Campfire Academy: a rite of passage for school leavers

Campfire Academy™ is a purpose-built rite of passage experience for school leavers, designed to bridge the gap between adolescence and adulthood through challenge, reflection, cultural immersion, and celebration.

At its core, this experience recognises a truth often missing in modern transitions:
young people do not need more entertainment — they need meaning, challenge, and guided transformation.

This is Australia’s most sought-after school leaver experience — one that parents trust, participants value for life, and communities recognise as a formative milestone.

Campfire Academy™ blends:

• The physical and psychological challenge of walking the Kokoda Track
• A structured life-skills curriculum delivered in real-world conditions
• Guided reflection and mentoring rooted in counselling and exercise physiology
• A culturally respectful, celebratory transition on a private PNG island
• A deep respect for PNG history, culture, and community

This is not an adventure holiday............It is a rite of passage.

The Kokoda Trail or known to the diggers as the Kokoda Track, is more than a just bushwalk, it's a trekking adventure you'll never forget! The 96 kilometre Kokoda Track (as the crow flies) still bears its battle scars in the shape of scattered ammunition, guns, helmets and stirring campfire stories. Trekking the Original Kokoda War Track is a right of passage all Australians should aspire to achieve. There are steep rugged mountains, treacherous ridges, jungle terrain, unforgiving rivers and rainforests with giant trees that will tower over you and look down, mocking you, at every opportunity. Walk the Kokoda Track with Our Spirit on a PNG Adventure that embraces the local culture and experience nature at it's wildest - just as our diggers did in 1942.

 

Our Spirit Kokoda: A Three-Phase Rite of Passage Experience

Our Spirit’s adventure walk is more than a trek — it is a structured rite of passage built around the legendary Kokoda Track. Designed to challenge, educate, and transform, this program integrates physical preparation, psychological development, historical immersion, and guided celebration into one coherent journey. Participants do not simply walk the track; they discover themselves through the history of our diggers and the shared experience of endurance, courage, and mateship.

Over 30 years, Our Spirit has developed an unrivalled safety and success record. Participants as young as 14 and as seasoned as 81 have successfully completed the trek. We strongly believe that preparation is the key to success, and our three-phase model ensures participants are ready — physically, emotionally, and mentally — for the journey ahead.

Phase 1: Preparation – Before the Track

The journey begins well before arrival in Papua New Guinea. Preparation establishes psychological safety, accountability, and intention.

Participants are guided through a structured pre-departure phase focused on:

• Mental readiness and emotional regulation
  We introduce tools to manage anxiety, uncertainty, and stress. Participants learn practical strategies for emotional control, resilience building, and self-awareness — skills that will be tested on the track.
• Physical conditioning and load management
  A structured pre-trek training program prepares participants for sustained physical effort in heat, humidity, and steep terrain. Grounded in exercise physiology, the program teaches pacing, recovery strategies, and injury prevention.
• Group norms, responsibility, and self-leadership
  Before stepping onto the trail, participants establish shared expectations around accountability, communication, and mutual support. The shift begins from “being looked after” to becoming someone others can rely on.
• Historical and cultural context of Kokoda and PNG
  Participants are introduced to the significance of the Kokoda campaign within the broader Pacific theatre of World War II. For those with family connections, we personalise the experience with detailed historical insights into relatives who served. This creates a deeper emotional connection to the journey.

Our comprehensive adventure package includes pre-trek training, airfares, accommodation, trekking permits, and logistical coordination. Guided by experienced Australian leaders with deep local knowledge and respect for PNG customs, participants begin the trek grounded in preparation and purpose.

Phase 2: The Rite of Passage – Kokoda Track

The Kokoda Track becomes the initiation phase of the journey.

Over multiple demanding days, participants are immersed in:

• Sustained physical challenge
• Heat, steep terrain, fatigue, and discomfort
• Shared responsibility and interdependence
• Daily facilitated reflection and “campfire” conversations

The track is not something to “get through” — it is the teacher.

Campfire Academy™ Curriculum (Delivered On Track)

Learning is embedded into lived experience, not lectures. Each day’s physical demands become the foundation for reflection and development.

Resilience & Adaptive Capacity
Participants learn how stress affects performance and how to function under load. They experience fatigue in real time and are guided to recognise recovery cues and mental tipping points.

Decision-Making Under Pressure
Choices change when tired, emotional, or uncomfortable. Participants explore how to pause, regulate, and respond rather than react.

Identity & Responsibility
The trek becomes a shift in identity. Individuals move from dependency toward responsibility — for themselves, their gear, their pace, and their teammates.

