KOKODA YOUTH. FOUNDATION Supporting Young Australians

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1 KOKODA YOUTH FOUNDATION Supporting Young Australians

2 Overview Established in 2004, Kokoda Youth Foundation supports young Australians, inspiring them to do extraordinary things. We challenge their deeply held beliefs, allow them to explore their limits and abilities, and provide them with opportunities for personal growth. Central to Kokoda Youth Foundation is the Spirit of Kokoda, embodying courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice. These principles take their origin from Australian soldiers who fought on the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea during WWII. Still relevant today, KYF has developed programs designed to reignite these timeless values in the younger generation. Transforming the lives of hundreds of 12 to 17 year olds each year, Kokoda Youth Foundation has an inevitable impact on families, schools and entire communities. Embedded in each program is the philosophy that choices matter - and the effort you apply to each endeavour has a direct correlation to your success and fulfilment in life. KYF relies on fundraising, volunteer support, sponsorship and government funding. The bulk of our funding comes from fundraising efforts; particularly from The Kokoda Challenge, the 96 kilometre event held at the Gold Coast each year. Our competitors support Kokoda Youth Foundation, supporting young Australians.

3 Courage Endurance Mateship Sacrifice

4 Kokoda Youth Foundation Kokoda Youth Foundation is a registered charity (Public Benevolent Institution) founded by Vietnam Veteran Doug Henderson OAM. On the forefront of veteran s issues for more than ten years, Doug was inspired to start the foundation in July 2004 after listening to a guest speaker at an RSL conference talk about the Battle of the Kokoda Track and the Pacific Campaign. Compelled by the story, Doug believed that the key to keeping the Spirit of Kokoda alive was to incorporate Kokoda values into life-changing experiences for young Australians. Ten years later, Kokoda Youth Foundation has grown from a single youth program and event to a range of youth programs, events and camps. In 2012, KYF welcomed Keith Payne VC OAM as patron. Keith was awarded the Victoria Cross for his service during the Vietnam War and has dedicated years of service to supporting the veteran and general community. Mr Doug Henderson OAM (left), and Mr Keith Payne VC OAM (right).

5 ANZAC at our doorstep Spirit of Kokoda Gallipoli created a nation but Kokoda saved a nation. At Gallipoli we fought for the British Empire at Kokoda we fought for Australia. By July 1942, the outcome of the 2nd World War was not looking promising for Australia and her allies. Throughout Asia and the Pacific, the American, Chinese, Dutch and British forces had been defeated by the invincible Japanese Army - and Australia stood isolated, with imminent invasion on her doorstep. With Australia s crack forces engaged in another part of the world, Prime Minister Curtin dispatched 39th and the 53rd Militia to Port Moresby. In July 1942, the largely untested 39th Militia (just 480 men) were ordered to make their way over the Owen Stanley Ranges towards the village of Kokoda and the Japanese. For twenty one days these young warriors, who were labelled chocolate soldiers because they were expected to melt under the pressure, held fast against the 5000-strong, highly trained Japanese troops. Finally, the 2/14th Battalion and other Australian Imperial Forces joined them at Isurava village and the troops banded together with shared respect and commitment. Over the next five months, Australian and Papuan forces fought together under oppressive conditions on the Kokoda Track to conquer an enemy with far superior resources and manpower. Called Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, the Papuan porters escorted the sick and wounded down the track at their own peril and soon became Australian icons of the Kokoda Track. The young Australian soldiers faced many setbacks, yet through these testing ordeals they were transformed into a courageous band with a burning desire to rise to the occasion and stick by their mates. More than 600 Australians were killed and some 1,680 wounded during what is now recognised as one of the most significant campaigns fought by Australians in the Pacific. The legend of ANZAC - born at Gallipoli - held fast at Kokoda a generation later because of COURAGE, ENDURANCE, MATESHIP and SACRIFICE.

6 Our Mission To improve the quality of life and life skills of young Australians through the inspiration of the Kokoda Spirit. Our Vision To identify and assist young Australians at a cross roads in their life and provide support for them to reach their potential, particularly those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. To support all young Australians in the development of life skills that will support them into adulthood. To raise public awareness of the importance of the 1942 Kokoda campaign to the Australian people. To support the Kokoda community and the descendants of the Fuzzy Wuzzy angels. Our Values COURAGE: We support and encourage our people to stay the course even when times are tough. ENDURANCE: We believe that tests our people to stay the course even when times are tough. MATESHIP: We believe in the value or teamwork and of providing support for each other. SACRIFICE: We are built on the sacrifice of volunteers and the community spirit this inspires. ENVIRONMENT: We value the natural environment and aim for all our activities to have a minimal impact. YOUTH: We believe in the potential of our youth to create a positive future.

