Higher Awards

President’s Badge

The Queen's Badge

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

What is the DofE?

The DofE is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of practical, cultural and adventurous activities, designed to support the personal and social development of young people aged 14-25, regardless of gender, background or ability. It offers an individual challenge and encourages young people to undertake exciting, constructive, challenging and enjoyable activities in their free time.

What is involved?

The DofE has three progressive levels . . .

    • Bronze (for those aged 14 and over)

    • Silver (for those aged 15 and over)

    • Gold (for those aged 16 and over)

. . . and is a four-sectioned programme . . .

    • Volunteering (helping other people in the local community)

    • Expedition (training for, planning and completing a journey on foot or horseback, by boat or cycle)

    • Skills (covering almost any hobby, skill or interest)

    • Physical (sport, dance and fitness)

    • Residential (Gold Award only) (a purposeful enterprise with people not previously known to the participant)

You have until your 25th birthday to complete any of the Awards but it takes at least 6 months at Bronze, 12 months at Silver and 18 months at Gold for Direct Entrants.

Timescales

There should be a regular commitment averaging at least an hour a week.

When can I start?

    • Bronze Award from 14 Years

    • Silver Award from 15 Years

    • Gold Award from 16 Years

The Key principles of the Award are:

    • achievable by all - a personal challenge not a competition

    • available to all - anyone can do it!

    • voluntary - it's up to you what you do, it's your leisure time

    • personalised - your programme is designed by you for you

    • balanced - it will stretch you in all directions

    • progressive - you improve at your own pace

    • achievement focused - you can't fail

    • demands commitment - it takes more than a short burst of enthusiasm

    • personal development - it's the taking part that matters; getting an Award is the icing on the cake

    • enjoyable - it's about getting out there and having fun!

Known as the second highest award within the Boys Brigade. It is normally awarded during year 4 in the Discover Programme, this badge can still be gained through the Challenge Plus programme.To gain the President’s Badge a young person has to:

    • Complete a Christian faith development course.

    • Have good attendance for 1 session.

    • Be recommended by the Company Captain.

    • Participate in a non-residential teamwork skills experience run by Battalion,District or Region.

and Either Route A

    • Complete at least 30 points from the Discover programme, having gained three badges in the last 12 months OR complete at least 30 points from the Challenge Plus Programme having gained a Gold award in the last 12 months.

    • Take part in an activity based residential event within the BB.

    • Complete 10 hours of practical service for the Brigade or church.

Or - Route B

    • Gain the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

2nd Bedford's prefered route since 2008, is Route B

Honours (to follow)

The Queens Badge is the highest award a member can gain in the Boys Brigade. The Queens Badge is a balanced programme. It aims to challenge and equip the individual, provide new opportunities and expand horizons while remaining accessible to Candidates of all abilitiesTo start working for the Queen's Badge you should first have gained the Presidents Badge and attend a Queen's Badge Candidates' Conference with the Battalion Advisor.

    • Training - Either relevant skills-based training or leadership training

    • Service - At least 30 hours service to others within the Brigade or Church and at least 30 hours service to others outside the Brigade and Church.

    • Interest - Two of the following three activities. 6 months in the first of the Skills or Physical activity, 3 months in the other (if applicable):

        • Skill - Learn a new Skill or develop an existing one.

        • Physical - Take up a new Activity or develop an existing one.

        • ExpeditionPlan, prepare for and undertake a 3-day, 2-night venture.

    • Residential - Participate in a Queen's Badge Completion Course

    • Brigade Service - Maintain a good attendance record for a minimum of 1 session and be recommended by the Company Captain

Honours (to follow)