The Boy's Brigade - A seasoned project relevant now!

(PICTURE: 2nd BATH COMPANY STAFF AT JULY 2010 CHURCH PARADE - PETER FINCH - FAR LEFT).

Involved since the 1960's, in the 2nd Bath Company of this international Christian-centred project, Peter says this organisation not only prepares young men for life - but also fills gaps the state does not fill.

"We provide many activities that the state cannot or will not provide. We are maintaining our values since the conception of the Boys' Brigade and we provide 'skills for life' (real life) in our programme.

"We try and 'make a difference' by interacting with the community, entertaining nursing homes, school and charity fetes, carnivals and other community events with our Brass Band. We assist with recycling and protection of the environment in which we live." says Peter.

In fact, the mission statement quoted in the introduction is really underpined with a programme of informal education underpinned by the Christian faith, he adds. A structured variety of programmes under Christian leadership including task-orientated badge-work and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, form the main thrust of the Boys' Brigade's informal education.

How Does It Work?

A busy schedule of activities, outdoor adventurous camps, the opportunity to join the brigade's brass band and get stuck in are available at this fun, structured project.

"Parents are found to be pleased that we provide such a safe environment that is based on strong Christian values by Christian leaders. Society will benefit as we 'build Leaders', from the early age of 5, to become responsible members of society by providing that opportunity through our badge work and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme." says Peter. 

Peter believes the project works because of the Brigade's established teaching link with local churches, and because of the opportunities boys get in decision making, raising awareness of boys and young people to the needs of others (locally, nationally and globally) and encouraging members to make a difference, opportunities for leadership and skills training.

"The Boys Brigade delivers Christian teaching in partnership with the church in which the company is based and encourages the development of a personal Christian faith.  It is sensitive to the needs and aspirations of boys and young people of varying backgrounds, differing abilities and stages of development and provides appropriate support, advice and guidance." says Peter.

Suitable selection, training and supervision of leaders is implemented to ensure the safety of boys and young people attending the project.  A network of professional staff support voluntary leaders and create opportunities to develop partnerships with other appropriate organisations. 

Why Did You Get Involved?

Peter who was a voluntary youth and play worker since 1969 and  a Captain of the 2^nd Bath since 1987 says a passion for Christian service has spurred on his Boys' Brigade commitment.

"It is in my blood to give Christian service to my Church, the Weston Free Church [Moravian], and the local and wider community. The 2^nd Bath Company was formed in 1940 and 20 years after that the Boys' Brigade and church became the biggest part of my life....I have loved every minute by seeing boys become young men, marrying, having families and then sending their own children to Boys' Brigade (or Girls’ Brigade)."

How did the Boy's Brigade begin? 

• Thanks to Colonel William Alexander Smith and the brothers Hill at North Woodside Mission, Glasgow in the years leading up to 1883, The Boys’ Brigade was formed on the 4^th October 1883.
• William Smith (later Knighted) and the Hill brothers were Sunday School teachers and needed something that would attract Boys (from the age of 13) to Sunday School so he devised a programme of discipline, learning skills, first aid (stretcher), music (fife and drum, bugle and brass bands) and camping.
• His army experience came in handy with organisation and he had a team of “Officers” who were in charge of various aspects of the Boys' Brigade. 

Do You Have To be A Christian to Join In?

You don't have to be a Christian - or a girl! according to Peter, to join a brigade nowadays!

"I recommend as many churches as possible consider having their own Boys’ Brigade Company as part of their youth outreach!  The brigade has accepted girls into membership for a few years (at the discretion of each individual church) and will fit into most, if not all, church plans to have active youth (and hopefully their families) that is Christian and well structured.

"We have had a few Muslims as past members and we accept agnostics, Roman Catholics and all young people with or without a faith. We do not 'bible bash' and would not consider 'converting' people of different faiths from their beliefs and traditions. This is our way and those who are associated or who are members of the BB will see that we, as Christians, are loving and caring towards everyone, treating each as equals in every respect." says Peter.

Do you want a Boys' Brigade in your church? Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

• Disclaimer
• Login