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Kokoda Kids

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24.01.2022 Tickets are live..... get in fast to see new Spider-Man movie and support a great cause.... my team Brisbane

24.01.2022 Our Brisbane and Logan Kokoda Kids at The Kokoda Challenge briefing night. And Carlos, one of our Brissy kids, rocked his speech! Go Carlos! Are you ready to watch these kids shine? And face their biggest challenge ever! ... Only 16 sleeps to go! #GCKC19 If you still want to attend a briefing night for the big event, (and theyre worth it) the Gold Coast one is in tomorrow night at 6pm. P. S. Dont forget to buy your Spider - Man tickets! Movie Night fundraiser is on this Monday!

24.01.2022 If you cant make the movie night but still want to support Kokoda kids team Brisbane donate away https://www.kokodachallenge.com/kcyp-brisbane

24.01.2022 Last weekend our Kokoda Kids takled the night walk and the support crew takled their first event. We all learned a lot about ourselves, our kids and the team. The Kokoda Challenge guys have written a great blog about the whole event, and the lessons weve learned and about the tenacity of these brave kids (see below). ... P. S. Dont forget to get your Spider-Man tickets! They are selling super quick!

24.01.2022 Meet the Kids! These kids are on a journey to follow in the footsteps of our young men and women who trekked the Kokoda trail during the second world war. They have been training hard. Hitting the track every weekend.... Heres just a few pics from their journey so far and of their recent 35km trek through the Gold Coast hinterland. They walked for 12 hours! And although tired, they still had a few smiles for us at the end. More pics to come as they tackle the 43km night walk this weekend!

23.01.2022 Any graphic designers out there? The Kokoda Youth Foundation is looking for someone to join their amazing team!!

22.01.2022 Its early and the Kokoda Kids are off on their final big day before the Gold Coast challenge. Theyll be tackling a huge rugged (probably slippery) hill in Army land. Its not the most brutal hill theyll face on the course but putting another 30kms under their belt means they will be more prepared for their biggest challenge >> the 96km. ... So if youre on the course today make sure you give them a big high five just to let them know how amazing they are! (And if you take any pics, make sure you tag us in them! )

22.01.2022 Pollys Kitchen (Part 3) The waiting game had begun. Since we left the kids at the last checkpoint we were a little nervous. The kids were struggling with teamwork and injuries had already surfaced. But we trusted our KCYP leaders to lead the kids and the process to iron out the kinks.... So we put on our best Pit Crew music and set up the food and chairs with the good ol Pollys rosters to keep us company. As the kids rolled in, the chaos began. Warm food, a hug from mum or dad, and a place to pop their weary butts took first place. Within 20 short minutes they were refueled and ready to take on the next leg of the journey. Unity had still not quite been accomplished... But we were hoping the long journey ahead would bring them together. #GCKC19 #mateship #endurance #sacrifice #courage

21.01.2022 The 10km Mark (Part 2) As parents we were excited to be able to watch the kids walk into this smaller checkpoint. Theyd worked hard as a team leading up to this event so we knew they would still be feeling pretty good. ... However, they were about to face their first challenge. The track was busy with lots of competitors, and the road was long ahead of them. As they walked into the checkpoint we could see they werent the happy campers we left at the start line and it seemed that miscommunication was splintering the group. Without a single goal they lacked unity. And if they wanted to get to the finish line they had to learn to not only talk, but walk together as a team. We all know the ending... They crossed the finish line. But this is not about the ending, its about the journey. Next: Pollys Checkpoint #GCKC19 #mateship #sacrifice P. S. Last day to buy tickets for our awesome raffle! P. M. For details.

