Badgers (6-11 yrs)

St John Ambulance prides itself in having one of the most vibrant programmes for children aged between 6 and 11 years old. Currently, St John has over 2,000 Badgers in different schools and institutions in the country and the programme aims are:

To provide a friendly, safe and relaxed environment, in which children can both learn and have fun, gaining a sense of achievement in everything they do.
To stimulate the interest of children in the concept and aims of St. John Ambulance at a very young age. This is achieved through their participation in a wide range of activities, including basic First Aid.
To encourage the Badgers to develop their common sense, honesty, self-control, courage and essential life skills at an early age.

The Badgers hold weekly meetings, and follow a course in 'Absolutely Everything' throughout their Badger life. The Badger's Course in 'Absolutely Everything' covers nine areas namely:

First Aid Badger
St John being about First Aid, this is one of the main courses and skills that the Badgers are engaged in acquiring at the very beginning of their membership. The idea is to have the kids learn from an early age how to offer First Aid to their fellow kids in case of injury or illness, and some of them are confident enough to even offer First Aid to their adult minders at home.

One of the biggest strengths of the movement is that once the badgers learn these essential skills, they are able to show them to their fellow Badgers through their weekly meetings and interactions.

The other eight 'badges' in the course are:

Healthy Badger (Food, clothing, cleanliness, keeping fit)
Caring Badger (Caring for the elderly, the young, the sick)
Safety Badger (In the home, road safety, safety outdoors)
Communications Badger (Verbal, audio, visual, written)
Resourceful Badger (nature, the environment, resources in the community)
Hobbies Badger (Creative, performing, outdoor & indoor hobbies)
Games Badger (games, team skills)
St John Badger (Early history of St. John)

St John Badgers also participate in Drills and wear a simple uniform that's special just to them. They have their own First Aid and Drills competitions, and are the recruiting ground for the St John Cadets (12-18 years old).