Penguin Programme - For all young people in school years 0 through 6

How to Join 

It's easy to become a member of St John Youth.

We recommend using the Youth Map to find your closest division that meets on your preferred night. Come along and visit to see if the Penguin Programme could be right for you. 

Even if you might have already decided you want to join, we require young people to attend 2 Divisional Nights to ensure encourage you are absolutely sure you want to.

Having fun, discovering new things, building confidence and working together

How it works 

Youth Divisions

Penguins meet once a week during the school term at a local division. Meetings can include things such as games, badge work, drill and sometimes special themed nights. 

Offsite Activities

Although a lot of the Penguin Programme is based at a local division, there are many activities throughout the year where Penguins can make contact with other divisions. 

Activities can include visits, fun days, competitions and camps. 

Our Penguin Programme consists of two groups: 

Kororā Group

Kororā follow a course of nine badges, each divided into main topics. For each badge that is 

completed they are awarded a sew-on badge.

It usually takes two to three years to complete all nine badges. Kororā who succeed in completing all the badges achieve their Super Kororā Award and are presented a sew-on badge and certificate to mark their achievement. 

Hoiho Group

Hoiho follow a course of ten badges, each divided into main topics. For each badge that is completed they are awarded a sew-on badge.

It usually takes two to three years to complete all ten badges. Hoiho who succeed in completing all the badges, and 15 hours of community service achieve their Super Hoiho Award and are presented a sew-on badge and certificate to mark their achievement. 

Hoiho are in school years 4 to 6.

 Equipment 

Penguin Starter Pack 

When Penguins join St John they receive a starter pack that includes a uniform, a folder for their badge material, as well as some fun items for them to keep.

Examples of our penguin material: 

1. Penguin badge & certificates
2. St John Youth cap
3. Badge brassard
4. Penguin jersey
5. Penguin polo shirt
6. Name badge

Enrolment and Term Fees

St John asks parents or caregivers for a contribution towards their child's learning. 

The fee structure is is: 

• $25 enrolment fee
• $25 term fee; this is per term, per member. 

Additional costs 

• We may charge extra activity fees for camps, visits or other activities on a case by case basis.

_{* St John has funds available to meet costs in cases of hardship} 

Fees Assistance

St John is committed to ensuring that cost is not a barrier to participation in the Youth programme. We provide a fees assistance programme, open to any Youth member whose whānau needs support to ensure they can continue to participate in, and benefit from, the Youth programme. 

Fees assistance for new members can be applied for here.