November 27, 2011. The Red Frogs (volunteers who assist inebriated and overwhelmed teen revellers) are preparing for the end of year celebrations, getting ready to do their bit to assist overwhelmed teen partygoers.
Every year, thousands of matrics descend on the coastal towns of Ballito, Umhlanga and Plettenberg Bay to party and let loose after 12 years of school. In each of these locations, the Red Frogs volunteers provide support to the partying teens.a
Red Frogs is a volunteer matric support organisation, and is most well known for its service at end of year matric holidays. Started in 1997, at Gold Coast “Schoolies” in Australia, the organisation has grown rapidly. In Australia there are more than 1 200 volunteers now deployed annually to support school-leavers through their week-long celebrations at the end of Grade 12. For the past four years, Red Frogs has been operating in Ballito and will be supporting matrics in Umhlanga for the second year in a row.
Red Frogs Co-ordinator, Jess Basson, said an important role of the volunteers was to provide a positive presence within young people’s party culture. “By providing practical support, such as cooking pancakes and cleaning rooms, our volunteers are also available to provide emotional support during the transition out of high school and into adulthood,” she said.
During this time of great hype and emotional excitement, overenthusiastic teens can take things a bit too far, and may need a helping hand if they get into trouble.
“We try to be a fence at the top of the cliff, rather than an ambulance at the bottom”, said Jess, “and encourage young people to enjoy a safe matric holiday, looking after their friends and themselves. Our volunteers are there to serve and support the future leaders of our nation, hoping to assist them have a positive experience rather than one with negative consequences.”
Preparation for this year is in full swing, with volunteers being recruited and resources organised. Last year, the Red
Frogs volunteers cooked more than 5 720 pancakes and handed out more than 2 000 bottles of water. Paul Rowney, Sponsor Co-ordinator for Red Frogs South Africa is hoping to increase these amounts significantly for 2011.
“It’s the pancakes and water that get the conversations with matrics going,” explains Paul. “Often, after we’ve cooked pancakes for a bunch of friends, they’ll call us when they see someone in trouble, or need help themselves.”
Red Frogs operate a 24 hour phone line that matrics can phone for walk home assistance, pancakes or any help they need. The Red Frogs Hotline is 076 RED FROG (076 733 3764).Matrics and parents can also visit www.redfrogs.co.za for tips on having a fun, safe matric holiday.