21.01.2022 So it seems that Army land wasnt so tough... Just kidding... They collapsed at the end after they smashed out 30kms and did it with a smile! We couldnt be prouder! #GCKC19 #mateship #courage #endurance #sacrifice

18.01.2022 Our Brisbane #KokodaKids are not going to quit. Weve sent them out of Army Land checkpoint with little notes of encouragement from each of their parents. The next section can be rough but the kids have got sunshine, little words of comfort from a loved one, and each other on their side. #GCKC19 #mateship #endurance

17.01.2022 Were super excited because our kids are coming home! In the last 12 days they have trekked through torrential rain, slept on hard ground and met some of the beautiful people of Pupua New Guinea. Theyve also stood in the places where our Australian soldiers fought and died. And heard real life stories of the Kokoda track which will stay with them forever. ... So, watch this space because very soon well share some of the amazing stories that theyll bring home.

17.01.2022 Today is the day the kids face their toughest challenge. Today, at 1pm, they embark on a 43km walk that will take them well into the wee hours of the morning. Each step of the way theyre learning part of the four pillars of the Kokoda. This step in the journey requires sacrifice. They will sacrifice their entire weekend. And Sleep. And Comfort.... They will endure pain and persistent discomfort as they walk well into the night and further than theyve every walked before. But this is part of their journey. Hopefully theyll also band together, support each other and tackle their fears head on. If you have any words of encouragement, support and wisdom Im sure theyll love to hear them. You can comment below. And well share more updates as the day progresses.

15.01.2022 Hi folks! Just letting everyone know that tickets need to be pre-purchased before the event. There will be no tickets sold on the night. Thanks for understanding and have a great week!

14.01.2022 First leg done tonight for our training night walk. 18km done and dusted... 25km to go. We got a few smiles... But theyre not even half way. They got fed, rewatered, new socks... And a few hugs Keep going Kokoda Kids! You got this!... Follow our page to be inspired by the journey that these Kokoda Kids are taking. //P. S. If you love Spider-Man... We want you to come watch the NEW Far From Home on July 8th at a fundraiser MOVIE NIGHT! Buy tickets here >> https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=517537& //

14.01.2022 Heres a little of the story of the 96km Brisbane Kokoda Kids team in pictures. The pictures can never capture all the story but maybe give you a glimpse of the journey. The Start Line. It was cold, noisy and the kids were nervexcited (thats nervous and excited all at once).... Mostly because this is what theyve been training for, and partly because they had no idea what challenges laid ahead of them. They were eager to get started, some more than others, so finally goodbyes were said and they stood guard of honour for all the 96k competitors. Its always touching hearing the last post standing in honour of those who have fallen, and those the fallen have left behind. While they stood as a team, there were things they would soon face that would challenge their notion of sacrifice, courage, endurance and especially mateship. #GCKC19 Next: 10km checkpoint P. S. Last days to buy some raffle tickets. P. M. us for details!

14.01.2022 #1sleeptogo In less than 12 hours the first team of Kokoda Kids will board their flight for a trip of a lifetime. Their last hike on Sunday was with their family and friends. It was an opportunity to do final bag checks, have a few laughs, and share their loads with those who have supported them this far. ... Its hard to believe that less than 5 months ago this trip felt a million miles away. And yet here we are. For everyone theres mixed emotions. For many this is the first time overseas, the longest time without their parents... And for most, their first time to a developing nation. Simply the leaving will be hard for some parents and even some kids. And there might be a few tears shed (... probably by me). But the trekking over the 10 days will be even tougher. Even gruelling at times. But were trusting that their preparations will serve them well and when we see them again they will be seeing the world with a brand new perspective. By walking in the footsteps of those who served our country well, were hoping theyll catch some of the courage and grit those young soldiers had. Only time will tell. During their time away the only updates well have will come from their guides (the amazing team at Getaway Trekking). You can follow them to keep up to date and well be sharing them here too. Until tomorrow. #courage #mateship #endurance #sacrifice

13.01.2022 Kokoda Challenge Gold Coast Start line - the ode.

12.01.2022 Here are just some of the amazing leaders that will take our kids on the journey of a lifetime (and there are many more!) We know you give so much, sacrificing time from your own families, to lead these kids into their future. You give so much time, energy, patience and passion for our kids and we cant thank you enough! ... Hats off to you folks! #sacrifice #mateship #courage #endurance #KokodaKids #theleaders

