Frequently Asked Questions

A network of groups called ICONZ Units which run dynamic weekly after school and weekend programmes geared for Kiwi kids (boys in particular) aged 8 to 11 years old (Year 4,5 and 6 at school).
ICONZ Adventure is a new image brand ministry of Boy's Brigade New Zealand.

They will make new friends, some life long.
They will learn team work, life skills, values like respect, courtesy, self control, honesty and cleanliness.
They will learn safety in the home, on the road, around the city, on the farm, in the bush and in the snow, water safety, surf safety, stranger safety, fire safety and cycle safety.
They will have heaps of fun.
It is our hope and prayer that they will establish and grow a life long faith in Jesus Christ.
We want to see them grow in confidence, self-esteem and Learn to be themselves.
Grow in their appreciation of the out doors, discover and develop leisure skills.
We want to see them develop social and communication skills.
They will be extended and challenged.

Our research indicates that boys need to participate in active and risky activities preferably outdoors, therefore the ICONZ Adventure programme is geared towards boys.
Boys aged 8-11 in year 4, 5 and 6 at school.
Parents are welcome to get involved in weekly meetings.
Boys who are not part of a church and kids from other churches are welcome. ICONZ Adventure is not an exclusive club, and the more the better!

ICONZ kids can participate in dozens of indoor and outdoor based activities including awards for cycling, water activities, bush experiences, safety in the home, domestic services, camping, conservation, spiritual knowledge and faith.
We read the Bible.
We learn about life skills, leadership, & Christian values.
We have heaps of Fun with a capital F.
Devotions each week, which reinforce our own Bible based Christian values.
Play active indoor and outdoor games to ensure kids exercise appropriately.
We build things and then have fun with them.
Visit other locations regularly to keep interest high.
We have inspiring famous people and VIPs to talk to the kids as often as possible because it makes the kids feel highly valued in the community.
We take the kids fishing and other like activities.
If boys are into it we will do it. If we haven't then it's only because we have not thought about it YET (unless it's on the playstation).

ICONZ Adventure is a not for profit organisation run solely by volunteers who are keen to see kids reach their full spiritual, mental, social and physical potential.
Your local ICONZ Unit sets their own costs and they might vary between $50 and $100 per year.
The uniform is a T-shirt and cap, and is purchased through your local Unit for under $30. They may choose to subsidise the price so it could cost next to nothing (some Units hire their uniforms for a year at a time).
If families cannot afford the costs, then they may make arrangements with the local Unit. We do not want kids missing out because of the cost, however the families should still contribute in some way or help with fund raising events/projects so this is not abused or taken for granted.
Grants, donations and subscriptions of members as well as leaders' generosity pay for the equipment used.
Fees are spent on administration, equipment and activities. A large portion of the fees is spent on awards for the kids.
Annual registration levies become payable to the national office, but only once the first 12 months of a new Unit's operation is completed. They are currently set at $45.00 per boy.

Because ICONZ is geared to cater for boys our activities are sometimes boisterous and rough. We take all steps to prevent injury and assess the risks prior to running each event.
Our leaders all pass through police vetting processes prior to their involvement in the ministry.
Much of our programme is geared to teach the kids about safety like at the beach, in the bush and fire safety as examples.

Anywhere! At ICONZ, we believe that the classroom can be anywhere; therefore we will often meet at the beach or at a park to pursue the outdoor experience.
ICONZ want to see all kids in the community enjoy their programmes therefore they will regularly meet in neutral venues such as schools, other Units meet in church halls or buildings.
A list of local ICONZ units can be found on this site (under Loications), which gives contact details and meeting times and places.
Call or email the national office if you are not sure where the local unit meets and they will put you in contact with them. If the local unit does not exist, perhaps you could start one!

Leaders are volunteers and often parents, they commit their time outside working hours. They plan the programme and assemble all the materials used in the programme. If you are a parent, please volunteer your time, skills or money as often as you can to make their job easier.
If you want to be a leader, but not the Leader in Charge, our promotions staff can either help you recruit the people needed to do the job, or give you the training and confidence to take on the top job on yourself.
You may be in your teens or early twenties and think you have no spare time. Think about the parents who have three or four kids. They may work 50 hours per week and yet they make the time to inspire kids. It's all about choice.
Boys today lack young godly male role models, yet they are crying out for them. It is not un-cool to lead kids in the eyes of God.
A ratio of 1:8 leaders per children is what we aim for in the programme. For away outdoor trips we aim for ratios of 1:5 adults to children. Parents generally make up the numbers if leaders are short.

Heaps! Too many to name. Get involved and you will discover the answer to that question!
However, here's some:
- Wood work: making go-karts
- Paua craft (mirrors and pendants)
- Competitive activities like boat racing, swimming, cart racing
- Leisure activities in the bush, camping, snow trips, water sports, swimming
- Team work games
- Cultural awareness activities
- Domestic survival skills
- Community service
- Visit a Marae, the RSA, and Army base or police/fire stations.
- Camps, tramps, sleepovers and night games.

Leaders may spend two hours per week in front of the kids and perhaps an hour in preparation per week. The sky is the limit as to the amount of time spent, but they get out what they put into it.
Parents are welcome to stay and watch their kids; we encourage parent participation as much as possible.
We generally don't meet during the holidays.
Setting up a new unit is a very simple process once you have leaders. Contact the ICONZ Promotions staff or the Boys' Brigade National Office for the details.
The people who gain from the programme primarily are the leaders because there is a principle of sowing and reaping. People who sow much reap a great harvest. The other beneficiaries are the kids who are involved. Nobody benefits financially from their leadership involvement in the ICONZ programme.
It benefits The Church in the following ways:

Got a question that isn't answered here? Contact Us and ask!