Hato Hone 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 in school years 0–6, and the Cadet Programme is for young people in school years 7–13.[1] The Youth curriculum focuses on leadership, life skills, first aid, and fun, as well as other unique aspects only to New Zealand and military-style drill.
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.
The Grand Prior Award is among the highest achievements available for St John Youth members (the Sovereigns Award being the highest, only achieved once in New Zealand as of 2024). Badges are split into four levels: Kororā, Hoiho, Blue, and Gold. In order to earn the Grand Prior's Award, cadets must (under the new curriculum, updated in 2023) achieve the 5 compulsory badges (shown below) plus 5 other optional badges, all at Gold level, Level 2 First Aid (15+), and an additional 100 community service hours.[3]
Under the old curriculum, a cadet had to achieve 6 compulsory badges (shown below) plus 6 other optional badges, all at Gold level, and an additional 100 community service hours.
NOTE: Some badges that have been removed during the switch of the Curriculums may still be able to be used as Optional Badges for the Grand Prior.
The first NCO rank in St John Youth. Ranks are earned by undergoing Leadership Development Training.
The first "Rank" given to Cadets in St John Youth signifies a "Senior" Cadet, this rank is only given to those of the Blue group and above.
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 Kororā (Yr1 to Yr3), Hoiho (Yr4 to Yr6), Intermediate (Blue) (Yr7 to Yr9) and Senior (Gold) (Yr10 to Yr13 or until you turn 19) 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 Interprovincial Competitions, 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/Competitions
Previously known as the National Youth Festival, the National Youth Competitions is an annual event held in different regions every year. This is a competition where all regions from around New Zealand meet for competitions which are often held in April.
The 2024 National Youth Competitions were held in Auckland. Palmerston North is hosting in 2025. 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.
National Youth Competitions are 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 Hato Hone 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 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.
Those who wish to join Hato Hone 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.[6] For those facing financial hardship, St John has funds available to meet costs in cases of financial hardship.[4]
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