12.01.2022 They made it! After 11pm tonight... 39 hours and 38 mins after they began... (So long ago). They finally finished! There were times when many of the Brissy Kokoda Kids wanted to quit. Like really wanted to quit.... But with the encouragement of their teammates, their awesome leaders, many of the volunteers, and a little bit of tenacity they continued on until they no longer wanted to quit. Until they could believe in themselves, that they could do it! Everyone is hurting, both physically and emotionally... But time will heal those wounds. What will not pass away is the memories that they all made this weekend! And the experience that will change them forever! #GCKC19 #mateship #courage #endurance #sacrifice #BRINGONPNG #maybeaftersomerest

12.01.2022 UPDATE Theres been some exciting updates coming in from Pupua New Guinea for all three teams as theyre now more than half way through their journey. Check them out below.

11.01.2022 You can relive the Team Brisbane night walk here.... All 43kms of it. The kids were amazing! And hopefully not too sore today.

11.01.2022 #13sleepstoPNG The time for preparation is coming to an end. Its been 5 months in the making and these kids... Boy these kids... Have walked over 500kms, stretched themselves out of their comfort zones, and then smashed new comfort zones again and again.... The Kokoda Youth program has challenged their physical fitness but more than that it has begun to mold these kids into a new breed of people. As parents we heard someone say at the beginning of the program that our kids would get themselves out of bed for training at 4am. We laughed. But we believed it with hopeful expectation. And no lie, my daughter has learnt to be her own master of the morning. (Most days ) I also know of a Kokoda kid who would barely smile at us as we dropped the kids off in the wee hours of the morning. But now chatters and smiles comfortably with people he barely knows. These little moments of victory is huge for a parent of a teenager. And its comforting to know that people like the Kokoda Youth Foundation care enough about the next generation to create a real program that changes lives! However, their greatest challenge is yet to come and while weve prepared them as much as we can they will still face many trials. Were hoping that the #sacrifice that theyve made through their preparation will cause #courage to rise up. That theyve built up enough resilience to get back up again in the face of many struggles. That #endurance is ingrained in their physical and mental bodies. And that they wont do this alone. The #mateship theyve developed will bring them home. #KokodaKids #bringonpng

10.01.2022 We're super excited because our kids are coming home! In the last 12 days they have trekked through torrential rain, slept on hard ground and met some of the beautiful people of Pupua New Guinea. They've also stood in the places where our Australian soldiers fought and died. And heard real life stories of the Kokoda track which will stay with them forever. ... So, watch this space because very soon we'll share some of the amazing stories that they'll bring home.

10.01.2022 Its 2:29am and 6 And the kids are done. Till next week.

09.01.2022 The kids are off hiking this morning carrying 12kgs on their back with this mug (wearing the official birthday outfit) leading the charge! Happy 50th Birthday Gerry! To an awesome leader, mentor and all round good guy... ... Raise your glasses people to Gerry! See more

08.01.2022 Kokoda Track Group One Update. Today our Kokoda Kids left the village of Manari (850m elevation) where they had some extra time to rest and regain their strength. They are about half way to Kokoda and today they will face Mission Ridge and climb over 400m in elevation.... During this time they will walk through the terrain where the battle of Brigade Hill took place. Where Australian soldiers fought a bitter battle against the Japanese forces for three days. This battle was one of the greatest defeats during the Kokoda campaign as many men were lost and retreat was declared. It will be a challenging time for our Kokoda Kids as they walk in the shoes of the Aussie soldiers, both mentally and physically. Its been wet and very slippery so far so were grateful for our Pupuan guides (the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels) whove helped keep them on the right track. Track Group Two Update They are a little behind group one as they started out from Port Moresby a day later. They have had some seriously wet weather which has given them a taste of the tough climate our soldiers faced. Yet theyre in good spirits as they keep climbing towards their goal of reaching the Kokoda village. Cultural Group Update Currently our cultural team are in Abuari meeting the villages and learning Pidgin - the native language of the Pupuans. They too have had their fair share of challenges as thick fog hampered their walk through jungle and over fallen trees. Im sure by the end of the day all Kokoda Kids will looking forward to climbing into their makeshift bed to get some rest before another big day.

