NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2024
2024 KOKODA YOUTH LEADERSHIP TREK
30th September – 11th October
and is available to young people aged 17-25 years who have a family military background, come from a socially disadvantaged background, and/or are outstanding local leaders who would benefit from the KYLC.
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KEY DATES
Thursday 18th April 2024
Applications close
Saturday 18th May 2024
KYLC Workshop at Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club (All trekkers MUST attend)
30th September – 11th October 2024
Youth Trek
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.
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The opportunity to participate in a trek across the Kokoda Trail is a privilege akin to a $6,750+ scholarship. Participants should, therefore, understand that it is not a prize, a gift or a right – it 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.
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The trek itself is a physically demanding challenge. You will be required to be in adequate physical and medical shape and free of any medical conditions that may prevent you from completing such an arduous personal challenge. You will need to alert us of any potential health problems prior to the trek.
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The most important qualities for a successful pilgrimage are a sense of adventure, a positive attitude, a healthy body, an inquiring mind, an abundance of common sense and a good sense of humour.
"Once in a lifetime, one I am so grateful to have been given and one that will forever be kept in my memory. I can honestly say this has been the most rewarding, informative and emotional experience of my life".
The Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge (KYLC) 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. It provides participants with a practical leadership experience based on the achievements and sacrifice of our diggers during the Kokoda campaign.
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KYLC Manager Brad Smith, said the leadership program provides a major contribution to the community by:
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Encouraging these young leaders to help motivate their friends to take a positive role in their community and, among other things, reduce youth crime rates;
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Creating a source of young leaders coming back into their community; and,
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Encouraging participants to work with local community leaders on a range of projects.
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 instils in participants a commitment to community service, enhances 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.
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APPLYING + CRITERIA
Selection Criteria
Applicants should be able to fulfill the following:
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Aged between 16 - 25 years of age for the Young People’s Trek
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Appreciate the privilege of being chosen and who are willing to learn about the Kokoda campaign prior to their departure;
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Willing to commit to a rigorous physical training program to ensure they are physically capable of completing the program;
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Applicants should therefore demonstrate a strong desire to participate in the program. This desire can be measured by a willingness to conduct personal research in order to gain an understanding of the Kokoda campaign prior to the final selection of the participants;
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Participate in local media interviews and community events to encourage other young people to nominate for the KYLC program;
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Provide a personal report back to the Director and Members of the sponsor Club or Association about their experiences and personal development whilst on the Trek
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Ability to attend a KYLC workshop on 18th May 2024, at Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL Club, 20-26 Canterbury Rd, Hurlstone Park NSW 2193;
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Be able to travel:
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- Club Industry Trek - during August 2024 (5th to 16th August 2024)
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- Young People’s Trek - during the September 2024 NSW School Holidays
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(30th September to 11th October 2024)
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Currently have or be able to obtain a passport;
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Obtain relevant vaccinations;
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Cover out of pocket expenses, estimated at approximately $1,500 - $2,500 AUD.
​As part of the selection process, applicants may be requested to:
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Submit and essay that gives their personal background and story, including any information about the military service of their family members in past years;
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Attend a personal interview with the sponsor
​The success of the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge depends on the selection process.
The opportunity to participate in a trek across the Kokoda Trail is a privilege akin to a $6,750+ scholarship. Participants should therefore understand that it is not a prize, a gift or a right - it 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.
READY TO APPLY!?
Please read the 2024 Trekkers guide and complete the application form which can be submitted online via the form below or in person at Orange Ex-Services' Club.