In 2026, our Journey wellbeing program is returning with a renewed focus on supporting teenage boys through connection, adventure, positive mentoring and personal growth.
Developed as part of our Making a Difference (M.A.D) charitable programs, Journey has continued to evolve in response to feedback from participants, parents, teachers, volunteers and staff. This year, we have thoughtfully redeveloped the program to provide more targeted support for teenage boys as they navigate confidence, identity, emotional wellbeing, healthy relationships and positive masculinity.
For 2026, Teen Journey will be a fully charitable program thanks to the support of TLC Healthcare and the A & G Buxton Foundation, with places strictly capped at 15 young people. This small-group model allows us to create a safe and supportive environment where participants can build connections, challenge themselves and have the space to explore who they are and the people they want to become.
The 15 places are being offered through our school partnerships, with participating schools invited to identify and nominate eligible young people who they believe would benefit most from the experience.
Across Australia, parents, schools and the youth sector are increasingly recognising the importance of creating spaces where boys can develop resilience, self-awareness, empathy and strong social connections. Our renewed Journey program has been shaped by this growing body of evidence, feedback and our own experience working with young people.
Adventure as a vehicle for growth
A significant development for Journey in 2026 is the expansion of our partnership with AdventureWorks.
Building on an already successful collaboration, this year’s program will include an Adventure Therapist as part of the Journey experience. This additional therapeutic expertise will complement the outdoor adventure activities and reflective group processes that sit at the heart of the program.
Adventure has always been a powerful vehicle for growth. By combining evidence-informed wellbeing approaches with outdoor experiences and positive mentoring, Journey creates opportunities for young people to build confidence, strengthen relationships and discover more about themselves in a safe and supportive environment.
For the first time since the pilot, all 15 Teen Journey places will also be fully subsidised through our charitable programs, helping ensure eligible young people can access the experience regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
Supporting young people through tailored experiences
The evolution of Journey is part of our broader commitment to supporting the wellbeing of all young people.
Earlier this year, we delivered our Vibes wellbeing program for girls and female-identifying young people, providing a dedicated space to explore confidence, connection, identity and wellbeing. Vibes is part of our ongoing commitment to creating tailored opportunities that recognise the different experiences and challenges many young people can face during adolescence.
Young people can also participate in a wide range of inclusive experiences throughout the year, including all-gender Adventure Camps, Creative Arts Camps and other special-interest programs designed to foster belonging, confidence, resilience and connection.
Our Junior Journey program also continues to provide younger boys with an opportunity to build confidence, resilience and connection through age-appropriate adventure and wellbeing experiences.
We believe there is value in creating both shared spaces where young people can connect across different experiences, and targeted spaces where particular groups can explore issues that may be especially relevant to them.
For Teen Journey in 2026, that means creating a dedicated space for teenage boys to explore confidence, identity, emotional wellbeing, healthy relationships and positive masculinity. Alongside these targeted programs, our broader program calendar provides a wide range of opportunities for young people of different ages and backgrounds to experience belonging, confidence, resilience and connection.
As one of Victoria’s longest-standing children’s charities, we remain committed to investing in evidence-informed programs that help young people develop the skills, confidence and relationships they need to thrive.
