Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge 2024: Applications Now Open!

“It breaks you down, tears you to your knees, but then it builds you back up again.” Brendon Speechley, a former participant.

Penrith RSL Club is calling for applications for the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge. The program takes young community leaders on a 10 day trek across the 155km Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea. Overseen by the RSL & Services Clubs Association, the program is aimed at creating greater awareness among young people of the Diggers sacrifice on the Kokoda Campaign, and to ensure that traditions live on. The program also aims to instill a commitment to community service, enhancing personal development and encouraging participants to become future leaders in their own communities.

Overseen by the RSL & Services Clubs Association, KYLC aims to create an awareness of the campaigns, sacrifices and incredibly gruelling conditions under which Australian Soldiers fought in Papua New Guinea during WW11.

KYLC is extremely challenging physically, mentally and emotionally. Applicants must demonstrate a strong desire to participate in the program by conducting personal research on the campaign and be willing to commit to a physical training program to prepare for the trip. This program is open to local youths aged between 17 to 25 years. Applications are now open.

“Once in a lifetime, one that 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.” Ms Amber Walker, a Kokoda Trek participant.

For more information on the trek, please click here to download the Trekker’s Guide.

Applications for 2024 now open on Thursday 1st February 2024 and close on Wednesday 10 April 2024.

Short listed applicants must be available for an interview at the club on Wednesday 17th April from 4pm.

Chosen applicants must be available to attend the KYLC Trek Workshop at
Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL on Saturday 18th May from 12 noon to 4pm.

For more details or to obtain a copy of the application form, visit www.penrithrsl.com.au or email leannes@penrithrsl.com.au

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