GEELONG KOKODA YOUTH PROGRAM

The Geelong Kokoda Youth Program (GKYP) is a year-long journey of personal growth, connection and resilience. Through mentoring, hands-on experiences and the challenge of the Kokoda Trek, we empower young people to discover their strengths, build confidence and create positive pathways for their future.

WHAT THE PROGRAM INVOLVES

SELECTION AND OPPRTUNITY

Each year, approximately 60 students are interviewed for a place in the Geelong Kokoda Youth Program.

With funding available for 24 participants, successful applicants join one of two groups of 12 young people, beginning a journey of personal growth, connection and opportunity.

TRAINING & MENTORING

From April to September, participants train alongside dedicated mentors from the businesses and organisations that support GKYP.

Through regular training sessions and shared challenges, young people build confidence, resilience, teamwork and meaningful connections with their mentors.

SKILLS & PERSONAL GROWTH

Throughout the year, participants take part in fundraising activities, first aid courses, mental health support, personal development nights and equipment preparation sessions.

Regular check-ins and shared experiences help young people build practical skills, confidence and resilience, while strengthening their connections with mentors and fellow participants.

THE KOKODA EXPERIENCE & BEYOND

In September, after months of training and preparation, participants travel to Papua New Guinea to take on the Kokoda Trek alongside their mentors.

The trek is a powerful milestone, bringing together everything they’ve learned about resilience, teamwork and perseverance.

But the journey doesn’t end there. Many young people stay connected with GKYP, building lasting friendships and continuing to receive encouragement and support from the program community.

OUR HISTORY

The Geelong Kokoda Youth Program (GKYP) began as a concept in 2012 and officially launched in 2013, welcoming its first group of 10 young people.

Since then, 242 young people have completed the program, each embarking on a journey of personal growth, resilience and connection. Through mentoring, physical preparation and shared experiences, participants work towards the Kokoda Trek in Papua New Guinea. We now are able to facilitate the program to up to 24 young people each year.

But the journey doesn’t end at Kokoda. Many participants remain connected to the program long after completing their year, returning to support activities, share their experiences and even mentor the next generation.

It’s this lasting sense of belonging, community and ongoing support that continues to shape the GKYP legacy.

TESTIMONIALS

The Geelong Kokoda Youth Program has changed my outlook on life and given me motivation to achieve my goals. Being pushed to your physical limits and being challenged so hard mentally gave me strength I never knew I had. Also seeing how happy the locals in PNG were with so little made me appreciate and be grateful for what I have every single day.

The program had a massive impact on my life, positively of course. It changed my view on life in many ways and taught me a lot about myself. I have formed great relationships that I will forever cherish and be grateful for. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the program, I would have never believed in myself the way I do now. It has been 2, nearly 3 years since I completed the track but the support from people in my group has never stopped. Some days I will hit a low point but I look back at how far I have come and remember anything is possible and that I will get through any rough patch in life because I am stronger than ever.

I definitely believe the GKYP changed my life. It helped me discover who I was and helped me overcome my fears. I’m very lucky to have the amazing opportunity as it has completely changed my life from being in an abusive household and homeless to now fully independent with my own job and house. Developing friendships with the sponsors and fellow youths was very rewarding and gave me a circle of support I knew I could lean on if ever needed.