THE BOYS' BRIGADE

Who can join?

The Boys’ Brigade is open to 5years old and above, no matter your background. Most Local Companies are also able to cater for special needs.

What are the sections?

Boys’ Brigade have three sections:

Junior Section - 5 to 11 year old.

Company Section - 11 to 16 year old.

Senior Section - 16 to 18 year old.

What do we do?

Each Company varies in what they do. It also varies for the different Sections. Not all time Boys’ Brigade play their Drum and go for Drill, most of the time Boys’ Brigade study the Word of God and other Social activities. Usually the day will contain segments on games, learning new skills, developing friendships, and promoting a positive outlook on life.

What other activities are there to enjoy?

Depending on the age group, Boys’ Brigade often has Camps, Hikes, Canoe trips, Abseiling, Parties, Outings, Excursion, and Local and State-wide Competitions throughout the year.

What about Awards and Badges?

Each Section offers the opportunity to earn many awards and badges. There are badges for improving in areas of learning new skills, doing a Hobby, developing Physically, improving Friendships, etc. There are badges for being committed to Boys’ Brigade, and understanding about Boys’ Brigade. There are also awards for special achievements, like being a Good Leader, Looking after others and even saving people's lives.

Why Boys?

There are just times when it is good to be with other guys. Historically Boys’ Brigade was organized to work with boys only and a lot of the Boys feel more comfortable doing certain things with just other Boys. Many Boys’ Brigade Companies also have a Girls' Brigade Company operating in the same place with similar programs available for the girls.

Why do we wear Uniforms?

Uniforms show that we belong to a group and we are proud of that group. The uniform of Boys’ Brigade takes various forms and the local company will have one of the options for everyone to wear.

Our Uniform shows our Military heritage of Discipline in the sense that a boy on Uniform is always cautious of his activities and speech, i.e. Conduct.

It also speaks of the beauty and fun in it.

It also promotes sense of belonging and the spirit of oneness.

Why do we meet in a Church?

Each Brigade Company is part of the overall Children and Youth ministry of the church, with the Church appointing and encouraging the Leaders, and underwriting finances and resources. This also gives the Company a place to meet and run Weekly Programmes. Boys’ Brigade are also in a Church because they are pretty good places to be and have other programs to meet the needs of whole families.

How did we start?

Boys’ Brigade started in 1880s in Glasgow, Scotland by William Alexander Smith, a Sunday school teacher and an Army Reserve Officer. There wasn't much available for Boys to do. He wanted to teach Boys how to get more out of life, as well as give them lots of fun and challenging things to do.

How big are we?

Not only are there Boys’ Brigade Companies all over Nigeria, but there are Boys’ Brigade Companies all over the world (probably in every country). This means that Boys’ Brigade members in Nigeria also become members of a world-wide organization of over 750,000 young people. There have been millions of Boys and Men since 1883 who have been involved in Boys’ Brigade. As a matter of fact, Scouts, Girl Guides, Girls' Brigade, and many other youth organizations came out of the original Boys’ Brigade program.

Is it like Scouts?

Back in history Scouts started out of Boys’ Brigade with Baden-Powell who was a close friend of Boys’ Brigade founder. The two organizations became separate but parallel their approach to working with Boys and youth. There are many similarities between the two organizations. We both have a uniform and many similar activities. Both can earn many awards and badges by getting involved in the program. We both also provide a balanced program in all areas of life; Socially, Physically, Educationally and Spiritually. Boys’ Brigade is mostly based in Churches using the resources and leaders from the Church. Boys’ Brigade also tends to have a stronger focus on and understanding the Christian faith through the development of friendships, leadership and self-discipline.

#CentMaxine #1883 #BB 🌏