St John Youth Rotorua in need of more adult leaders

Divisional manager at St John Youth central region Craig Elphick is proud of the work he does. Photo/Stephen Parker

Rotorua's St John Youth is desperate for volunteers to lead its increasing roll of eager young troops, with the divisional leader saying "once you sign up it's hard leave".

Craig Elphick joined St John Youth as a cadet when he was 17.

"It taught me a lot of life skills and it's also how I met my wife," he said.

"We are run on volunteers and the more diversity we get the more knowledge we have.

"Our leaders come from all kinds of backgrounds; we have firefighters, registered nurses, we just need people whose skills match the lessons we want to teach the kids."

Elphick said the motto for St John was "here for life" and that rang true with St John Youth.

"I have grown up with St John and for a lot of people, once you sign up it is hard to leave."

Now his own children take part as well.

Rotorua has a large division and at the moment leaders are having to split their time to make sure every child gets to take part.

"The more leaders we get the better because we are hoping to split into a second division."

Manuela Kung Purser and her daughter Selena Purser, 8, both enjoy what St John has to offer.

Selena has been going along to St John Youth for the last two and a half years after she heard about it from a friend.

Kung Purser said she thought it had been good for her daughter.

"They grow in confidence, self-esteem, they meet new people from outside school and it's a playful way for them to learn leadership skills.

Selena has earned different badges, for having a hobby, healthy eating, first aid, games, safety and caring for animals.

She said she liked being with her friends and had made lots of new friends.

Recently she earned her Super Penguin award, meaning she is moving up in the ranks.

For Ethan Mackay, 13, St John Youth has been a lesson in team building and leadership which has filled him with confidence.

"The hardest badge I've earned would be my hardware badge or one where we learn about the history of St John."

He recently went away on a leadership course and hopes to continue working his way through the badges.

If he reaches the level of Grand Prior it will be presented by the grand prior, something he would like to achieve.

For more information on becoming an adult leader visit youth.stjohn.org.nz/.