SENIOR SECTION PROGRAMME PLANNING

INTRODUCTION:

The Boys’ Brigade developed a set of specific and clearly defined methods. They did this in a bid to advance Christ’s kingdom. The organization employs these methods in achieving her goal. One of these  methods is “activity”, every business of achieving the organizational goal of the B.B. as set out in the  object revolves around the various activities of the organization. While activity as a part of the B.B.  method may be specific it can be viewed in its generic state/form as “programme”. 

DEFINITIONS 

Programme can be defined as a scheme of things or activities. It can also refer to things or activities that will be done with the intention of achieving a goal. 

Planning can be defined as the process of making plans for something. It’s an idea of how something will be done or achieved. It is also a method of how something will be done or achieved. Planning involves a  systematic process where so many things are put into consideration. 

Programme Planning is a process of making plans for the scheme of things or activities. It is an idea or  method of how a programme will be done or achieved. 

Senior Section is the third group into which the B.B. is divided; the group is composed of boys within the  ages of 16yrs.-19yrs. 

Senior Section programme planning therefore is the process of making plans for the scheme of things  or activities for the composition the senior section (i.e. boys in the senior section) in a bid to achieve  organizational goals. 

STEPS TO FOLLOW IN PLANNING SENIOR SECTION PROGRAMME 

1. Identify the goal: This is the first step in planning any programme. It is important that the goal is clearly identified. It should be well spelt out from the outset. These centers around organizational  needs. In this case what the B.B. as an organization seeks to achieve.  

2. Determining the Objectives: This entails breaking down the goal into workable parts. Programmes and activities will be worked out around these parts for the senior section. The objectives describe the expected consequences. They include results or impacts on the targeted audience. In this case, the target is the senior section. The objectives must be measurable. 

3. Identify available resources and constraints: At this stage, the process of planning is clarified. The goal is to determine what is available and what is not. Here an analysis of finance, personnel, venue, materials etc. is carried out.  

4. Design the programme: This stage involves creating programmes and activities. These should yield the desired consequences, results, or impacts outlined in the objective. 

5. Implement the programme: This involves executing the programme. It means taking action on what was planned. This is essential for achieving organizational goals and objectives. 

6. Evaluate: This is done to assess whether or not what was set out to achieve was actually achieved.  It brings into perspective the entire process. It can be used at any stage of planning to develop  a new programme or improve upon an existing one. Evaluation seeks to acquire information  about, or analyze the following; 

i. Impression: To examine the feeling of the boys towards the output of the programme. We aim to determine the acceptability of the programme. We observe the level of interest developed or lost. We assess how exciting or boring the programme was, etc.

ii. Reaction: This is to examine the immediate and later response of the boys on the  programme, to determine whether or not there is increased participation, attendance (is  it occasional, regular or poor?) and if there is any interest any special interest in a  particular event(s). 

iii. Planning: This is to examine the process. You need to determine if anything was wrongly done. Consider whether there are better ways to achieve results.

7. Report: This is the final stage in planning a programme, it is important that a report of the entire  process is compiled and documented for reference purposes. 

PATTERN OF PROGRAMMES 

Programmes planned for boys in the senior section could take different forms or patterns depending on  the peculiarities of the boys, the company and the resources available. The following patterns can be  identified; 

i. Daily: Programmes of activities for a day and terminates in a day. 

ii. Weekly: Planned to cover a week and terminates at the expiration of the week.

iii. Monthly: Planned to cover a month and terminates at the end if the month.

iv. Quarterly: Planned to cover three months and terminates at the expiration of the quarter.

v. Annually: Planned to span a year and terminates at the end of that year.

APPROACH TO PLANNING PROGRAMMES FOR THE SENIOR SECTION 

The senior section boys are boys whose age, range between 16yrs. – 19yrs. they are somewhat matured  and are at a critical stage of their life. It is often said that what they learn at this stage of their life will either make them or mar them. They are in the final formative stage of their individual lives. It is therefore important to use the right and effective approach in planning programmes for them. Using the right and effective approach will entail considering their characteristics, their psyche, level of exposure, the type of programme that suite them based on the circumstances that prevail and the peculiarities of the company without losing sight of the organizational goal and objectives. 

The senior section boys are characteristically vigorous, impressionable, defining etc. therefore their  programmes should be geared towards the themes of Christian leadership, social education/awareness  or consciousness, their physicality and fitness, career path and future etc.  

STRUCTURE 

Programmes in the B.B. are pivoted on a particular structure and that of the senior section is not different.  What may be different are the approach and the types of programmes planned around this structure. 

Programmes in the B.B. are structured around what is referred to as the “Four Cardinal Points” which is  derived from the bible from the book of Luke 2:52 “…and the boy Jesus increased in WISDOM and in  STATURE, and in favour with GOD and MAN”. The four cardinal points include; 

i. WISDOM – EDUCATION 

ii. STATURE – PHYSICAL 

iii. GOD – SPIRITUAL (CHRISTIAN EDUCATION) 

iv. MAN – SOCIAL/SERVICE 

To maintain a good balance and all round development of the boy, senior section programmes should  revolve around these points.