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Boys Brigade
Boys Brigade
The Boys Brigade was founded on the 4th October 1883 by William Alexander Smith at the Free Church Mission Hall at North Woodside Road, Glasgow. It was the first of all uniformed organizations for boys and girls, which has since spread all over the world.
William Smith, the founder was a businessman, part-time soldier and Sunday school teacher. He devised a unique system of giving Boys an organization as part of the church based on twin pillars of religion and discipline. Initially, 50 Boys joined, many out of curiosity but 35 of them eventually stayed. The company was called the First Glasgow Company.
Simple forms of drill, gymnastics and games were introduced and these proved very popular. The uniform of 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 Founder of the Boys’ Brigade, Sir William Alexander Smith was born on 27 October 1854 at Pennyland House, Thurso Scotland. His father and his grandfather before him had been officers in the Army. Young William began work as a clerk in his uncle’s business in Glasgow at the age of 15, and while still in his teens enrolled in the 1st Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers. He later attained the rank of Major, commanded its Mounted detachment, and left the Volunteers as a Lieutenant Colonel.
William Smith started the Boys’ Brigade in 1883, and in 1888 became its full-time Brigade Secretary, preferring the humbler appointment of Brigade Secretary to that of Brigade President.
The Founder was knighted on July 1909 by King Edward VII for his work in the Boys’ Brigade. During the BB Executive meeting in London, Sir William A. Smith fell ill and two days later on the morning of 10 May 1914, passed away. Today Founder’s Day is observed on the last Sunday of October each year.
“If I am to be remembered by posterity I should like it to be as the man who taught people to spell Boy with a capital B”
EMBLEM
The emblem was originally an anchor. It stems from the verse in Hebrews 6:19 “which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both Sure and Stedfast” With the union of the Boys Brigade (BB) and the Boys Life Brigade (BLB) in 1926, the red cross from the BLB’s emblem was added to the anchor.
MOTTO
The motto Sure and Stedfast was also taken from the latter part of the verse in Hebrews 6:19. The biblical spelling from the Authorized Version of the Bible has been retained.
OBJECT
The object of 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 true Christian Manliness. The text of this object has remained the same since the beginning with the addition of the word obedience in 1893.
BB 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, grooming and teamwork are developed in each boy according to his needs and his capacity.
Girls Brigade
Girls Brigade
The Girls’ Brigade was started by the union of the following organizations for girls, and this union was confirmed on June 10, 1968.
THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE was formed in Dublin in 1893 was founded on twin pillars; Bible class and Physical Training having as its aim “The extension of Christ’s Kingdom among girls.”
THE GIRLS’ GUILDRY was founded in 1900 as a church-centered organization, providing programs for four age groups. Its varied activities aimed at helping girls become mature Christian women. An interdenominational and international movement with a strong emphasis on service to others.
THE GIRLS’ LIFE BRIGADE was founded in 1902 by the National Sunday School Union, the aim being “To help and encourage girls to become responsible, self-reliant, useful Christian women.”
The aim of the Girls’ Brigade being a Christian organization, International and Interdenominational shall be:
To help girls to become followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, and through self-control, reverence and a sense of responsibility, to find true enrichment of life.
PRINCIPLES
The Brigade acknowledges Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord according to the Scriptures and seeks to fulfill its Aim to the glory of One God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The Brigade witnesses to the standard set by Jesus Christ and gives positive teaching on Christian attitude to life.
The Brigade promotes a just society where all people are equally valued.
THE MOTTO: “SEEK, SERVE AND FOLLOW CHRIST”
Philippines
Philippines
November 2000
Pastor Danny Go Invited representatives from different churches and schools to attend a Girls' Brigade (GB) training at the ECOTECH Center, Lahug Cebu City; having Pearl Pang and Sally Chew from Singapore to officially introduce GB to the country.
Representatives from Mandaue Christian School attempted the 8-week program but did not know where and how to move from then. The GB activity stopped.
September 2001
Atty. Sally Chew, Pearl Pang and Choy Wai Fann from Singapore were invited by Association Schools, Cebu (ACSC) to conduct a 3-day training followed by another on December by Dr. Low Guat Tin and Ms. Choy Wai Fann, attended by 13 schools.
2002
Mrs. Grace Valdez coordinated training to be held in Singapore, Cebu and Danao. Involving different school administrators and young leaders and introducing the Basic Officers Training Course (BOTC).
1st Enrollment service as held by Livingstone Christian Academy on August 30, 2002.
The Boys and Girls Brigade, Philippines (BGBP) was registered with the securities and exchange commission (SEC) on September 24, 2002.
