St John Youth New Zealand

St John Youth in New Zealand is a cadet-based programme designed for children and young people aged between 6 and 18. Members who turn 18 tend to remain in St John Youth in leadership roles. St John Youth is closely affiliated with the Order of St John in New Zealand, of which Her Excellency the Queen Elizabeth II is the sovereign head. St John Youth is divided into two programmes. There is the Penguin Programme for children aged between 6 and 8, while the Cadet Programme for young people aged from 8 to 18.^[1] While the basis for St John Youth is first aid, other topics like drill (marching), healthcare and leadership make up major parts of the St John Youth programme.

Regions

St John Youth is divided into three regions around New Zealand, each of which have a Regional Youth Manager. They are:

Grand Prior Award Scheme

The Grand Prior Award Scheme is often considered to be the highest achievement available for St John Youth members. Badges are split into three levels - Green, Blue and Gold. In order to earn the Grand Prior, a cadet must achieve the 6 compulsory badges plus 6 other optional badges, all at Gold level.^[2]

The badges available are: (note badges with an * beside them indicates a compulsory badge)

Competitions

Competitions are held regularly throughout the year, with tests on Basic Life Support, Caregivers, Communication, Drill and First Aid Divisions can enter teams of up to two competitors for Penguin (6-8 year olds) and Junior (9-10 year olds) competitions, and there are four team members in Intermediate (11-12 year olds) and two team members in Senior (13-18 year olds) teams.
Many Regions run District Competitions, and winners of those competitions go forward to Regional Competitions, however Central Region is a region that does not hold formal District Competitions - instead any Division may enter teams straight into the Regional Competitions.

Both North Island regions compete annually at Interprovincial Competitions. To qualify to go to Interprovincial's your team needs to gain a 1st, 2nd or 3rd placing in the Senior Team Quiz test at Regional competitions (in Central Region only) or get a placing for the Hutchinson Cup (in Northern Region only)to be able to go to Interprovincial's. Additionally, both regions send 5 teams to Interprovincial's the first 4 from either the Quiz tes or Hutchinson Cup and the other team is selected at regional discretion by the Regional Youth Manager or their nominee.

National Youth Festival

The National Youth Festival is held every year in a different region. This is a competition where all regions from around New Zealand meet for competitions which are often held in June.
In 2012, the National Youth Festival was held in Queenstown during the April school holidays. All regions run a process to select their squads that will represent their Region at competitions. Each Region has a different process and must select four teams of four, four individuals and four emergencys, although some Regions select development squads that don't compete on the day but train with the squad, or as a non competing emergency.
The National Youth Festival is often considered the highest honour in competing with St John Youth.

The current holder of the Champion Region honour is South Island Region, who won the award in 2013, 2014 and recently 2015.

The Champion Individual title is currently held by Hannah Sergel of South Island Region^[3]

International Youth Festival

In 2010 New Zealand hosted an International Youth Festival. Held between the 25th and 31 January at Lincoln University near Christchurch. Cadets from 8 other countries, such as England, Wales, Germany, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia attended the festival, which incorporated both the National and International competitions. The Northern Region South Island team won the National Competitions, winning Champion Team, Champion Individual and Champion Region, amongst other trophies. Other activities during the festival included an 'Amazing Puzzle Race' around Christchurch city center, a visit to Hamner Springs and Thrillseekers canyon, a Youth Symposium, in which cadets listened to speakers and discussed issues faced Youth in today's world, a sports championship, surfing and Sightseeing around Christchurch City and the International Antarctic Center. Every 4 years an international Youth Festival is held. The last international youth festival was held in Christchurch New Zealand in January 2010. Sydney Australia is set to host the next International Youth Festival in 2014.

Divisions

Each region in St John Youth is made up of "Divisions" in which cadets meet. Divisions usually meet for an hour and a half and once a week.^[4] Each Division has a Divisional Manager and many have Assistant Divisional Managers as well.

In New Zealand, the first cadet division was started on 2 May 1927 by Mr Ted Gilberd in Whanganui.

Cadet of the Year

Each region elects a Cadet of the Year who will represent their region in events around the country. After all the Cadet of the Year cadets are chosen, then a National Cadet selection is held, every other year, a think tank is held in conjunction with the selection process.

Child and Youth Protection Policy

St John Youth has a nation-wide Child and Youth Protection Policy (CYPP) which ensures the safety of its cadets. The policy includes a rule which means that no cadet can be with a leader (any St John member over the age of 18) on their own.
The CYPP also details the Youth to Adult ratio, which aims to ensure that there are enough Adults to care for the Youth members.^[5]

Joining St John Youth

Those who which to join St John Youth can contact a Division in their area and then attend a Divisional Meeting. It costs NZ$40.00 per year, plus additional fees for attending events, such as competitions or camps. The sew-on proficiency badges, certificates and badge material are included in the annual fee.^[6] For those facing financial hardship, St John has funds available to meet costs in cases of financial hardship.^[4]

References

External links

• St John Youth NZ (official website)
• St John New Zealand (official website)