THE BOYS’ BRIGADE METHOD

CONCEPT OF ‘METHOD’

• Method can be defined as a way, pattern or skill of doing things. It is the quality of being well organized and systematic in thought or action.
• The aim of The Boys’ Brigade is to train the Boys by moulding their character and to win them for Christ. In this regard, the Boys’ Brigade developed it method of achieving its goals which are methods which are:
  • The Church: A BB Company must belong to the Church or any other
    Christian organisation approved by the relevant authority. The Church provides the Company with Christian Education and Spiritual
    backing. The Chaplain which in most cases the head of the Church is the
    Spiritual Head of the Company.
  • The Company: This is the smallest basic and important unit of The Boys’
    Brigade. Every member of the Boys’ Brigade must be a member of a
    Company. The fundamentals of the Boys’ Brigade are taught at the
    Company’s level.
  • The Uniform: This is the set of clothes worn by members of the
    organization. However, the uniform varies from one section to the other and it serves as a form of public relation to the Boys’ Brigade. It encourages self respect, brings about sense of belonging and smart appearance of members; and attracts prospective members to the organization.
  • Discipline – It is the ability to have affirm control over behaviour and attitude and to take responsibility for actions. This is imbibed through drill and physical exercise.
  • Awards: This is a reward given to encourage or show appreciation the Boy. It brings about competitiveness and zeal to the recipients. The Boys’ Brigade has series of activities for the Boys for skills development and after the completion of the activities, an award is given that will enable Boys move to the next higher level.
    • In the Junior Section, it is called Junior Section Achievement Scheme which is predicated on Spiritual, Physical, Educational and Social, while
    • In the Company Section, there are Targets, Specialised, Service and Special Awards.
      • Target Award: This is divided into two stages, i.e., Target I & 2. Three months for the first-year members; this is to encourage him to keep coming. Lectures taught include BB History, e. t. c. The progression is more important than the test.
      • Specialized Award: This is divided into three stages. He gets his badge at the end of the 3rd stage. The lectures include First Aid et cetera.
      • Service Award: This is for Boys who have been loyal to the Company and coming regularly at least for three (3) years and 70% attendance.
      • Special Award: These awards include Presidents’ Badge for Boys who have excelled in the previous categories
• Drill: Drill is a system used in the Boys’ Brigade where Boys are trained in a manner similar to that of the military. It is a tool used for imbibing discipline. It is makes Boys to be smart, brings about self-control, team work, self-reliance and leadership. Furthermore, it helps develops pride, confidence and development.
• Activities: These are various programs done in The Boys’ Brigade Company. This should be centred on the four cardinal points of The Boys’ Brigade which are Spiritual, Physical, Educational and Socials such as drill, camping, parent’s day, enrolment service etc.
• Leadership: This is the action of leading a group of Boys. It is about taking risks and responsibility. It is the ability to control, direct or coordinate the affairs of a group of Boys in the Boys’ Brigade. These will encourage Boys to do more and engender healthy rivalry