The launching of BGB Philippines (BGBP) and installation of officers of the National Pioneering Committee was held on December 8, 2002 at Lahug Waterfront, Cebu.
2003
Basic Officers Training Course (BOTC) were conducted in various regions all over the Philippines by the officers of the National Pioneering Committee, now reaching the island of Luzon.
BGBP National strategic Planning & Retreat conducted by Atty. Sally Chew, Ms. Hee and Ms. Choy Wai Fann (GBS). 17 schools represented from the Philippines, at Danao City, Cebu on October 2003 initiated the foundations for the BGBP, Vision, Mission and Core Values were established.
1st Enrollment service in Luzon was held at Kintner Christian Academy, Laguna.
2004
A year of First ( all held at Central Philippine University, Jaro, Iloilo on April 2-3, 2004)
Ratification of the Amended BY-Laws.
1st Commissioning of Commissioners.
Proposed Discoverer's curriculum and Badgework approved.
Election and Installation of the 1st Board of Trustees for the BGBP National Council and the appointed National Chaplain.
1st Boys and Girls Brigade, Philippines - National Basic Officers Training Course (BOTC) held at CPU, Iloilo on April 5-6, 2004, participated by 19 schools. Officers were lso then commissioned.
The BGBP logo was also then design, along with the composition of the BGB song by Pastor Verdiking Russell Gayema and Susan Herga
2005
A wave of BOTC training swept the nation from the North to South introducing the Program to different Christian Schools in the country.
1st National BGB Camp was held in Mambukal Resort, Murcia, Negros Occidental. November 3-5, 2005.
2006
Design of the Type A and Type B uniforms were also approved for the Brigadiers in all levels.
A BGB male delelgation of six, participated in 17th National PESTA 2006 held in the Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur from June 3-7, 2006.
2007
The National BGB Curriculum and Badgework was introduce for the Discoverers (Preschool), Challengers (Primary), Bravehearts (Intermediate) and Adventurers (High School).
BB Asia Executive Council Meeting was hosted by BGBP - CAR at Prince Plaza Hotel, Baguio City, March 23-26, 2007
BB Asia training flooded the Philippines from Manila, to Cebu and to the Cordilleras from June to July by BB Asia Executive Secretary, Lawrence Tay. the BB distinctive, BB Vesper and suggested uniform were taught.
BB Asia President, Mr. Michael Moorthy, graced the BGBP CAR enrollment Service held at Melvin Jones Grandstand, Baguio City with 10 Christian schools participating.
The Introduction of L.E.A.D Camps for the Junior and Young leaders were then made a prerequisite to participate in National Camps.
2nd BGBP National Camp at Living Hope Camp, Wangal, La Trinidad, Benquet on October 27 -31, 2007.
2008
1st Chaplains and Captains National Conference conducted by Rev. Richard Tok, BB Asia Associate Pastor, Lawrence Tay, and Tay Poh Imm, GBS Deputy Brigade Commissioner held at Philippine Bible Theological Seminary (PBTS), Baguio City.
2009
1st National Advance Officer Training Course ="Survivor 2009" conducted by OCD-CAR Asst. Director Andrew Alex H. Uy & Major Colasito Morong of PMA held at Calvary Baptist Elementary School, Baguio City and at Living Hope Camp, Wangal, La Trinidad, Benquet on August 8-9, 2008. Participated by most of the Companies in the Philippines.
BGBP declined membership with BB Asia for the Boys Wing as it was deemed quite confusing and contrary to the structure of BGBP having girls in the Boys Wing which was espoused by BB Asia.
2010
International Conference Girls Brigade (ICGB), Kuching, Malaysia saw two (2) delegates from the Philippines to represent BGBP on July 21-31, 2010
A sequel to the L.E.A.D. camps was introduced to advance training for the Junior & Young Leaders known as S.E.R.V.E.
2011
4th BGBP National Camp held at Camp Nikos, Sibunag, Guimaras on October 22-26, 2011.
2012
5th General Assembly held at UCCP Brokenshire, Davao brought in another twist on training and assessing our direction. A workshop-seminar "Lead Like Jesus" conducted by Ms. Piang Hee & Ms. Lay Hoon from GBS. Captains, chaplains and key officers also reconstructed roles and responsibilities for each position. Drills and Commands were reviewed and modified as well.
Recognition of BGBP Ex-officio, Dr. Lucy Catalogo & Mrs. Grace Valdez, were also given honor.
2013
1st SAMPULONG: A FAITH Camp held every 10 years, organized by the BGBP EXCO in celebration of HIStory and the 10th year Anniversary of BGBP as a registered organization @ Highland Resort, Iba, Zambales.
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