Kokoda Youth Foundation

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Kokoda Youth Foundation

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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 Youth 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.

16/10/2026

📵 What happens when you switch off the screen and switch on to real life?

Eight days of outdoor adventure, new challenges, meaningful connections and the chance to build healthier technology habits. 🌿

Our January 2027 Digital Detox Program is now OPEN for applications!

Designed to help young people step away from the constant pull of technology, DDP gives them the space to reconnect with themselves, others and the world around them. With parents involved in the process, the program helps build healthier habits that can continue long after camp ends.

Know a young person who could benefit from a digital reset? This could be their chance.
Head to our website and apply now for January 2027.

13/10/2026

Kokoda Trail has officially been completed by our Kokoda Kids! 🇵🇬

Our 2026 KCYP teams have completed their 96km journey across the Owen Stanley Ranges, walking in the footsteps of the Australian diggers who served in 1942.
Along the way, they learned the stories of the Kokoda Campaign, experienced the incredible culture and kindness of local communities and met people whose families have a direct connection to the history of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the 2026 Kokoda Challenge. Your participation in our event makes experiences like these possible for our young people. To our volunteer Leaders, Sam, and everyone who helped bring this journey together, thank you for everything you’ve given to these young people, not just on this trip but over the entire year. Thank you also to Kokoda Courage for facilitating this experience and hosting our young people.

KCYP is not finished yet, next up is the community service phase, where our Kokoda Kids put what they’ve learned into action and give back to the communities that have given them so much... 🌱

12/10/2026

OTRT: CLASS OF 2026 🎓🌱

Congratulations to our Laidley and Beaudesert On the Right Track graduates!
From that first hike, to the 48km, peak experience, community service and everything in between, you’ve put in the work and come such a long way!

It’s been very special watching you grow, back yourselves, build friendships and show up for one another. A big thank you to our distinguished guests, joining us to celebrate our young people and present their awards. We could not deliver this program without your helping hands.

This is not the end, it’s the start of everything you take with you from here. The skills you’ve learnt, the mates you’ve made and the confidence you’ve built will stay with you long after this chapter closes.
We’re SO proud of you all, and we’ll be cheering you on as you take on whatever comes next...

❤️

08/10/2026

WE’RE HIRING: CHANGE LIVES & LIVE YOURS ON THE GOLD COAST 🌴
We’re looking for a Youth Support Officer to join our growing team at our Gold Coast site, in the heart of Arundel.

Do you have the heart to change young lives through outdoor education, adventure and leadership?
You’ll join a strong team that supports each other, works hard and feels like family, while building the next generation's confidence, resilience and leadership.

Keen? Send your CV + cover letter to [email protected] and tell us why you’re interested in the role and your #1 go-to ice breaker!

21/09/2026

🎒 The packs are ready, the kilometres are behind them, and their biggest adventure is just days away! 🇵🇬

Training has been in full swing for our 2026 KCYP Kokoda Kids. They’ve learned how to carry their packs, work as a team, set up camp and pack down efficiently.

This Wednesday, our Kokoda Kids head to Papua New Guinea to walk in the footsteps of the Kokoda campaign and put everything they’ve learned into practice.

This is what the Kokoda Youth Foundation is built on... challenging young people, building resilience and creating experiences that stay with them for life.

We’ve watched them prepare. Now it’s time to see them take it on!
Papua New Guinea, here we come! 🇵🇬🥾

11/09/2026

A great day out with our Beaudesert OTRT participants, catching up with our KK Buddies for the second time!

Kicking off with a few team challenges: Wheelbarrow Races, the Ping Pong Bucket Challenge and the Pipe Game — putting teamwork, communication and a little friendly competition to the test!
We then headed out for a hike before making our way to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Canungra, where the group got stuck into some hands-on work, moving mulch and clear leaves around the site 🌿

To finish the day, we visited the Australian Army Military Intelligence Museum, with Major Mick Doonican taking us through the collection. From medals and uniforms to telecommunications equipment and artefacts from different periods of service, there was plenty to explore and learn about!