Connection & Communication
Trust is built step by step. Participants learn respectful leadership, empathy, and the power of encouragement when morale dips.

Respect for History & Service
Standing at battle sites, hidden positions, and significant markers along the Kokoda Track, participants learn about the endurance and sacrifice of Australian soldiers and their Papua New Guinean counterparts. History becomes tangible. Courage is no longer abstract.

These sessions are facilitated using qualifications in counselling (emotional processing and reflection), exercise physiology (performance under stress), military history (context and meaning), and expedition management (safety and flow). The environment naturally strips away distraction. What remains is effort, honesty, and growth.

By the end of the track, participants have faced discomfort, taken responsibility, supported others, and written the foundation of a personal “Life Plan” through guided campfire reflection.

Phase 3: Integration & Celebration – Private Island Experience

Upon completing Kokoda, participants earn the right to celebrate.

This phase is intentionally designed as:

• Expression without excess
• Celebration with containment
• Joy grounded in meaning

For three days, participants transition to a private island experience focused on cultural immersion and integration.

Private Island Experience

• Cultural engagement with local PNG communities
• Music, storytelling, dance, and ceremony
• Facilitated reflection sessions
• Space for joy, connection, and shared achievement

This is the release phase of the rite of passage.

After challenge comes celebration.
After responsibility comes expression.

Unlike traditional school-leaver celebrations, this experience is alcohol-moderated or alcohol-free by design. It is supervised without being restrictive, structured without feeling controlled. Participants arrive not as adolescents seeking escape, but as young adults marking a meaningful transition.

The celebration is earned — and therefore deeply felt.

The Outcome

Participants leave with more than photos and memories. They leave with:

• A tested understanding of their resilience
• Practical tools for stress and decision-making
• A stronger sense of identity and responsibility
• Deeper appreciation for Australian military history
• Connection to peers built through shared adversity
• A personal Life Plan grounded in lived experience

Our Spirit’s Kokoda experience honours the legacy of those who served while creating a modern rite of passage for today’s generation. It is physical and emotional. It is demanding and deeply rewarding. It builds courage, endurance, mateship — without the ultimate sacrifice made by our diggers before us.

The track teaches. The group supports. The experience transforms.

Adventure Package Inclusions

 Our comprehensive adventure package includes:

• Limited group size
• 3 Month training and preparation program (refer to tab for details)
• International Airfares and accommodation (refer to tab for details)
• Domestic flight on DASH aircraft to the start of the Kokoda history at Popendetta, all weather airstrip
• Complimentary travel insurance (subject to approval, refer to tabs for details)
• Campfire Academy (TM) faciliatation and program
• Australian leadership (refer to Leaders & Guides tab for details)
  • Pre-trek briefing at the hotel followed by daily briefings on the track
• Vehicle transfers to/from:
  • The start/finish of the Kokoda Track 
  • Visit Bomana Cemetery
  • Transport to island Celebrations
• Kokoda Track Authority - licence fees and trekking permits
• Village Fees
• Adventure accommodation - guesthouses/tents.  Single tent unless twin share tent requested.
• Group expedition equipment (carried by the legends) including:
  • Tents; cooking equipment; ropes; safety equipment; communication equipment (including satellite phone); etc
• eXtreme Cuisine (TM) nutritionally balanced, energy appropriate trekking meals and snacks
  • Our Spirit provides all trek meals pre-packed for the group from Australia, including breakfast, lunch and dinner which are prepared on the track. Breakfast and evening meals are supplemented with local fresh vegetables and fruit, when available. Our ability to adequately cater for preferential diets, such as Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten free etc is limited however, we are happy to discuss options for medically related dietary requirements, upon request.
• Certificate of completion

Airfares & Accommodation

Our adventure package includes:

• International economy class airfare Ex-Brisbane to Port Moresby return (other cities can be catered for).
• Pre-paid departure taxes from Australia and PNG
• Airport/accommodation transfers in PNG
• PNG domestic flight from Port Moresby to Popondetta (start of the Kokoda history)
• Package travel insurance/refund to the value of $240 (individual coverage subject to approval)
• 3 nights twin share accommodation on the island
• 1 night twin share accommodation hotel Port Moresby

 

 

Adventure Package Exclusions

The following personal items and expenses are not included in this adventure package. 

