St John Youth
St John Youth is a youth development programme that helps young people build practical life skills, confidence, and leadership—alongside learning first aid and participating in fun, structured activities.
The programme offers exciting programmes for 5- to 18-year-olds, with a focus on positive leadership development opportunities, and encourages young people to learn lifesaving first aid, new skills, and enjoy fun and adventure throughout the year.
Who it’s for
The Green Island Division welcomes young people aged 5–18, with age-appropriate activities and learning pathways across the St John Youth programme.
Programmes
St John Youth offers different programme streams to suit age and stage:
Penguin Programme (school years 0–6)
Our Kororā and Hoiho groups are designed around having fun, discovering new things, building confidence, and learning to work together.
Weekly meetings can include games, badge work, drill, and themed nights, with additional opportunities through the year such as visits, fun days, competitions, and camps.
Cadet Programme (ages 8–18 / school years 7–13)
Cadets have a stronger focus on first aid, healthcare awareness, leadership, and general life skills.
Cadets are grouped into levels for training, competitions, events, camps, and social activities, and senior cadets may take leadership roles to support and role-model for junior cadets.
The programme also highlights achievement pathways (e.g., badge curricula and award structures) and broader opportunities beyond weekly meetings.
When & where (Green Island Division)
Location: St Margaret’s Church (corner of Main South Road and Jenkins Street), Green Island.
Meeting time: Thursdays during term time, 6:00pm–7:30pm.
What young people get out of it
At Green Island, the programme promotes:
Learning practical first aid and safety skills.
Leadership development opportunities and confidence-building through structured activities.
Friendship, teamwork, and community-minded participation.
Costs & fee support
Hato Hone St John asks parents/caregivers for a contribution towards a young person’s learning. The published fee structure is: $40 enrolment fee and $40 term fee (per term, per member). Additional activity fees may sometimes apply for camps, visits, or other activities on a case-by-case basis. A fee assistance programme is available to help ensure cost is not a barrier to participation.
How to join / trial a divisional night
St John Youth recommends using the Youth Map to find a local division and coming along to visit to see if the programme is right for you.
Even if you already plan to join, St John Youth require young people to attend 2 divisional nights before enrolling.
Green Island Division note: New members are invited to come along for a two‑week trial
Contact & links
National contact (to arrange a visit / questions): Email youth@stjohn.org.nz.
Learn more: St John Youth website