7 Supporting young Australians In March 2014, Kokoda Youth Foundation celebrated their tenth anniversary with a name change. The new name communicates our focus on supporting young Australians and providing opportunities to learn skills and qualities that matter in life, says executive chairman Doug Henderson. Kokoda teaches many things that are important - discipline, structure and boundaries. I always say to our Kokoda Kids that whatever they get out of life is absolutely and directly related to what they put into it; whether it s their schoolwork, job, profession or business, and even their relationships. And probably even more important are the consequences of the choices they make. The choices will get them every time. KYF recognises that the world is laden with risks that can affect children s and teens ability to achieve full health now and in the future, reducing their opportunities for education and occupation, and leading to isolation, frustrated ambition and potential, and disappointment. We support young Australians, delivering key programs, courses and opportunities to youth from all social backgrounds and targeting many different needs. Each year, Kokoda Youth Foundation helps many 12 to 17 year olds in these programs, and has a lasting impact on their families, schools and communities.

8 the KOKODA CHALLENGE SUPPORTING YOUNG AUSTRALIANS YOUTH PROGRAM When teenagers apply to do the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program, the one thing they all have in common is their desire for a stronger sense of purpose and direction. Participants come from every segment of society and KYF passionately believes that there is no difference between those who are expected to fail and those who are expected to achieve in society except for opportunity and the right support. KCYP differs from most programs because it s a long-term, 12 month commitment that includes six months of physical training and mentoring, and six months of community service. This extended timeframe allows for opportunities to learn, make choices, fail and flourish. Strict attendance and disciplinary standards, physical conditioning and social service leads to discovery and fulfilment. The Kokoda Challenge Youth Program includes: teams from Tweed Heads, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Toowoomba and Melbourne 20 weeks of Sunday bushwalks and mid-week training sessions inspirational stories from the Kokoda Campaign personal and team challenges in the 30km Kokoda Challenge Junior event and The Kokoda Challenge 96km event on the Gold Coast breaking down pre-set beliefs about personal limits and learning that the human spirit is capable of extraordinary things in the face of difficulty and potential failure learning responsibility and reliability, effective communications skills and dedication earning the right to participate in a trip to the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea and experience a meaningful cultural, physical and emotional journey community service, fostering social responsibility and an obligation to give back to the community that gave them the chance to participate in KCYP in the first place

9 ISURAVA YOUTH SUPPORTING YOUNG AUSTRALIANS This 12 month early-intervention youth boot camp is provided by Kokoda Youth Foundation in partnership with the Queensland Government and targets 12 to 16 year olds who are at risk of not meeting their full potential, and are exhibiting patterns of behaviour that may ultimately lead to entering the justice system. Named after a village in PNG where one of the most significant battles took place during the Kokoda Campaign of WW2, Isurava promotes the spirit of the ANZACs. The program identifies the values engraved on pillars at the war memorial at Isurava as key attributes for lifelong success: Courage (bravery and honesty), Endurance (strength and growth), Mateship (loyalty and integrity), and Sacrifice (selflessness and volunteering). Isurava Youth Boot Camp includes: BOOT CAMP a 10 day boot camp at Camp Kokoda where youths are physically and emotionally placed out of their comfort zone so that they revert to their usual patterns of behaviour opportunities for personal growth and learning how to function as a member of an effective group opportunities for identifying which of their personal values contribute to success Cognitive Behaviour Group Therapy during which teens learn social skills and how to better interpret and deal with difficult situations. The aim is to demonstrate how these life skills can be broken down and learnt in steps that will assist them in attaining their life goals a graduation camp acknowledging personal growth and focusing on setting and achieving future goals a mentoring phase that links youth with a strong community network Isurava Youth Boot Camp empowers teens to take charge of their lives, make better decisions and place their feet on a more successful path.

