Arrowtown has appealed to the ambulance service to start a Penguin group in its community.
At least six young people want to join either Penguin (ages 6-8) or Cadet (8-18) groups in Queenstown.
However, youth divisional manager Lynn Cain and youth leaders Tania Haugh and Mike Williamson are the only volunteers available to guide them.
Mrs Cain said with a current roll of almost 30 youth members and a maximum of 10 children permitted in a single Penguin group, additional leaders would be welcome to help take some of the load and share some terrific experiences with other members.
"The St John Youth programme has been designed with a great deal of care and thought and our leaders are there to help inspire young people, help them gain their community badges and teach them skills that will set them up for the rest of their lives.
"It really is a fantastic programme and I would encourage anyone interested to make contact and find out more for themselves."
Ms Haugh said the youth movement was very structured but a lot of fun.
"For me, it's really rewarding seeing the children respond to the challenges we put to them.
Some of them go on and take up ambulance work or the medical profession, which is very satisfying."
People interested in becoming youth leaders can contact Lynn Cain on (03) 441-4555.