07.01.2022 Dog tags are one of the most essential pieces of equipment that a solider has and the concept dates back thousands of years. Right back as far as Sparta. Theyre used as identification for many reasons but essential they are used in battle to identify fallen soldiers. At the completion of the PNG trek our Kokoda Kids received their dog tags. This has great significance. Its a rite of passage. ... It means theyve made it thus far with honour and grit. And accomplished what they set out to achieve. But their job is not finished yet. They have their final stage to complete. Some would say the most important stage. For the next ten months they will volunteer their time for community service. Its where they will give back and learn to expect nothing in return. The photos below are of the dog tag ceremony where all kids received their tags and a certificate of completion. There was a few special moments, many hugs and a few tears of joy. It was an opportunity to celebrate and share about the journey that has past and the changes weve all seen in the kids. (Hence the tears ).

07.01.2022 Only 11 sleeps to go till our EPIC movie night! Weve got lucky door prizes, raffles and the next installment of the Marvel universe - Spider-Man: Far From Home!! Tickets are selling fast so jump on now and get them before you miss out!... P.S. If you cant make it on the night consider donating to this amazing team of Kokoda Kids (link is in comments).

07.01.2022 UPDATE There's been some exciting updates coming in from Pupua New Guinea for all three teams as they're now more than half way through their journey. Check them out below.

06.01.2022 If you gave it everything on the weekend, like our Kokoda Kids did, it may take you a little while to recover. But hopefully youre doing better than these guys! P. S. Watch this space soon for some action shots of our kids on the course!

05.01.2022 Today we celebrated the epic achievement of the 96km trek completed by all four Kokoda Kids teams last weekend! Brisbane, Logan, Gold Coast and Tweed all accomplished amazing results. Well done kids and leaders alike! However the day turned out to be a little bit special. ... We were visited by William (Bill) Holzworth, a member of the battalion that fought in the trenches along many young Australians during the Kokoda campaign. It was such an honour to meet a man that fought to save Australia over 70 years ago. His battalion (and those that fought alongside) was inexperienced with little training yet gave us one of the most crucial victories of the Second World War. And while many of the details have faded from his memory - he remembers that it was a really good walk. And this is the reason these kids are walking the real Kokoda track in Papua New Guinea. It about more than just the physical challenge - but rather it is an endevour to hold on to the story, the tragedy and the success of the Kokoda campaign, from all those years ago. By meeting a real Kokoda digger and receiving their pack that will carry them almost 100kms I believe the kids caught a little glimpse of the reality that looms ahead. #8weekstoPNG #kokoda

05.01.2022 With the excitement and exhaustion of last weeks night walk behind them the kids looked head on at the next challenge. Their next walk. When you think its done. Get up and do it all again.... This weekend they walked over 12 hours, 38.9kms, with 1130m of elevation despite niggling aches and pains...and some not so niggling. Theyve been walking long days for almost 3 months now and most are starting to feel the toll. One of the pillars of Kokoda is endurance. This honours the journey of the soldiers along the Kokoda track, who suffered gruelling days trekking for 12 hours day after day, weeks after weeks. We can never truly understand what those young men and women experienced so many years ago but maybe these Kokoda Kids will get just a glimpse of it. P. S. Our Spider-Man fundraiser is only one week away! Get your tickets now! https://www.trybooking.com/BDLPH

