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What is BB all about?

From humble beginnings on the 4th October 1883 at the Free College Church Mission, Glasgow the Boys’ Brigade has grown to an organisation with in excess of 750,000 young people the world over. With an unashamedly Christian foundation, The Boys’ Brigade has a proven track record for reaching out and providing mentoring programs for boys of all backgrounds, abilities & interests – broadening their horizons and skills with international recognition for their achievements.The Boys’ Brigade is first and foremost a training ministry for boys into how to think and live like Christ in their world – regardless of their profession of faith. They become true Christians (Christ-like) when they bear the fruit of Christ (Matt 7:20).

The Boys’ Brigade is about establishing firm foundations (Matt 7:25), long-term, throughout a boy’s life (from 5-6 years old upwards). That is, we have up to 12 years to anchor their faith firmly. The Boys’ Brigade provides a consistent structured approach to developing them for the long term. Boys need “fun, challenge and adventure” engaging in service to the community, and leadership development to equip them for life.

The purpose of The Boys’ Brigade in Australia is to provide, in co-operation with the local church, a supportive Christian community for boys and young men to assist in their Christian growth, balanced personal development, Leadership training; and to assist the Church reaching out into the community.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. This has been the Object of the Movement since 1893.

The famous anchor badge was an early feature along with the motto ‘Sure and Stedfast’ (taken from Hebrews 6: 19 – ‘Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast’).

The highest level of achievement is the Queen’s Badge. Comprehensive preparation is required to be awarded the Queen’s Badge. This includes more than 90 per cent attendance at company parades and other events over three years, as well as achieving activity awards spread over each of the spiritual, physical, educational and social areas of work. In addition, at least thirty six hours practical community service and the successful youth must receive the recommendation of his company.”