St John Youth New Zealand

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St John Youth is a cadet-based programme for young people aged between five and eighteen. Members who turn eighteen tend to remain involved in leadership roles. St John Youth is closely affiliated with the Order of St John in New Zealand, of which His Majesty King Charles III is the Sovereign Head. St John Youth consists of two programmes; the Penguin Programme is for children aged 5–8, and the Cadet Programme is for young people aged 8–18. [1] The Youth curriculum focuses on leadership, life skills, and fun, with first aid, drill, and other uniquely-New Zealand aspects central to the programme.

Contents

Regions

St John Youth is divided into three regions (being Northern Region, Central Region and South Island Region) around New Zealand; each has a Regional Youth Manager, Regional Cadet of the Year (RCOTY) and Deputy Regional Cadet of the year (DRCOTY). The organisation is also led by the National Youth Manager, Youth Strategic Development Manager, and National Cadet of the Year (NCOTY).

Cadets of the Year (District [x24], Deputy Regional [x3], Regional [x3], and National [x1]) represent the interests of young people at all levels of the programme, from District Youth Leadership Teams to Priory Chapter, the highest governing body for Hato Hone St John in New Zealand. For the duration of their term (one year), on their uniforms, DCOTYs wear blue fourragères; DRCOTYs wear silver fourragères; RCOTYs wear white aiguillettes; the NCOTY wears gold aiguillettes.

Grand Prior Award Scheme

The Grand Prior Award Scheme is the second highest achievement available for St John Youth members (Sovereigns Award being the highest, has only been achieved once in New Zealand). Badges are split into three levels: Korora, Hoiho, and Blue/Gold. In order to earn the Grand Prior, a cadet must achieve the 5 compulsory badges plus 5 other optional badges, all at Gold level, Level 2 First Aid(15+), and an additional 100 community service hours. [2]

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

Proficiency badges
NameAccident PreventionAnimal CareCampingHealthcare*Casualty SimulationChild DevelopmentEmergency ManagementCommunication*Community EngagementDrill*Environment
NameFaithFire SafetyLevel 2 First Aid (15+)*FitnessHauora (Health)HobbiesLife SkillsIT (Information Technology)Māoritanga
NameSt John*The ArtsVentureshipKiwianaMedia Studies

Ranks

Ranks and Insignia of St John New Zealand Cadets
RankCadet LeaderCadet Sergeant Cadet Corporal Cadet
Insignia
Cadet Leader Epaulette.jpg
St John NZ Sergeant Epaulette.jpg St John NZ Corporal Epaulette.jpg St John NZ Cadet Rank Black Epaulette.jpg
NotesAs for Cadets, but with even more leadership responsibilities than Cadet Corporal and Cadet Sergeant while still being ranked below adult ranks. This is the highest rank a Cadet can achieve.As for Cadets, but with more leadership responsibilities than Cadet Corporals.As for Cadets, but with leadership responsibilities.All youth members in Hato Hone St John Youth will attain this rank when starting the programme.

Competitions

Competitions are held regularly throughout the year, with tests on Trauma, Medical, Improvisation (no first aid kits), Communication, Drill, Pairs 1&2, Pairs 3&4 and a Team Leader Test Divisions can enter teams of up to two competitors for Penguin (5- to 8-year-olds), Junior (Greens) (9- to 12-year-olds), Intermediate (Blues) (12- to 14-year-olds) and Senior (Golds) (15- to 18-year-olds) competition teams. In senior competitions, there is also the senior individual category which is made up of one senior cadet who participates in a Trauma, Medical, Improvisation, Communication and Drill Test. (The drill test is done with a Senior Team)
All three regions hold District Competitions where the top teams and individuals then progress through to the Regional Competitions.

Both Northern and Central regions compete annually at Interprovincial Competitions. To qualify to go to Interprovincials, teams must be in the top 6 scorers in the Quiz test, held either as the Communications test at district competitions or held at a separate date closer to the competition. Additionally, both regions send 6 teams to Interprovincials from either the Quiz test and an 7th guest team can be sent by the hosting region (it switches between northern and central every year).

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 2023, the National Youth Festival was held in Christchurch during April. 2024's NYF was held in Auckland. 2025's NYF will be held in Palmerston North. 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 a regional squad that consists of four teams of four, four individuals and four ‘emergencies’. Phased out in 2020, some Regions selected 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 level of competing within the St John Youth programme.

The Champion Region title is currently held by Northern Region (2024).

International Youth Festival

In 2010 New Zealand hosted an International Youth Festival. Held between 25 and 31 January at Lincoln University near Christchurch. Cadets from 8 other countries (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 (NRSI) (since amalgamated into South Island Region) 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 four years, an International Youth Festival is held. The last International Youth Festival was held in South Africa in 2020.

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. [3] Each Division is run by a Division Manager, Assistant Division Manager, and other volunteer youth leaders.

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

Child Protection Policy

St John Youth has a nationwide Child Protection Policy (CPP), which ensures the safety of its young people. [4]

Joining St John Youth

Those who wish to join St John Youth can contact a Division in their area and then attend a Divisional Meeting. It costs $25 each term the cadet is attending, $25 to join and $50 for uniform costs. Competitions, camps, and other activities also will cost extra (price depends on what activity). The sew-on proficiency badges, certificates and badge material are included in the annual fee. [5] For those facing financial hardship, St John has funds available to meet costs in cases of financial hardship. [3]

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References

  1. "St John Youth » Programmes". youth.stjohn.org.nz. Archived from the original on 3 May 2007.
  2. "Grand Prior Award (Cadet subjects)" . Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  3. 1 2 "Frequently Asked Questions". Archived from the original on 14 October 2008. Retrieved 15 October 2008.
  4. "St John Youth » Child Protection". youth.stjohn.org.nz. Archived from the original on 3 May 2007.
  5. "Hey Everyone! I've just been awarded my Grand Prior Award".