04.01.2022 Its been 6 weeks since the Kokoda Kids marched their way to the finish line of the 96km Gold Coast Kokoda. But dont think for a second that training was over... Oh no! Training had just begun! #endurance ... Since then theyve been carrying an increasing number of kilos in their packs and climbing big mountains with them on their backs. Last weekend alone they hiked 18kms with about 20kg of PNG essentials in their kit. Good practice for the hills and valleys theyll see very soon. With only 3 weeks before they all fly out our Kokoda Kids have been split into new groups. This has been a challenge for many as small groups have become large ones and new faces mean challenging comfort zones. But its all for a purpose. #courage These new groups are determined by the track they will walk while in PNG. Some will take the same trail our Aussie solders took, while others will follow the trail of the history and get up close and personal with the people of Pupua New Guinea. Both trails will push them to their limits. And teach them about the rugged journey our diggers took and about the trials, tenacity and triumph of those who created the stories of Kokoda. #KokodaKids #23sleepstogo

04.01.2022 Over 18 hours ago the Brisbane Kokoda Kids started on a journey. A journey that will change their lives. Forever. And not just because theyve got to walk a really long way. Its so much more than that. Every small thing becomes a big thing when youre exhausted, stressed, pushed towards your limit and facing barriers that you physically cant move. Its the lessons you learn when youre at that breaking point.... And it takes so much more than physical fitness. It takes #courage to keep on going when everything in your body hurts. It takes #sacrifice when you have to put the needs of the team above your own.I t takes #endurance when youre completely spent at 2am yet youve got 40kms to go. And it takes #mateship because Kokodians can only achieve success as a team. #GCKC19 #brisbaneteam

03.01.2022 AND THEY'RE OFF! Our Kokoda Kids are on board and destined to the beautiful country of Pupua New Guinea. The Track Team 1 left yesterday morning and have been on track for almost 24 hours. Track Team 2 and the Cultural Team are only minutes from leaving the station (at the time of posting).... These kids have already made huge leaps and bounds in their personal development. But this trip will test them to their core. It will test their resolve. Their patience. Their physical fitness. And their self belief. It will also give them an opportunity to see the world not as they have it. The communities in PNG live very simple lives. With little to no electricity, running water, and no flushable toilets! We're hoping this will open their eyes to the privileged lives they lead and give them more compassion and understanding for others. It's an exciting time for them and us parents are a little nervous...but we know they're in good hands. We'll be sharing more about the trip in the following 12 days as we hear little tidbits of information as they're filtered back through the channels. Good luck to our all kids and especially the leaders as they guide them home! #kokodapng #courage #mateship #endurance #sacrifice

02.01.2022 AND THEYRE OFF! Our Kokoda Kids are on board and destined to the beautiful country of Pupua New Guinea. The Track Team 1 left yesterday morning and have been on track for almost 24 hours. Track Team 2 and the Cultural Team are only minutes from leaving the station (at the time of posting).... These kids have already made huge leaps and bounds in their personal development. But this trip will test them to their core. It will test their resolve. Their patience. Their physical fitness. And their self belief. It will also give them an opportunity to see the world not as they have it. The communities in PNG live very simple lives. With little to no electricity, running water, and no flushable toilets! Were hoping this will open their eyes to the privileged lives they lead and give them more compassion and understanding for others. Its an exciting time for them and us parents are a little nervous...but we know theyre in good hands. Well be sharing more about the trip in the following 12 days as we hear little tidbits of information as theyre filtered back through the channels. Good luck to our all kids and especially the leaders as they guide them home! #kokodapng #courage #mateship #endurance #sacrifice

02.01.2022 With only 4 sleeps to go to the 96kms (eekk!) its time to meet these amazing kids!! Our Brisbane Kokoda Kids team is super pumped (and a little nervous) leading up to one of the greatest challenges they will face in this program. They will walk together, trudge together, probably cry together, and certainly cross the finish line after 96kms together, before this weekend is over. ... So, lets take a moment and check out these awesome kiddies! P.S. Look out for the red shirts on the track this weekend and give them a high five to encourage them to keep on swimming! #GCKC19 #courage #mateship #endurance #sacrifice