Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge
The Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge is an annual program administered by ClubsAustralia and ClubsACT which offers young people between the age of 16 and 22 the opportunity to walk the Kokoda Track.
The program was originally developed by the NSW RSL & Services Clubs Association 5 years ago, and involved NSW RSL clubs sending a young person from their local community to walk the Track.
Expenses covered by ClubsACT include the cost of flying to Kokoda, as well as accommodation, food, camping equipment, boots and track permits. The intention of the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge is to identify young people within the West Australian community who are potential leaders, and who have an ability to both inspire and educate other young people within their local communities. The program has now been adopted nationally, with state club associations in NSW, Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia all funding the cost of at least one young person to walk the Kokoda Track.
Candidates are expected to walk the entire Kokoda Track, which at 155km is 59kms longer than the more popular eco-tourist track. ClubsACT believes that by walking the entire wartime track, young people have an opportunity to gain a greater understanding about a campaign that is rarely discussed in the classroom. More than 2,000 Australian soldiers are buried at the Bomana War Cemetery near Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea. Each group visits the cemetery at the conclusion of their ten day trip, an experience that is as emotionally draining as the walk is physically.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2010 program. The trek will take place from 27 September to 8 October, which is during the third term school holidays.
Should you be interested in applying then email kokoda@clubsact.com.au.
Applications close at midnight 16 June 2010.
Media interested in speaking with former participants of The Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge should contact ClubsACT’s Bob Samarcq on 0419 316 877.
The trek is conducted by Adventure Kokoda. For further information about Adventure Kokoda, which was established by Major Charlie Lynn in 1991, please click here. Adventure Kokoda is acknowledged as the most professional operator on the Kokoda Track and requires candidates pass a full medical by a GP before accepting their nomination.
