Young People Wanted To Trek Kokoda
MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday 25th May, 2010
Young People Wanted To Trek Kokoda
It’s the opportunity of a lifetime, an all expenses paid trip to walk the entire 155km wartime trail that is the Kokoda Track. Parramatta RSL will sponsor two youth from the Hills District to experience this adventure of a life time and is now seeking applicants.
To be selected for The Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge, the applicant must demonstrate that it is something they aspire to do. The program will only benefit those who appreciate the privilege of being chosen and who are willing to learn about the Kokoda campaign prior to their departure. They also need to be willing to commit to a rigorous physical training program to ensure they are physically capable of completing the program.
Warren Glenny, President and Chairman of Parramatta RSL said, “This is truly a once in a life time experience. I encourage young people from the Hills District to apply for this life changing experience.”
Parramatta RSL has supported each of the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenges run by the NSW RSL & Services Clubs Association by providing the opportunity for young people from the Hills District sporting community to embark on the life changing experience. Each year Parramatta RSL has offered a fully funded trip for one person from a Hills District sporting club/team to undertake the Challenge.
The Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge (KYLC) is a peer group leadership program promoted by the Association and overseen by the KYLC Benevolent Fund. The program was developed in consultation with former army Major, Charlie Lynn, of the trekking company, Adventure Kokoda.
The Challenge is aimed at young people at school or disadvantaged or unemployed young people in the community who are having difficulty in finding their way in society. It is also used to encourage young achievers with natural leadership skills
There are many benefits for those who participate in the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge. They will gain:
• An appreciation of our military history;
• A respect for the sacrifice made by young Australians of a previous generation;
• An appreciation of a culture whose values are not based on materialism;
• A sense of responsibility for the outcomes of the choices they make;
• An appreciation of the qualities necessary for effective teamwork i.e. loyalty, trust, honesty, courage, leadership, respect, discipline and sacrifice.
• An understanding of the characteristics of Australian leadership;
• An appreciation of the 7 essential understandings of effective leadership (self, others, culture, environment, history, present and future).
• An understanding of the purpose and value of community service.
If you would like to have the opportunity to be part of this once in a life time opportunity, fill out an application form, available from http://www.parramattarsl.com.au. Nominations close Friday 4th June, 2010.
Should you require additional information please contact the Castle Hill RSL Group Marketing Manager Melanie Morson on 8858 4818 or morsonm@castlehillrsl.com.au
The conditions
1. The young person can be male or female between 16 – 22 years old.
2. The Sporting club must provide a supporting reference/s to support the young persons application.
3. Preference will be given to those students who have a connection with Kokoda, ie relative fought there, they have studied the area or have interest in this area of Australia’s history. They must be able to demonstrate this to the panel.
4. Have an understanding of the role of the RSL and can demonstrate an appreciation of the role that our armed forces have played in developing Australia as a nation.
5. As the Leadership Challenge is a major personal development and life changing experience it is seen as an opportunity for the sporting club/ team to put forward young people who they consider to be ‘at risk’ or ‘under-achieving’ and that a historic journey of self-discovery would assist.
6. The Club also has a preference to provide the experience to those young people whose family situation would normally not permit them to have this experience.
7. The Club has to be convinced that the young person is or can be fit enough to handle the experience, both physically and mentally.
8. Must be a full time student or full time employee at the time of the trip.