• Travel Expenses:
  • Domestic airfares and accommodation within Australia (if required - refer to inclusions for details)
  • Passport and visa
  • Personal expenses in Port Moresby 
  • Airline charges for excess baggage (limit of 20kg checked-in luggage and 7kg carry-on allowed)

• Trekking Equipment:
  • Backpack
  • Waterpack/bladder
  • Head torch
  • Personal items:
    • trekking boots and premium trekking socks
    • Sleeping Bag and Mat
    • appropriate clothing, footwear and hat
    • eating utensils (bowl, cup, knife, fork, spoon)
    • toiletries and towel
    • Basic personal first-aid kit, including insect repellent and pharmaceutical items
    • (FULL equipment list issued on booking)
• Medical Expenses:
  • Pre trek preparation and associated medical costs (including, but not limited to obtaining medical clearance, required prior to commencing the training program)
  • Malarial medication and any prescription medications recommended by your doctor
• Other Expenses:
  • Subject to availability, additional fresh fruit and drinks can be purchased from local villagers along the track, if desired
  • Handmade crafts and souvenirs can also be purchased from numerous villages along the track

Note: a comprehensive equipment checklist is provided to participants, upon receipt of the deposit and prior to commencing the training program.

Pricing

Our standard adventure package is:

$6200 all inclusive (including international return airfares from Brisbane) 
 

Please refer to the "Inclusions" and "Exclusions" tabs for full details on what is and isn't included. 

Note: prices stated are for trekkers carrying their own backpack (approx 12kg) with all personal gear including items provided by Our Spirit (i.e.  daily food ration pack) plus 2-3 litres of water. Our group guides carry all expedition equipment (i.e. tents, ropes, cooking equipment, group food supplies, etc..)

The following optional extras are also available at the time of booking or can be added up to 1 month prior to departure:

• Personal Porterage Service:

  To maximise your trekking enjoyment, hire the services of one of our PNG local legends who will carry either your own backpack - $650 or with one of our backpacks - $660 (limited to 16kg) along the track. If you choose either of these options, you will still be required to carry a smaller day pack (up to 6kg) with essential personal requirements.  
  
  Note: Unlike some trek operators, our porterage fees include all trekking meals and travel costs for the PNG local providing this service to ensure the income goes back to the village of origin and isn't wasted in Port Moresby.

• Singles Supplement:

  Our singles supplement is available for clients who want a hotel room to themselves on the first and last night of the trip. Additionally, they will be given their own tent to use for the duration of the trek. A surcharge of $330* is applied at the time of booking, if this option is selected.

Please contact us if you would like a copy of our budget, which covers exclusions and personal items for this adventure. Large group discounts and exclusive charters are also available on request.

* Subject to change in exchange rates between Australia and PNG.

 

Leaders & Guides

Our Spirit have the most experienced Australian Trek Leaders, Doctors, Exercise Physiologists and qualified medics on the Kokoda Track based on QUALIFICATION and experience (We do not subscribe to the common philosophy of "it worked for me, therefore it will work for you"). They ensure participant safety and deliver an experiential journey based on mateship, courage, endurance and sacrifice by: 

• Providing individual motivation and encouragement (including quaified pre-trek training advice and preparation)
• Having an approachable and humourous personality (nothing worse than being stuck with a miserable leader)
• Creating opportunities for team cohesion and personal development using the history as a conduit
• Presenting the most passionate and comprehensive historical briefings along the Kokoda Track (supported by various battalions from the Australian Military campaign. Eg. 2/16th and 2/14th, 39th, 53rd, PIB battalions 25th & 16th Brigades ).
• Providing tertiary qualified leadership frameworks. (Qualified Leadership Programs)
• Ensuring risks are mitigated with constant awareness and adaptation
• Guiding participants to significant battle sites on and off the Kokoda Track including the original wartime track (approved by Bert Kienzle and Stan Bisset 2/14th)
• Informing participants of cultural etiquette and educate participants on basic Motu (local Papuan language)
• Arranging ceremonial welcomes into villages
• Hosting a tour of the Bomana Cemetery
• Recognising and rewarding individual achievements on completion (including certificate of completion)

Our PNG Support Crew are Kokoda Legends are an essential part of our team and include: 

• Group Guides - provide essential local knowledge and safe passage across the Kokoda Track
• General Crew - carry our food supplies and the group expedition equipment
• Group Cook - prepares all trek meals and assists with general crew duties

Important: Unlike other trek operators, Our Spirit PNG support crew ratio is 1 local legend for every 2 trekkers, which enables us to ensure your safe direction and provide you with the best cultural experience on the Kokoda Track. Additionally, our package fees include all meals and airfares (to/from village of origin) for our local guides and support crew. 

History

The Kokoda Trail or known to the diggers as the Kokoda Track, is more than a just bushwalk, it's a trekking adventure you'll never forget!

