Kokoda Youth Foundation

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Kokoda Youth Foundation

Proudly supporting Australian youth to do extraordinary things for more than 19 years. What is KCYP?

KYF is a registered charity founded by Vietnam Veteran Doug Henderson OAM in 2004. Compelled by the story of Kokoda, Doug believes that the key to keeping the Spirit alive is to incorporate Kokoda values into life-changing experiences for young Australians. To date we have positively impacted the lives of over 25,000 Australian Youth. Primarily through our flagship program KCYP (Kokoda Challenge Y

outh program). KCYP is a 15 month comprehensive journey where participants aged 15-17 years, come from all walks of life, looking to be the best version of themselves. Woven through the program is the history of the Kokoda Campaign of WWII. Our Kokoda Kids draw inspiration from the Australian Diggers that in the face of insurmountable odds, they achieved what no one thought possible. Teens are put through high pressure physical and mental scenarios over the course and it is through these challenges they are able to develop strong decision making and leadership skills and break through their perceived limitations.

17/06/2026

Over the weekend, our OTRT participants from Laidley and Beaudesert took on the 18km Brisbane Kokoda Challenge, pushing through the wet terrain, supporting one another and demonstrating Kokoda values every step of the way!

By persevering and achieving hard things, our young people stack evidence against themselves that they are strong, determined, talented and more than capable to do anything they set their mind to when they believe in themselves and are surrounded by a supportive community.

We are so proud of our young people!

16/06/2026

If you’re passionate about empowering the next generation and want a rewarding role where every day brings the opportunity to inspire, support, and create lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you!

We’re growing our team and are excited to be recruiting for multiple opportunities across Ipswich, the Gold Coast, and our Outdoor Education facilities.

✨ Team Leader Isurava Program (Gold Coast)
✨ Isurava Intake and Support Officer (Ipswich)
✨ Casual Outdoor Education Instructor (Maroon)

Join Team KYF and be part of a dedicated team supporting brighter futures for young people. Head to our website for more information and to apply ❤️ https://kyf.promo/4egGzxW

10/06/2026

Meet our OTRT Leaders ❤️

Our On the Right Track Program Leaders guide, mentor and inspire students from partnering schools Laidley State High School and Beaudesert State High School through their 6-month journey, helping them build confidence, resilience and a stronger connection to their education and community.

Swipe through to meet and get to know the faces behind OTRT and learn a little more about what they bring to the program ✨

We're so fortunate so have an amazing team of passionate staff and volunteer leaders who go above and beyond their working hours and in their own time to support the program.

05/06/2026

Your support invests in young people's confidence, sense of purpose and their future ❤️

By making a tax-deductible donation before June 30, you, can help us reach more young people, giving them access to transformative programs that create lasting positive change in their lives.

As the heart of our Foundation, we are so grateful for the generosity our community has shared and continues to share with us. Every dollar makes a difference, and we truly appreciate any contribution if you are in the position to give this EOFY.

Together, we can continue making a lasting impacting in young lives 🌱

You can donate via: https://kyf.promo/4uQfXed

03/06/2026

ISURAVA - PEAK EXPERIENCE 🌄🛶

Over the last 6 months our young people have shown lots of growth and we are so proud of each and every one of them. Their Peak Experience camp was a reflection of the Kokoda Spirit! The team canoed 6km in just 1 hour, completed a 12km walk in 2hrs 25mins and tackled a 12km hike in 2hrs 35mins! Our young people showed determination, resilience, teamwork and a fighting spirit from start to finish.

We are so privileged to see the growth of our young people. We know their future is very bright... 🌿

27/05/2026

OTRT CHECK IN: Laidley + Beaudesert! ⛰️👣
Already, our young people are sharing what they’re getting out of the program! Facing fears of heights, pushing themselves outside their comfort zones and learning the importance of mateship and supporting each other through challenges.

A few participants shared they’ve already made strong friendships within the group, while others reflected on improvements they’ve noticed in their own language and behaviour, and in those around them.

It’s been great to see our groups building confidence, connection and resilience so early on in the program! It is all uphill from here... 💛

26/05/2026

Leanne volunteered at our Kokoda Challenge events while her own kids took part and she now mentors young people through the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program, Leanne has become such a valued part of the KYF community 💛

After completing the Gold Coast 48km in 2022 with friends, Leanne stepped into a KCYP leadership role in 2023, before returning again in 2025 because she felt she still had more to give.

Over the past few years, she’s helped mentor young people as they build confidence, discover their strengths, work through challenges, and learn the Four Pillars of Kokoda along the way.

One of Leanne’s biggest highlights has been crossing the 96km finish line with her Kokoda Kids after nearly 37 hours on the trail together. She also shared how special it’s been watching participants grow throughout the program, especially hearing parents speak about the positive changes they’ve seen in their children.

We’re so proud to celebrate Leanne as a finalist in the Queensland New Volunteer Award, recognising the impact she’s already made through her commitment to supporting young people.

Thank you for everything you do for us Leanne 🙌

25/05/2026

Our Digital Detox Program helps young girls like Dhanvi step away from screens and reconnect with the world.

Young people, particularly young girls are navigating the pressures of social media, cyberbullying, constant comparison culture, and the feeling the weight to stay connected - without the tools or confidence to manage them safely. Our Digital Detox Program helps young people unplug, build balanced, mindful, and safe tech habits, while building confidence through fun, outdoor adventure over a fun, 8-day camp experience.

Applications for our Sunshine Coast Digital Detox Program (28 June - 5 July) are closing soon. If you know a young person that would benefit from this program, we encourage you to apply now via https://kyf.promo/4a1QnKT ❤️

22/05/2026

highest fundraiser, this can be collabed with kyf💥 HIGHEST FUNDRAISER SCHOOL TEAM FOR 2025 💥
We are so proud to announce that Lincoln, Andy, James, Eugene and Xavier, who made up Team MSHS96 T1 2025, from Mansfield State High School are our highest fundraising school team of 2025.

They have raised a huge $8,088 and participated in the Kokoda Challenge Gold Coast 96KM in the school category!

It is special to see our young people fundraising for other young people. This team is a wonderful example of our Kokoda values: Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice. Passionate supporters are the reason we are able to continue to deliver our life changing youth programs. Here we have Lincoln, accepting the award on behalf of his team! 💚⛰️

16/05/2026

A big thank you to our friends at Waterford Landscape Supplies and Garden Centre for hosting such a beautiful Mother’s Day morning tea last weekend, raising funds in support of the Kokoda Youth Foundation 💛 It was a lovely morning in the nursery space, enjoying tea, coffee, and even freshly baked scones - what a treat!

As the owners and management of Waterford Landscape Supplies and Garden Centre - Kim, Penny, Brent & Todd, we couldn't thank you enough as well as everyone who attended for a wonderful morning supporting such a meaningful cause! 💐

Address

1/26 Newheath Drive, Arundel
Gold Coast, QLD
4214

Telephone

+61755394141

Website

https://kokodayouthfoundation.com/

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