St John Katikati revives youth division after decade-long break

Hato Hone St John Katikati is bringing back its youth programme for the first time in over ten years, offering children and rangatahi aged 5–18 the chance to learn first aid, leadership, and life skills during school terms. Area Committee chair Trevor Burgess said the move was driven by a desire to give young people an affordable, hands-on alternative to screen time, with an emphasis on caring, community service, and experiential learning.

Four committee members — Glenn Burt, Jande Faye, Donna Hannah, and Burgess himself — put their hands up to get the programme off the ground. Hannah will lead the new youth programme locally. Sessions will run on Wednesday evenings out of the Katikati Christian Centre on Henry Rd, which Burgess noted has good indoor and outdoor space. The younger 'penguins' group will go first, with older tamariki starting around 6pm and a combined drill session bridging the two.

Participation involves a fee, but costs are kept low and St John has a quiet process to support any whānau who would struggle to cover them — the goal being that no child misses out due to finances. Travel costs associated with regional and national competitions are covered by St John. Volunteers aged 18 and over are also welcome, and no medical background is needed.

The community is invited to an information evening on Wednesday 27 May, starting at 5.30pm upstairs at the Katikati Christian Centre, 11 Henry Rd. Anyone keen to volunteer or enrol their child can also email youth@stjohn.org.nz.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).