More than 400 young St John members from New Zealand and around the world are coming to Christchurch for a week of fun, education and excitement, as St John New Zealand this year hosts the St John International Youth Festival from 25-31 January.

The festival is the ultimate experience for St John Youth.  New Zealand St John Cadets will be joined by young St John members from Australia, Canada, England, Germany, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Wales.

The festival will be based at Lincoln University, with some activities taking place at various locations throughout Canterbury.

Highlights of the festival include:

• Monday 25 January: a welcome powhiri and 125th celebration of St John in New Zealand. St John this year celebrates 125 years of serving New Zealanders, following its formation in New Zealand on 30 April 1885.
• Tuesday 26 January: international and national competitions, where competitors test their first aid, communication and leadership skills against their peers
• Wednesday 27 January: a special ‘Amazing Race’ around Christchurch to introduce participants to the beautiful sights in the Garden City
• Thursday 28 January: an activity day at Hanmer Springs, followed by a New Zealand Country A & P Show experience in Culverden
• Friday 29 January: Youth issues symposium: ‘Making a Difference’, with special guest, mountainclimber Mark Inglis
• Saturday 30 January: a farewell gala dinner at Air Force Museum of New Zealand in Wigram, Christchurch.

St John Youth Director Michael Brooke says festival participants will have an exciting week of fun activities, new friendships and great experiences.

“The festival is something participants will remember for a lifetime. We’re celebrating the success that St John Youth in New Zealand has experienced over the past 10 years, as well as joining together with members of the international St John family.”  The St John youth programme began in New Zealand in 1927 - the first official St John Cadet division formed outside Britain.

If you’d like more information about the St John International Youth Festival 2010, please visit the official website:

http://www.ultimateyouthexperience.org/