Background

BB is the oldest uniformed youth organisation, founded in 1883.

It was originally organised in a military style and we have a legacy of that today in some of our terminology. The local unit is the "Company", companies in an area form a "Battalion". Those leaders who are trained and enrolled by BB are Warrant Officers, Lieutenants or, if in charge of a company, Captains.

Over the years, BB has developed its programmes of activities, keeping pace with the expectations of young people.

The national organisation sets standards for leader training, and safety and child protection policies.

BB Object, Badge and Motto

Object "The advancement of Christ's Kingdom among Boys and the promotion of habits of obedience, reverence, discipline and self respect and all that tends toward a true Christian manliness".

Badge an anchor in front of a red cross with the

Motto"Sure and Steadfast" taken from the Bible
(Hebrews chapter 6 verse 19.)

Uniform

The basic uniform is a blue polo shirt and / or sweatshirt, worn with dark trousers and shoes. Companies will have their own policies for uniform and clothing at meetings.

The Company and Sections

A company has a great deal of freedom to arrange its programme. The Brigade supports companies with programme material.

Most meetings of the company are in age groups ("sections"). The four sections are:

Anchor Boys (age 5 - 8 years)

Junior Section (age 9 - 11 years)

Company Section (age 12 - 15 years)

Seniors (age 15 - 18 years)

Not every company has all four age groups and some have slightly different age limits. Often Company Section and Seniors meet together for much of the time.

The 24th SEE Company, at Hawkwell, has an AMICUS group instead of Seniors with an age range (14 - 22) which allows girl members.

See where our companies are on the Companies page.

Programme

There is no typical BB programme - leaders plan their evenings to meet the needs and expectations of their own boys, ensuring that boys enjoy sufficient, varied activities to qualify for badges in the Award Schemes.

Members of the younger sections, Anchor Boys and Juniors usually enjoy games and crafts during their evening. This will include some form of christian teaching, at a level appropriate to their age. There may be drama, music and stories as well.

Company and Senior Sections are even more varied. Sports and games usually feature prominently. Some companies offer participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Many of the ideas come from the "Discover" programme pack.

Most sections offer a tuck shop during their evening.

Members get out for trips, visits to the swimming pool and outings. There are many opportunities for groups to join together in competitions and fun events organised by battalion, district or the Brigade. Sections may organise sleepovers or short camps depending on age. The week long Annual Camp is a highlight for many in Company and Senior Sections.

Awards

BB has Award Schemes by which boys can earn badges.

Church affiliation

A company is usually part of a church, which appoints the leaders. The church will ensure that BB leaders are aware of, and comply with, Child Protection policies.