31/08/2026

Celebrating Jean — our KYF Volunteer of the Month!

Jean has been a pivotal part of the Kokoda Youth Foundation for many years. Her warm personality is felt from the moment you meet her. Through the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program, Jean has imparted wisdom, encouragement and cared deeply for the young people she works alongside, investing deeply into the next generation.

You’ll also find Jean out on the Kokoda Challenge tracks as an honorary member of our sweep team, trekking behind our final walkers to collect track markings and encourage the final participants across the finish line... And if you’ve ever reached a checkpoint at one of our events, you’ve likely benefited from Jean’s generosity as she provides all the lollies across our checkpoints, keeping participants fuelled with quick energy!

This year, Jean has gone above and beyond once again, sponsoring a portion of the KCYP trekking shirts our young people will wear on their upcoming journey to Papua New Guinea.

Jean exemplifies Mateship in the highest regard. She uplifts our young people, gives generously to her community and finds countless ways to support the work of KYF and the next generation.

Thank you Jean, for everything you give to our community. We are so grateful to have you as part of the KYF family.

27/08/2026

OTRT's Best Community Service Day Yet!

Earlier this week, our Kokoda Kids started their Tuesday at the Laidley Cultural Centre with the Day Club serving food. It was fantastic to see the OTRT Laidley crew jump straight in, work together, and, most importantly, build genuine connections and friendships with the elderly members of the community.

From there, the team headed to Tabeel Aged Care, where the OTRT Laidley Kokoda Kids teamed up with residents for some classic Bob's Game! Our Kokoda Kids had the opportunity to interact, chat, laugh, play, and make new connections. One very special moment was meeting one of the residents who is an incredible 101 years old!

Afterwards, the team headed back to the Cultural Centre to help with the pack down before taking a short break at the recreation grounds. Then it was back into it! The final stop was the Lockyer Valley Regional Council planting site at Lockyer Waters, where the team helped re-mulch the eucalyptus trees that have been planted to help provide future food and habitat for koalas. 🐨💚

Our OTRT Kokoda Kids have received such positive feedback from the community throughout their service days. We're so proud of the way they have embraced every opportunity to give back 🥹 Keep up the great work!

21/08/2026

Vietnam Veterans Day | Lest We Forget

Tuesday was a significant day of remembrance as we gathered at the Canungra Vietnam Memorial to honour those who served in Vietnam and remember those who did not make it home.

With veterans, their families, and members of the wider community in attendance, it was a meaningful opportunity to pay our respects and reflect on the service, courage, and sacrifice of so many.

This year’s Vietnam Veterans Day held particular significance, marking the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

The Canungra Vietnam Memorial is a powerful place of remembrance. Shaped in the form of the Long Tan Cross, it holds a special significance on Vietnam Veterans Day, with the setting sun aligning beautifully over the centre of the memorial wall.

Our OTRT Laidley Kokoda Kids were honoured to play an active and meaningful role in the service. They proudly stood alongside veterans, their families, and the wider community, showing respect, gratitude, and understanding for the sacrifices made by those who served. It was a privilege to see our young people representing the Kokoda spirit and giving back.

A day to pause.
A day to reflect.
A day to honour.
A day to remember those who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Lest we forget.

18/08/2026

Introducing Isurava: Pathfinders 🥾🌿

Isurava: Pathfinders is designed for younger participants aged 8–12 years. It follows the same core concept, values and intervention principles as the Isurava Program, with activities, expectations and delivery methods modified to be developmentally appropriate for younger ages. 🔭

🍃 If you, or a young person you know, could benefit from Isurava: Pathfinders, please complete an application form via our website.

Isurava: Pathfinders has been made possible thanks to the Queensland Government’s Regional Reset Program. As part of their Making Queensland Safer Plan, this initiative provides early intervention for young people who are at risk of disengagement or youth justice involvement.

Address

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

Telephone

+61755394141

Website

https://kokodayouthfoundation.com/

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