Central Coast based and veteran-led youth development organisation The Youth Regiment will run its next program from July 4-12 at Kincumber.

Co-founder and director Ryan Fox said the organisation was presently preparing the next Fortified Futures program, a fully immersive nine-day youth development experience designed to act as a circuit breaker for young people and families who feel they are running out of options.

Mr Fox said with youth crime, school disengagement, technology dependence, mental health challenges and family breakdown becoming increasingly common issues facing Australian families, the Youth Regiment’s philosophy was simple: high support-high standards.

The Fortified Futures program is the flagship program of The Youth Regiment, an organisation founded by Mr Fox, Matt French and Lynette Emert which operates with the support of Campsie RSL.

“We don’t run a holiday camp, and we don’t believe lowering expectations helps young people who have lost direction,” Mr Fox said.

“Participants enter a highly structured environment where every day, every activity and every conversation have purpose.

“Phones are removed, routines are reintroduced, accountability is expected and participants are challenged to step outside their comfort zones and rediscover what they are capable of.

“Many of our mentors are combat veterans who have continued their service by investing their experience, leadership and lived lessons into the next generation.

“The program also creates meaningful employment opportunities for veterans looking to continue serving their communities in a different capacity.”

Campsie RSL Group funded the youth regiment start-up nine months ago and the first nine-day program was held in April.

The program is staffed 24/7 supervision with a staff to participant ratio of 1:3.

The organisation accepts NDIS funding, community organisation funding and privately funded participants on the program.

Payment plans are offered and scholarships are available through generous doners such as Safelink Alliance, Campsie RSL group, and HomeFront Australia.

Mr Fox said one of the stories that best highlighted the impact of the program was that of Dane, a 17-year-old participant who attended Fortified Futures following his release from juvenile detention as part of a court order.

Dane arrived on day two of the program after still being detained on the first day.

At the time, his relationship with his family had broken down, he was struggling with substance abuse and his future was uncertain.

Since completing the program, Dane has gained employment, remained clean and sober, repaired relationships with his parents and now volunteers his time supporting vulnerable members of the community through Safelink Alliance and their local initiatives.

Mr Fox said while Dane’s story was his own, it reflected what can happen when young people are surrounded by structure, accountability, positive role models and ongoing support.

“Importantly, our work doesn’t end on March Out Day,” he said.

“Through our Post Program Support framework, mentor follow-up, family support and parent forums, we continue working alongside families long after the program concludes.

“As a locally based organisation, we are passionate about supporting young people and families across the Central Coast and beyond.”

To make enquiries go to www.theyouthregiment.com.au.

This article appeared in Coast Community News, 18 June 2026.