The active8  Premier’s Youth Challenge is a youth development program which provides young South Australians with a range of exciting adventure based activities which enable young people to strengthen their involvement in the community. The program promotes in young people an increased sense of self-confidence, self-reliance, a spirit of volunteering and service to the community.

The active8  program is based on partnerships between community organisations and education sites to provide young people with local program activities which reflect the needs of the young people and the communities in which they live.

Local active8 programs consist of three essential elements:

Personal development including teamwork and leadership skills. It is anticipated that the development of personal skills will be achieved through a variety of experiential skill development activities such as bushwalking, music, team games, camps etc.

Skill development through activities that are structured, fun, challenging and appropriate to the needs of the participants and in which achievement is recognised.

Strengthened connection with community through relationships, meaningful participation and contribution.


Who is active8 for?

active8  is for young people in year 8 or above at a secondary education site. The active8  program requires a voluntary commitment from young people of at least 12 months. The participants engage in the program in groups of up to 30.

How does active8 work?

1. Each participant is eligible to attract a grant of $450 for each year of involvement. Participants in Australian Defence Force Cadet programs can attract a reduced grant of $225 for each year, which reflects the inkind support provided to these groups through the Commonwealth Government. A local Community Coordination Group manages funds for each program.

2. active8  is available for participants at no charge and includes the supply of clothing, instructors, camps and the like.

3. New active8  programs are developed as partnerships between Host Organisations (eg schools) and a registered Service Provider (eg St John Ambulance). Input from young people is required in deciding on to determine a program that is designed and right for them.