When Young Endeavour says that this is an adventure of a lifetime, they are barely touching the surface. The YEYS is by far the most transformational experience you will have.

Em V01/21

Now, perhaps more than any time in recent memory, our community needs programs like Young Endeavour. This year has brought significant challenges but we should not lose sight of the opportunity the future holds. Our young people should be confident that they have the ability – and thanks to programs like Young Endeavour – the capability, to shape our nation for years to come.

Young Endeavour Youth Scheme Patron, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley C DSC (Retd)

Upper Hunter Shire Council Youth Services has been sending local youth on Young Endeavour voyages for the past 20 years and the program has become a rite of passage. Places on the voyages are eagerly sought after as the participants returning from their trips have to a person raved about the experience, excitedly telling of the adventures, the personal sense of achievement from overcoming hardships and most of all the friendships forged. All who meet the young people on their return notice an increased sense of self confidence and community awareness. It is a life changing experience.

Upper Hunter Shire Council

To see an apprehensive face with barely a word said on day one to greeting a confident and smiling one at the end of a voyage, needs to be seen to be understood. Our Trevor Haworth Scholarship, in partnership with Sydney Cove Rotary Club and our Jim Israel Scholarship are testimony to what we are all about, particularly when we need young Australians, to maybe consider this vital career. It can be said with confidence we will be supporting the Young Endeavour Program going forward as a key ingredient in supporting young Australians.

Australian Mariners Welfare Society

The Young Endeavour Youth Scheme has supported many young people from Stepping Stone House to develop their team work and leadership skills, build their resilience and increase their confidence and self-esteem. All of the young people who have participated in the program reflect on this experience with fond memories and it provides a powerful reminder to themselves that they can overcome any of lives challenges and reach their full potential. Stepping Stone House provides a safe place for children and young people at risk or experiencing homelessness so they can begin to heal, build resilience, create connections and become the very best they can be and our partnership with Young Endeavour compliments this mission.

Stepping Stone House

From my perspective, it inspires kids to put themselves into positions of leadership. It’s just the best program we’ve ever been involved in.

Geoff Wing, Principal, Pennant Hills High School, Sydney

The Rural Youth Organisation of Tasmania Inc have been involved with the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme for over a decade.  Each year we offer a sponsored berth, which is always highly contested.  All participants have thoroughly enjoyed their time on the ship and cannot speak highly enough of their “experience of a lifetime”.  We feel this experience is a valuable exercise for team building, leadership and communication skills and of course meeting new and interesting people, and most of all having fun.

Matthew Young, State President, Rural Youth Organisation of Tasmania

The experience on board STS Young Endeavour has further challenged our candidates to increase self-awareness and develop teamwork and leadership skills through participating in personal and team challenges. The NSW Rural Fire Service Young Leader Scholarship has been offered to support the development of our young volunteers and I’m sure like previous winners, this voyage has seen them acquire new skills and a confidence that they will take back to their brigades.

NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons

The Young Endeavour makes participants more adaptable to circumstances and more con􀃀dent in dealing with different and unknown people and environments ... this experience can be utilised to build better workplace relations and teams.

Dr Joanne Finkelstein, University of Sydney

Being elected captain of a multi-million dollar ship was absolutely exhilarating.What I wanted was a challenge, and the responsibility and adrenalin I experienced in Young Endeavour were amazing. The problem solving skills, teamwork, the friendships, and working with so many different people in a small space has been a fantastic life experience which i would recommend to every single young Australian.

Kristy Reaks, V02/11