Learning life-saving skills in a fun environment can now help children earn a qualification with a difference, too.
 
St John Ambulance’s Badgers and Cadets have been accredited as public learning destinations with the Isle of Man Children’s University.
 
An international charity, Children’s University rewards members’ participation in educational after-school activities and out-of-school clubs, societies and pastimes.
 
Children purchase passports for ?2 and gain stamps by visiting validated learning destinations. Certificates charting their progress are awarded at graduation ceremonies.
 
The Isle of Man branch opened year ago and awards its first degrees in April.
 
St John Ambulance’s junior groups joined the rapidly growing list of learning destinations after their activities were validated by Carys Lloyd, manager of the Isle of Man Children’s University.
 
Five to 14-year-olds can get an hour’s credit for each hour they spend at Badgers and Cadets.
 
Rosie Hawes, Director of Youth for St John Ambulance Isle of Man, said: ‘We are delighted that children learning first aid and enjoying fun activities at Badgers and Cadets can now gain stamps in their Children’s University passports as well.’
 
She said: ‘We have vacancies for members in all Cadet and some Badger units. In addition to current sessions, Peel Badgers will reopen after the Easter holidays and Rushen Badgers will take place again from September in Port Erin.
 
‘If anyone wants to join the Badgers or Cadets, they should call St John Ambulance headquarters on 674387 or email me their contact details at Roseita.Hawes@sja.org.im and I will pass them on to the relevant youth leader.’
 
Rosie continued: ‘We also need more adult youth leaders to assist with running Cadet and Badgers. Obviously any new leaders will be subject to CRB checks. If anybody is interested in helping, they can email me and I will get in touch with them for a chat.’
 
Cadets (age 10-18)
Wednesday     7pm – 9pm      St John Ambulance Headquarters - Girls only
Thursday      6.30pm – 8pm      Peel Age Concern – Boys and Girls
Thursday      6:30 pm – 8pm    St John Ambulance Headquarters - Boys & Girls
Friday      7pm – 8pm      Ramsey ATC Unit, Auldyn School - Boys & Girls
Friday      7pm – 9pm     St John Ambulance Headquarters - Boys only
 
Badgers (aged 5-10) – all groups mixed
Monday           6pm to 7pm                 St John Ambulance Headquarters
Monday           5.30pm – 6.30pm        Michael Primary School
Tuesday          6.30 – 7.30pm             Laxey Methodist Church
Thursday         5.30 – 6.30pm             Peel Age Concern
Friday              6pm – 7pm                  Ramsey ATC Unit, Auldyn School
Saturday         10:30am - 11:30am    St John Ambulance Headquarters
 
For further information about St John Ambulance Isle of Man or to find out how to sign up for first aid courses, volunteer or support its work via donations, please ring 01624 674387 or visit www.sja.org.uk/sja/counties/isle-of-man.aspx.
 
To find out more about the Isle of Man Children’s University, contact Carys Lloyd on 686088, email enquire@iomcu.im, visit http://www.iomcu.im, follow @IOMCU on Twitter or like Isle of Man Children’s University on facebook.

Photo - Cadets Robbie Brown and Louise Coase treat badger Cameron Hawes in a simulated accident.