YOUTH
PROGRAM
GENERAL
1. As a component of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, the Youth Program was
established to give young people between the ages of 6 and 20 the chance to join in the
work of the St. John Ambulance Brigade. The Youth Program provides opportunities for
personal development, as well as training for first aid, health care and safety skills.
2. The youth component of the St. John Ambulance Brigade is intended to meet the needs
of Canadian youth and provide opportunities for social, educational and personal
development through community service, special events and leisure activities.
3. The St. John Ambulance Youth Program is comprised of Juniors (age 6 to 10 years),
Cadets (age 11 to 15 years) and Crusaders (age 16 to 20 years).
OBJECTIVES OF THE YOUTH PROGRAM
4. The objectives of the Youth Program are:
a. to develop team spirit and encourage personal development through challenges that
promote self-sufficiency;
b. to provide young people with the opportunity to learn and practice first aid and
safety skills and to support their community;
c. to encourage youth to follow the ideals set out in the "Cadet Code of
Chivalry" by being involved with local community issues;
d. to promote health and healthy lifestyles;
e. to encourage young people to participate fully in the range of activities offered by
the Youth Program and in the decision-making process of their Unit;
f. to provide support and role models to young members; and
g. to encourage youth to become Adult members and future leaders of the St. John
Ambulance Brigade.
SCREENING
5. St. John Ambulance has an obligation to provide safe, well-managed services to
the community and to their membership. All applicants aged 18 years and up, and upon their
first appointment to a leadership position, must be screened according to the procedures
in StJCI 2-9-2.
MEMBERSHIP
6. St. John Junior, Cadet and Crusader programs together form the Youth Program.
Refer to StJCI 2-3-1, paragraphs 9 to 12 for membership requirements.
ST. JOHN JUNIORS
7. The St. John Junior Program is an activity program designed for children between
the ages of 6 and 10. It focuses on having fun and earning badges while learning about St.
John Ambulance and why we care for others. Personal development, home safety skills, how
to make new friends, and first aid training are strong components of the program.
8. Participants must have written consent of a parent or guardian to participate.
9. St. John Ambulance Juniors are not authorized to provide Community Care Services or
Patient Care Services.
ST. JOHN CADETS
10. The Cadet component is designed for young people between 11 and 15 years of
age. Candidates for enrollment must hold, as a minimum, a valid Emergency First Aid
Certificate, and must have written consent of their parent or guardian.
11. The focus of the Cadet program is on the expansion of personal skills and knowledge
through work on Proficiency Subjects and training in Emergency First Aid. Cadets are
encouraged to achieve sufficient Proficiency Subjects to attain the Grand Prior’s
Award (see StJCI 2-6-1, paragraphs 11-14).
12. Cadets 14 years of age and older, by the nature of the program, may choose to
participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s program. Camping and other fun activities are
also included in the training, and Cadets are taught the importance of working in groups,
while giving due consideration to individual growth and input. Some Cadets excel and can
take on Junior leadership roles. Cadets may also participate at community service events
under the guidance of a Crusader or adult member who has attained at least BTS Level 1.
ST. JOHN CRUSADERS
13. The Crusader program is designed for young people between 16 and 20 years of
age. The Crusader component is for the more senior youth members. Candidates for
enrollment must hold, as a minimum, a valid Standard First Aid Certificate.
Participants under age 18 must have the written consent of their parent or guardian.
Members age 16 to 17 who are not residing with their parent or guardian may sign on their
own behalf.
14. The Crusader program provides more advanced patient care training and an emphasis
on individual leadership qualities and performing community service. Crusaders are
encouraged to continue the Proficiency program leading to the Grand Prior’s Award,
continue to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s program, and undertake the Brigade
Training System (BTS). Crusaders can participate in the same activities as Cadets and can
take on leadership roles with Juniors or Cadets.
15. Crusaders must be proficient in BTS Level 1 and be at least 18 years of age to
perform independent patient care duties (see StJCI 2-4 for details on the BTS). Crusaders
not attached to a division offering BTS training and assessment (Brigade Assessment
Process or BAP) may "challenge" the BAP. See StJCI 2-4-5 paragraphs 5 to
7, for details on challenging the BAP.
16. At the age of 18, Crusaders have the following options:
a. become an adult member in an adult division;
b. become an adult member as an officer in a St. John Ambulance Youth Program; or
c. maintain Crusader status until they reach age 21, at which time they must transfer
to an adult division.
STRUCTURE
17. The Youth Program is an element of the existing Brigade organizational
structure. Refer to StJCI 2-2-2, paragraph 5.
18. St. John Junior, Cadet and Crusader programs function as either separate Units, or
in certain circumstances, as sections of existing Brigade Units. Where Branches exist,
they are responsible for providing support to the local youth Unit in the same manner that
they provide support to adult Brigade Units.
19. When a request for the program is made from the community, and such factors such as
geography or logistics limit the possibility of Branch alignment, then independent youth
Units may be established. These Units must deal directly with their respective Council for
support.
LEADERSHIP
20. Youth Units are managed by Divisional Superintendents, and have other adults
assisting with the efficient operation of the program. Youth Leader includes any
individual given responsibility of youth within the St. John Ambulance Youth Programs. All
Youth Leaders should make use of tools such as the St. John Ambulance Youth
Leaders’ Manual to assist them.
21. Youth Leaders are responsible for the overall administration and training of the
Unit. Youth Leaders work closely in cooperation with Divisional Officers, Cadet NCOs and
youth members to ensure the smooth, efficient operation of the program.
22. Coordinators for Cadet or Junior Programs are responsible to the Divisional
Superintendent for the efficient implementation, administration and operational support of
the Program.
23. Responsibilities of Youth Leaders include:
a. ensuring reasonable measures are taken to care for and protect young, vulnerable and
impressionable people in accordance with StJCI 2-9-2;
b. liaising with the local Adult Division to encourage joint activities;
c. planning an annual training schedule and submitting it to the appropriate Officer;
d. planning, scheduling, coordinating and directing effective weekly meetings;
e. maintaining accurate and up-to-date records for attendance, individual youth
progress records and recognition, and submitting them to the appropriate Officer;
f. ensuring that all records and reports are completed accurately and submitted on time
to the appropriate level in accordance with StJCI 2-8;
g. planning meetings with St. John Ambulance volunteers to receive input into the
training schedule, to plan upcoming meetings, and to discuss concerns, problems or issues;
h. assisting and advising the Divisional Superintendent on policy within the youth
program;
i. supporting and encouraging officers and youth in all activities undertaken by the
Division;
j. teaching youth in the Division;
k. ensuring that each volunteer helper is aware of weekly expectations;
l. ensuring that youth members have access to adequate resources;
m. maintaining appropriate discipline;
n. ensuring that there is adequate and appropriate leadership for each youth group;
o. ensuring that all leaders or instructors are aware of their responsibilities and are
consistent with disciplinary control and action;
p. ensuring adequate and appropriate supplies are available;
q. ensuring that members have access to adequate resources and space;
