The Object of the Boys’ Brigade is "The advancement of Christ's kingdom among Boys and the promotion of habits of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-respect and all that tends towards a true Christian manliness."
Who We Are
The Boys' Brigade provides a balanced programme of activities for children and young people from 5 to 18 years old, in a relevant and creative way that is underpinned by the Christian faith. We aim to make a positive contribution to each young boy's life, all of whom have a tremendous potential to achieve in their life.
We recognise that the influences surrounding our young people are not always helpful and that too many lose control at great cost to themselves, their families and the community. We aim to catch that energy and enthusiasm of youth, drawing on their sometimes-wayward passions and channeling it purposefully.As our object states, the BBs exists to realize "The advancement of Christ's kingdom among Boys and the promotion of habits of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-respect and all that tends towards a true Christian manliness," something that would enhance our community immeasurably.
What We Do
BB is fun! We exist for all boys - It’s a place to meet friends and form new friendships; a place to experience new challenges; a place to be listened to and have a say; a place to be respected and valued; a place to have fun and; a place to have the opportunity to develop into your own person.
With the diverse group of youngsters we have, each with their own individual needs, it is vital that we care for and challenge our boys for the life they will face, through a programme of informal education underpinned by the Christian faith, specific and relevant to the stage of development they are at.
Our Motto
The Boys' Brigade Motto is:
'Sure & Steadfast'
The motto is taken from the bible, the book of Hebrews, Chapter 6, Verse 19.
Our Sections
Our work is split into age groups as follows:
• Anchor Section - for Boys aged 5 to 8 years (FRIDAYS: 6-7 pm)
• Junior Section - for Boys aged 8 to 11 years (FRIDAYS: 6.30 – 7.45 pm)
• Company Section - for Boys aged 11 to 15 years (FRIDAYS: 7-10 pm)
• Seniors - for young men aged 15 to 18 years (FRIDAYS: 7-10 pm)
Anchor Section
Leaders: Rosanne McGilvary, Jeanette Borthwick
At Anchor Boys (5-7) we learn to use our bodies; our minds; our creativity; learn about God and his relationship with us; and learn about us and our relationship with other people in our community.
There is no specific badgework in Anchor Boys but the range of activities and games we do should help the boys develop new aptitude skills, physical skills, confidence, independence, a personal identity, an awareness of the needs of others and a group identity.
Some things we've been learning about are indoor hazards, the environment, our community, imagination and animation, board games and baking.
• Learning new skills
• Developing confidence
• Developing physical skills
• Developing independence
• Developing a group identity
• Developing an awareness of the needs of others
• Developing a personal identity
• Learning to take responsibility
• Have FUN!!!
Junior Section
Leaders: Richard Collins, Michael Farquhar, Linda Ross, Stella Eardley
At Junior Section (8-11) the programme is split into the same five basic areas as described for Anchors, except that attaining badges, through a system of informal and formal classes / work, is now a part of the process.
We try to introduce new activities and hobbies to each of the boys throughout the year, while still providing for the things they already enjoy.
The badge work completed by the boys has included helping at home, charitable groups, healthy living, our community, first aid, marching skills and model making. The boys are also introduced to biblical themes and stories in an interactive manner.
Company Section
Senior Section
Leaders: Duncan Cameron, Callum Riddell
Our Company Section and Senior Section are currently amalgamated (11-18 year olds).
The badgework at Company level focuses around 3 areas: Community, Recreation and Skills. How faith informs our actions is at the core of each of these.
One of the tenets of these sections is that the boys should be empowered to take more responsibility and make more decisions on the running of their company (an outlook that is gently nurtured from Anchor Boys upwards).
Some of the badge work this year has been learning about the BBs globally, being a pro-active member of our society and community, charity work, drumming, good living choices, experiencing and dealing with change, canoeing, leadership, trampolining, logic conundrums, banking, dealing with emotions, planning expeditions and adventure experiences.
We have still had time to squeeze in drill practice, squad competitions, gymnastics, games, activities, projects, challenges, fundraising initiatives and participation in community events.
This summer we once again hope to take many of the boys on camp with the Battalion and to go on our own adventure day away.
Queen's Badge
Our recent annual Display Night was a special occasion for four of our young men who collected the highest award that may be gained by a member of The Boys' Brigade. Robbie Darling, Andrew Farquhar, Rhuary Horsburgh and Cameron Wilson all collected the Queen’s Badge in front of their family and friends at St John’s Church; they will attend a national presentation in Edinburgh at the beginning of June.
The Queen's Badge is a real opportunity for Boy’s Brigade members to work hard and excel; it aims to challenge and equip the individual, provide new opportunities and expand horizons while remaining accessible to young people of all abilities. Taking two years to complete, the Queen's Badge offers the chance to engage with the local community, take on responsibility, set personal goals, build self confidence and experience a sense of achievement.
Each of our Queen’s men were required to record and evaluate their activities toward the Queen’s Badge, attend leadership training courses and residential assessment events. Some of the activities the boys got up to were taking on leadership roles in the Boys’ Brigade Company and Battalion, kayaking, coaching rugby, working for local charities, archery, bowls, leading a local youth group, performing flight simulations and developing their photography skills. Well done to all the lads.