After more than a decade hiatus, Katikati will again have a St John youth programme running locally in school terms for children aged from 5 to 18.

The Hato Hone St John Katikati area committee is restarting the programme – and invites the community to an information night on May 27 from 5.30pm at the Katikati Christian Centre.

Hato Hone St John Katikati area committee chairman Trevor Burgess said the youth division had run in Katikati in the past, but he was unsure how many years ago it was operational. “I’m not sure … It’s been quite a long time.”

Burgess said four people from the St John Katikati Area committee – Glenn Burt, Jan de Faye, Donna Hannah and himself – had put their hands up to reinstate the programme.

“It’s a very popular programme with youth around the different areas. We’ve got a large contingent of people in Tauranga, Waihī and Waihī Beach who go through St John training.”

Burgess said the move to reinstate the programme was to offer another accessible and affordable community group for young people to learn skills away from screens.

“Like a lot of youth activities, it’s getting kids back out into doing things and learning through action and experience. Like other groups, our youth programme has badges the kids work through – and with being St John there is an emphasis on caring and first aid.

“But, again, it’s about getting them off their phones and away from the digital world and back into the reality of learning through leadership and experiential programmes.”

Burgess said the information night is for families of those aged 5-18 interested in the programme but people who want to volunteer to help run the programme are invited too.

“We’ve got our first stage of team leaders to get it up and running, but we’d like to start generating the next generation of team leaders who can take over in the longer term.

“That may be parents, caregivers or others aged 18-plus. No medical background is needed – just a genuine interest in youth development – and training is given.”

Burgess said the programme would run on Wednesday nights. “The early part will be for penguins, the young kids, then the older ones will start about 6 o’clock and there will be an overlap to run combined drill sessions.”

Burgess said the programme would be run out of the Katikati Christian Centre on Henry Rd.

“That location has got more space to spread out, and space outside and under cover so it’s nicely suited.”

Participation is a paid activity but fees are kept low to allow accessibility. “If anybody has difficulties we have a process separate from the group where people can go through St John to sort it out in the background.

“While everybody is a paid-up member the aim is that no kids should lose out because they can’t afford to come along.”

Any travelling associated with the programme is paid for by St John, Burgess said.

Children who join will learn lifesaving first aid skills and leadership qualities, make new friends, build confidence and resilience – all while contributing to community wellbeing.

“From hands-on first aid training to community service projects, this programme empowers young minds to become future leaders and compassionate community members,” Burgess said.

“The intention is to make sure it is life skills that the kids go away with [alongside having fun].”

The programme provides participants with a uniform and opportunity to attend regional and national competitions.

The Katikati Youth Division of St John information evening is 5.30pm on Wednesday, May 27, upstairs at Katikati Christian Centre, 11 Henry Rd. Or email: youth@stjohn.org.nz