As parents, one of your top priorities is to provide your teenager with opportunities to grow into a confident, capable, and resilient young adult. In 2025, the landscape of personal development for young people is brimming with transformative programs designed to equip them with essential life skills, leadership abilities, and emotional intelligence. From affordable one-day workshops to immersive leadership camps, these options empower teens to connect with like-minded peers and step into their potential.

This guide highlights five exceptional opportunities—both free and paid—that cater to various interests and goals. Whether your teenager is a budding leader, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply looking to build confidence, these programs offer something for everyone. Let’s explore how these opportunities can shape their future!

YLAA Secondary Youth Leadership Conference (Australia Wide)

Youth Leadership Academy Australia hosts the annual 1 DaySecondary Youth Leadership Conference, young leaders from across Australia gather to embark on a transformative journey of growth, inspiration, and connection. Tailored for students in Years 7 to 12, this dynamic event blends thought-provoking keynote speeches from accomplished leaders with interactive workshops designed to cultivate critical leadership skills, such as communication, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Students leave the conference not only with tools to lead their schools and communities effectively but also with newfound confidence to embrace challenges and foster change. This unforgettable experience is a cornerstone of YLAA's mission to empower the next generation of leaders in shaping a brighter future​​​.

• ‍Who: Open to secondary students in Years7–12, with a focus on empowering young leaders.‍
• When: Term 1, 2025‍
• Where: Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane‍
• Cost: $44 per student!‍
• Learn More: Visit YLAA’s events page or contact the team via email. Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged!

Good Mates Training by Weareknd (Digital)

We’re ALLKND and we're a Gen Z-led mental health charity teaching young Aussies how to be better mates through our iconic digital program 'Good Mate Training'. Australia's first free, digital,60-minute peer to peer mental health first aid training, via desktop and/or mobile app. Instead of steering clear of tough topics and uncomfortable conversations, we're empowering and trusting our young people with the knowledge and skills they need to do what they’ve been doing for decades and are really good at: being good mates. Help us achieve our goal of getting at least 1 young person in every Australian classroom, office, sports team, household and group chat trained in preventative mental health first aid.

More Details

• ‍Who: Created for young people, enjoyed by everyone.
• ‍When: Create an account or log in whenever you want, your learning progress will always be saved. The training takes around 60 minutes to complete.‍
• Where: 100% digital!‍
• Cost: Free for our Good Mates!‍
• Learn More: Download Good MateTraining from the App store of visit allknd.org/goodmatetraining to complete on a desktop.

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National Leadership Camp (NSW)

National Leadership Camp is a highly interactive, challenging and motivating program that brings together students from acrossAustralia. The program focuses on developing personal character and a sense of value, identity and purpose whilst also enchaining leadership and character resiliency skills. Over four days, the National Leadership Camp will delve into values, service, grit and vision to enable leadership growth and development.What sets the National Leadership Camp apart is the small group experience enabling mentored discussions and reflection. This unique opportunity allows students to unpack highly engaging keynote speakers, interactive seminars and outdoor team challenges.

Event Details

• Who: Year 10 – Year 12 students invested in leadership
• When: 10 – 13th of July, 2025
• Where: The Tops Conference Centre, Stanwell Tops, NSW
• Cost: $1,200 + $125 for extra night accommodation for early arrival
• Learn More: Visit National Leadership Camp’s website to learn more and nominate today.

Ignite Camp (VIC)

Ignite Camp is a residential school holiday camp for young people aged 10 – 18, held over the Victorian school holidays.
Ignite Camp is designed to ensure every young person feels known, loved andempowered to take action in their own life, family and community.
Ignite Camp is an experiential learning environment, made up of both outdoor learning experiences and expertly facilitated sessions by our hand-picked facilitators. Throughout a young person's Ignite Camp experience, they are able to connect with young leaders like themself to grow and develop their leadership skills both as an individual and as a team. Each day, they will join in activities and discussions through a carefully crafted program aimed at developing their leadership skills through a self-development lens.

Event Details

• Who: Young people aged 10–18 who are looking to step up as leaders, step outside their comfort zone and build positive connections.
• When:
  • 13th – 17th April 2025, Easter School Holidays (14 – 18 Year Olds)
  • 28th September– 2nd October 2025, September School Holidays (10 – 14 Year Olds)
• Where: PGL Campaspe Downs, Victoria, 1 hour from Melbourne CBD.
• Cost: $1,899.This covers accommodation, meals, two parent content sessions and two post-camp connection webinars for your young person.
• Learn More: Visit Ignite Camp’s website or have a phone call with their friendly team to find out if this is the place for your young person.

Magic Moments Youth Leadership & Business Summit (Collaroy, NSW)

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The Youth Leadership & Business Summit 2025 is an empowering five-day event designed to inspire young people aged 14–17. This transformative experience focuses on developing key leadership skills, fostering entrepreneurial thinking, and equipping students with life tools for personal and professional success. Through hands-on workshops, motivational sessions, and mentoring from world-class facilitators, participants gain confidence, self-awareness, and practical strategies to excel in leadership, communication, financial literacy, and emotional intelligence. The Summit offers a unique opportunity for young people to connect with like-minded peers, forge lifelong friendships, and unlock their full potential in a supportive, dynamic environment. This event is a catalyst for future leaders, empowering them to drive positive change in their schools and communities.

Event Details

• Who:The Youth Leadership & Business Summit is perfect for young people aged 14–17 who are eager to develop their leadership potential, entrepreneurial mindset, and life skills for a successful future.
• When: July School Holidays 2025 (Saturday 5th – Wednesday 9th July)
• Where: Collaroy Centre, Sydney’s picturesque Northern Beaches
• Cost: $1,697. Registration covers accommodation, meals, event materials, and a post-event leadership challenge to keep the momentum alive.
• Learn more: Visit the Summit website to learn more.

Helping your teenager access the right personal development opportunities can set the stage for a brighter future filled with confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose. Each of these five programs offers unique experiences, from leadership camps and digital mental health training to entrepreneurial summits and beyond.

Whether you choose a free initiative like Good Mate Training or an in-depth event like the Magic Moments Youth Leadership & Business Summit, these opportunities are investments in your teen’s growth and potential. Encourage them to take the leap and embrace these experiences—they might just discover skills and passions they never knew they had.

Start planning for 2025 today and give your teen the tools they need to succeed, lead, and thrive in an ever-changing world.