10 CAMP KOKODA THE JOURNEY BEGINS HERE COURAGE. ENDURANCE. MATESHIP. SACRIFICE. Camp Kokoda is a 660 acre outdoor education property in the Scenic Rim Shire on the shores of Lake Maroon, just one and a half hours south of Brisbane. This facility draws on Meebunn-bia s many years of outdoor education experience and accommodates thousands of young people every year. Camp Kokoda staff plan programs of varying lengths and with significant outcomes in mind. Camps include: school camps tailored to all ages and school objectives family empowerment adventures sporting and special needs adventures youth adventure camps corporate adventure camps Imagine stepping off the bus into a paddock in the middle of nowhere with a large garbage bag full of clothes, toiletries and bedding. There s a backpack provided into which you ll place your property and a share of communal food and water. After a short briefing session with your group, you hike to a campsite several acres away where you begin your adventures.

11 This is the start of an expedition-style experience designed to foster cohesion, openness and trust: it s ideal for any group of people working, living, studying or socialising together. Woven throughout the adventure is the timeless ideology of Kokoda and the values derived from the stories of the Track. You will visit up to five more campsites with a simple shelter containing camping equipment and a fire pit for cooking. You ll question your limits and examine your value system as you encounter activities like flying foxes, giant swings and ropes courses. This back-to-basics adventure is one that participants thoroughly enjoy and benefit from in many ways - abseiling flying fox giant swing high and low ropes course raft building canoeing

12 A fun way to go on school camp The goal of each school camp is to break down barriers to new ideas and experiences, and create opportunities for self-awareness and growth through awesome, challenging activities. Outdoor education camps teach self-sufficiency, survival skills and new ways of thinking. Students are guided through a series of Group Initiative Tasks (GITs) where they learn how to work as a team, take into consideration their own and other s strengths and weaknesses, and come to the realisation that ultimate success usually involves work/fail, work/fail, and work/succeed. Learning through family empowerment adventures These are designed around whole families, father and son, mother and daughter, sole-parent and child, step-parent and step-child groups. They reconnect families through good old-fashioned adventures, redefine the relevance of family and the individual s role within the family, teach families how to discern each other s needs and viewpoints and establish more effective patterns of communication.

13 the KOKODA CHALLENGE 96 KILOMETRES IN 39 HOURS COURAGE. ENDURANCE. MATESHIP. SACRIFICE. Kokoda Youth Foundation relies on fundraising, volunteer support and sponsorship to run the KCYP and keep their doors open, delivering respected services to the community. Their most significant cost is the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program rolled out for up to 70 Kokoda Kids per year. For this reason, KYF proudly hosts The Kokoda Challenge each year arguably Australia s toughest endurance event. This, and various other Kokoda Challenges offered in locations throughout Australia, gives corporate, private and school groups the opportunity to support Australian youth work by raising funds and engaging in life-changing experiences of their own. A gruelling cross-country four-person team event held over 96 kilometres within a 39 hour time limit each July, participants must train hard and adopt the celebrated Kokoda virtues to complete the course. The distance (96 kilometres) represents the length of the actual Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, while the 39 hour timeframe honours the 39th Militia Battalion, the first Australian troops sent to Kokoda on July 15, First hosted in 2005 with just 62 teams and 248 competitors, The Kokoda Challenge has now grown in size and reputation to over 550 teams with 2,500 competitors.

14 The Kokoda Challenge includes: a course stretching from Mudgeeraba, through the Gold Coast hinterland, and finishing at Nerang rugged terrain including numerous creek crossings and hills of more than 5000 metres in elevation 14 checkpoints with four of these manned by a support crew of family and friends four-person regular teams and five-person school teams fundraising and sponsorship a worthwhile community service great opportunity for personal growth and leadership This event is a popular coming of age experience for teens and a personal challenge for adults; however, its impact is more far-reaching than just providing a challenge to those directly competing and a life-changing experience to the next group of young people participating in the KCYP. It also promotes awareness of the Kokoda legacy and Kokoda Youth Foundation s great work throughout the entire community.

