging day behind them, the group enjoyed some well-earned downtime in camp, reflecting on their journey and the leadership lessons they have gained along the way.

Everyone is safe, well and in great spirits as they prepare for the final stages of their Kokoda adventure.

04/10/2026

2026 Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge – Trek Update

Our 2026 Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge trekkers enjoyed a fantastic morning exploring Lake Myola 1 and 2, the surrounding hillsides and the historic hospital area.

The group spent time learning about the significant role this area played during the Kokoda Campaign, discovering a range of fascinating relics and gaining a deeper appreciation of the challenges faced by those who served here more than 80 years ago.

This afternoon, the focus turns to leadership, with a series of activities and discussions around camp designed to challenge and develop the next generation of leaders.

With washing drying and gear sorted, everyone is preparing for the final few days on the Trail. Spirits are high, the group is doing well, and they are looking forward to the journey ahead.

03/10/2026

2026 Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge – Day 6
Efogi Village → Bombers Campsite

After four challenging days on the Kokoda Trail, our 2026 Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge trekkers enjoyed a well-earned slower start to the morning.

A hearty breakfast of scones, banana bread and fresh pineapple provided plenty of energy for the journey ahead as the group continued deeper into the heart of the Trail.

Today’s trek covered 21.8 km, including 758 m of climbing and 273 m of descent, with everyone arriving safely at Bombers Campsite by late afternoon.

The group remains in great spirits and continues to demonstrate the resilience, teamwork and leadership that are at the core of the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge.

Tomorrow provides an opportunity to rest, explore the local area and reflect on the experiences and lessons learned so far on this incredible journey.

21.8 km | 758 m climb | 273 m descent

02/10/2026

2026 Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge Trek – Day 5

Our 2026 Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge trekkers arrived safely at Efogi Village after a challenging day on the Trail, including the demanding climb up Brigade Hill.

Along the way, the group stopped at Menari School for morning tea and presented donations to support the students. In return, they were warmly welcomed with flower leis and treated to a wonderful sing-sing performance, creating a special cultural experience and lasting memories for our trekkers.

It was another big day on the Kokoda Trail, covering 18 kilometres with 1,350 metres of climbing and 820 metres of descent.

Everyone is safe, in good spirits, and looking forward to the next stage of their Kokoda journey.

Address

PO Box 489
Curl Curl, NSW
1730

Telephone

+61407678783

Website

http://bit.ly/KYLC2023, http://rslservicesclubs.com.au/

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