This 96 kilometre track (as the crow flies) still bears its battle scars in the shape of scattered ammunition, guns, helmets and stirring campfire stories. Trekking the Original Kokoda War Track is a right of passage all Australians should aspire to achieve. There are steep rugged mountains, treacherous ridges, jungle terrain, unforgiving rivers and rainforests with giant trees that will tower over you and look down, mocking you, at every opportunity.

Walk the Kokoda Track with Our Spirit on an adventure that embraces the local PNG culture and experience nature at its wildest - just as our diggers did in 1942.

If you're keen to know more about the history of the Kokoda Track and its significance to Australia, we have a wealth of resources and information that we'd love to share with anyone who is genuinely interested. Please contact us now for more information or to book a history presentation for your interested group.

 

Itinerary

The following itinerary is recommended as a guide only. Track and weather conditions will inevitably determine the final journey of each trek. To maintain our unblemished safety record, all trekking is done during daylight hours only.  Trekking at night on cliff faces and across raging rivers increases the risk of injury and should only be attempted by experienced trekkers when absolutely necessary.  As many of our Aussie Diggers will attest, the journey across the Kokoda Track is one of respect to those who endured unthinkable conditions during the war in 1942.

Please click on the image below to display a full size/printable version of this sample itinerary.

Training & Preparation

Our Spirit have the best safety and success record of any operator on the Kokoda Track. We attribute much of our unrivalled track record to our pre-trek training and preparation program, which includes:

• Kokoda specific exercise program and nutrition advice - designed and monitored by our team of qualified exercise physiologists and Doctor.
• Psychological and motivational support and advice designed and monitored by Masters level qualifications.
• Personal equipment and training advice
  • Quality trekking equipment available from our online shop (free delivery with orders over $100)
  • Books for personal development
• Recommended training buskwalks and invitation to join Club Kokoda Community Walks throughout Australia
• Access to our vast Kokoda and other Alumni
• Clear instructions, travel advice, supporting documentation and timely communication leading up to the event

Testimonials

Our Spirit is proud to share with you genuine testimonials and Facebook reviews from clients who have participated in our expeditions. Beyond the standard written testimonials we have received over the years, a number of people have been interviewed independently by Creative Arts Director, David McIntosh and given their permission for Our Spirit to share their experience. Campfire Academy testimonials.

 

Considerations

Our Spirit is an Australian based entity that holds current public liability insurance and maintains comprehensive risk management procedures for all our adventures as part of our standard business practice. Our experience, safety and success record on the Kokoda Track is unsurpassed by any other trek operator, however there are still some things which you should take into consideration prior to booking.

• It is recommended that each person joining the party be physically prepared by the time of departure. An exercise program, including training walks and nutritional advice are included in the program. We do say no to people we feel may not have the right mindset or physical preparation to successfully accomplish teh challenge of the kokoda track.
• There are several sessions within the program that require training with full packs, (that is the backpack and all equipment you intend to use on the trek). By wearing or breaking in your hiking boots (aided by our specifically designed premium trekking socks), you will minimise the risk of blisters and unnecessary sweat problems if they can be addressed prior to commencing the trek. This all helps prevent issues such as trench foot etc.

Booking Information

We recommend that you make your booking for this adventure at least 4 months prior to the departure date to ensure you have adequate time for the physical preparation that is required. Bookings generally close 3 months prior to departure when international flights and accommodation are finalised.

During the booking process, you will be required to submit your contact details as well as personal information about your health, any conditions or prescribed medications you take; your current fitness levels (including your height, weight, activity) and your emergency contact person's details.

Additionally, you will be required to check all items on the terms and conditions section of the booking form. If you are under 18 years of age, you will also be required to enter the details of a consenting adult who will receive a copy of the form.

A non-refundable deposit of 10% is required to secure your booking with the final balance due 30 days prior to departure.

Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send an email containing instructions and important information that you will need to prepare for this adventure. Note: the booking form must be completed prior to the release of this information. Alternatively, please let us know if you prefer to receive the preparatory documents on a USB stick and we will post one to you.

IMPORTANT: Exclusive group bookings and group discounts are available by negotiation. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.

More Information

CONTACT US NOW if you would like more information about this adventure.

• Invite one of our highly qualified Kokoda Trek Leaders to deliver a comprehensive Kokoda Track History presentation to your group
• Discuss your individual or group requirements
• Have your adventure specific questions answered by one of our experienced Kokoda Trek Leaders.
• Request contact details for clients who have trekked the Kokoda Track with Our Spirit and are willing to discuss their experience with you.