15 The Kokoda Challenge events the KOKODA CHALLENGE 96 KILOMETRES IN 39 HOURS COURAGE. ENDURANCE. MATESHIP. SACRIFICE. The Kokoda Challenge, Gold Coast (for teams from businesses, organisations, and the general public) - 96 km within 39 hours in the Gold Coast hinterland Stan Bisset Cup, Gold Coast (exclusively for school teams) - 96 km within 39 hours in the Gold Coast hinterland on the same course as The Kokoda Challenge Jim Stillman Cup, Gold Coast (exclusively for school teams) - 48 km in the Gold Coast hinterland, finishing within the same time frame as competitors from the Stan Bisset Cup KOKODA CHALLENGE HONOUR THE KOKODA SPIRIT BRISBANE Kokoda Challenge, Brisbane (open to the general public with the Clarry Meredith Cup open to schools) - 15 & 30 km events within 9 hours through National Park and Brisbane Forest Park KOKODA CHALLENGE HONOUR THE KOKODA SPIRIT TOOWOOMBA Kokoda Challenge, Toowoomba (open to the general public with the George Palmer Cup open to schools) - 15 & 30 km events within 9 hours through the Toowoomba Ranges KOKODA CHALLENGE HONOUR THE KOKODA SPIRIT MELBOURNE Kokoda Challenge, Melbourne (open to general public with Alan Kanga Moore & Peter Holloway Cups for schools) - 15 & 30 km events within 9 hours through the Dandenong Ranges

16 Annually, 250 school teams participate in The Kokoda Challenge, Gold Coast. Christophe Tanguy, teacher from St Andrews Lutheran College says: I wanted to congratulate you all for organising yet another outstanding event. It just keeps getting better. The organisation, care and dedication of all members and volunteers during the event was second to none and continually motivating for me, my team and all other St Andrews teams and support crews. The Kokoda Challenge raises funds to help our young Australians.

17 PNG projects Kokoda Youth Foundation donates money and resources to the communities along the Kokoda Track every year, assisting in various community projects that contribute to the living standard of the local people. For the two million preschool and primary school-aged children in Papua New Guinea, half a million do not attend school because of a lack of teachers and those who actually do attend sometimes share a teacher with up to 60 other students. Similar problems exist in health care, with shocking survival rates for childbirth and early childhood, and rampant malaria, AIDS and cholera. Only 3,000 community health workers serve a population of seven million people, giving each worker an average of over 2,300 people to treat. Kokoda Hospital does not have a doctor. Over the past ten years, Kokoda Youth Foundation assisted the people of the track with: medical teams building and maintenance teams building materials for projects such as improving the local school and hospital local agriculture and the water supply building school rooms at the village of Boonah on the Kokoda Track rebuilding Kokoda Primary School

18 Volunteers Volunteers are an integral part of Kokoda Youth Foundation. Without them, the services and events we provide would simply not exist. With only a small core staff, tireless hours are donated by community members and various clubs and organisations to the KCYP and The Kokoda Challenge, revealing a profound belief in (and demonstration of) the Kokoda Spirit. Leaders for the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program devote every Sunday and one evening midweek to training sessions for the first 20 weeks of the KCYP, and take seven to ten days of their holidays each year to accompany Kokoda Kids to PNG. Some leaders volunteer year after year and consider this their chance to give back to the community. On the weekend of The Kokoda Challenge, over 300 volunteers lend their time to ensure the safety of competitors and their support crews. Longstanding support from the Gold Coast Bushwalkers Club sees over 80 experienced personnel supervise isolated checkpoints along the 96 kilometre course. Hundreds of additional family and friends of competitors make up crews to support their team and cheer them home. Nurmerous Kokoda Challenge events held in cities around Australia also rely on the dedication and support of local volunteers. For these individuals and organisations we are immensely grateful. Kokoda Youth Foundation is always looking for new volunteers to help out during the year and over the weekend of The Kokoda Challenge. If you are interested, please contact our office.

19 Introducing the team Board Members Executive Chairperson Doug Henderson OAM Founders Doug & Anna Henderson Deputy Chair James Hall Secretary Nicole Zipf Treasurer Robin Bailey Directors Lindsay Hicks (founding member), James Hall, Rob Bailey, Nicole Zipf, John Crighton and Anna Henderson Patron Keith Payne VC OAM Youth Ambassador Duncan Armstrong OAM Staff Youth Services Manager Grant Summersfield Events & Operations Manager David Paynter Camp Kokoda Manager Laura Farnan Camp Kokoda Administration Manager Tracy Iselin KCYP Coordinator Noela Matthews PA to Executive Officer & Accounts Raeleigh Olive Community Engagement & Communications Jo Clark OAM Competitor Liaison Jan Klein Copywriter and Editor Debbie Cosier

20 Kokoda Youth Foundation P info@kokodachallenge.com kyf.org.au 1/26 Central Park Avenue, Ashmore, Qld 4214 PO Box 481, Southport BC, Qld 4215 ABN