The Boys' Brigade - 39th Singapore Company

History of the Boys' Brigade

In 1883, William Smith, a Sunday School teacher and an officer of the 1st Lanark Rifle Volunteers devised a unique system of giving Boys an organization as part of the church based on religion and discipline. Initially, 59 Boys joined, many out of curiosity but 35 of them stayed. Simple form of drill, gymnastics and games were introduced and these proved very popular. The uniform for the first year was a rosette; afterwards the forage cap, haversack and belt were introduced. Other activities were soon added and in 1886 the first BB camp was held. It was, in fact, the start of camping for young people.

The Boys' Brigade was the first uniformed youth organization in the world. From one small company it has grown into a worldwide organization with companies in over 60 countries.

Following the impact of The Boys' Brigade, other uniformed organizations were started - Church Lads' Brigade (1890), Boys Life Brigade (1899), The Jewish Lads' Brigade (1900), Catholic Boys' Brigade (1900), Girls' Guidry (1900), Girls Life Brigade (1902), the Boy Scouts (1908) and the Girl Guides (1910). All of these organizations can trace the idea of uniformed youth back to 1883 and William Smith.

Motto
Sure & Stedfast taken from Hebrews 6:19. The biblical spelling of stedfast has been retained.

Emblem
The emblem was originally an anchor. Like the motto, it stems from the verse "which hope we have as an anchor of the soul..."(Hebrews 6:19). With the union of The Boys' Brigade and The Boys' Life Brigade in 1926, a red cross was added to the anchor, thus

Object
The object of The Boys' Brigade shall be 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. The text of this object has remained the same since the beginning, with the addition of the word obedience in 1893.

However the following aims are a useful translation of the Object into everyday goals for the BB company:

- to help Boys to develop and grow in Christian character

- to train Boys to become loyal and responsible citizens
- to promote physical fitness of Boys and develop their leadership potential.

Method

The method of achieving the object of The Boys' Brigade is by providing a meaningful and enjoyable programme of educational, physical, social and spiritual interests, based on the "twin pillars" of Christian Education and Discipline and guided by adult leaders as officers.

Through the framework of uniform, badges and drill, the habits of discipline, self-respect, smartness and team-work are developed in each Boy according to his needs and his capacity.

Organization

The Boys' Brigade exists in over 60 territories. The Brigade in each country, however is autonomous. In Singapore the Brigade's governing body is the Brigade Council. The overall management of the Brigade and the supervision of its affairs are entrusted by the Brigade Council to the Brigade Executive, which is elected in accordance with the Constitution. The Brigade Executive meets regularly and supervises the affairs of the Brigade through standing and special committees, supported by the Brigade Staff.

The Brigade is composed of companies where the work is carried out. Six or more companies are formed into a battalion.

Relationships

The Boys' Brigade is known as an institution of public character and is registered as a charity. It is a member of the People's Association and Singapore Council of Social Service. It is recognized by the Ministry of Education as one of the uniformed youth organizations for schools.

-adapted from The BB HandBook-