Camping in the Boys’ Brigade

Camping is a foundational activity of the Boys’ Brigade (BB), an organization founded in 1883 by Sir William Alexander Smith. He introduced camping to the BB in 1886. His goal was to keep boys engaged during summer breaks. He also wanted to build camaraderie outside of weekly meetings. The first BB camp was held at Auchinlochan Hall in Tighnabruaich, Scotland. Over a century later, this core activity continues to play a vital role in the BB’s mission. It evolves to suit local contexts while still upholding its original purpose.

BB Camping in Nigeria: A Local Perspective

The BB’s camping tradition in Nigeria maintains its core principles while adapting to the local context. Nigerian BB camps play a crucial role in teaching practical skills. These skills are relevant to the local environment. The camps also promote unity among boys from different ethnic and social backgrounds. The spiritual aspect is highly emphasized. Meticulous planning is undertaken to address local logistics and safety concerns. These concerns include common health risks and community engagement.

The Purpose of Camping: Beyond the Outdoors

Camping in the Boys’ Brigade is a deliberate and structured program for the holistic development of young people. Its purpose is to:

• Promote Personal Growth: Camping fosters self-reliance and resilience by taking boys out of their familiar routines. It’s a chance to learn new skills, face challenges, and develop confidence.
• Strengthen Community and Teamwork: Sharing tasks, solving problems, and living together in a close-knit group build strong bonds of friendship. This experience teaches the importance of cooperation.
• Encourage a Connection with Nature: Camping offers an essential connection to the natural environment. It teaches boys to appreciate the outdoors. They also learn skills like navigation, environmental stewardship, and basic survival.
• Provide a Unique Context for Mentorship: The informal setting allows leaders to connect with boys on a deeper level. Leaders serve as positive role models. They provide guidance.
• Reinforce Christian Values: Camps are consistent with the BB’s Christian foundation. They often include daily devotions, group prayers, and discussions. These activities provide a practical context for applying faith to daily life.

Types of Camping Experiences

The Boys’ Brigade offers a diverse range of residential experiences to suit different age groups, skill levels, and objectives.

• Canvas Camping: This is the traditional BB camp. Boys learn essential bushcraft skills here. They learn skills such as pitching tents and cooking over an open fire.
• Expedition Camping: For older, more experienced members, this involves multi-day treks. Participants carry all necessary equipment. They focus on navigation, route planning, and resource management.
• Indoor/Residential Camps: These camps take place in buildings like youth hostels or activity centers. They are ideal for younger members. They are also suitable for camps held during colder months. These facilities provide a base for day trips and team-building exercises.
• Themed Camps: These are built around a specific theme. For example, a theme could be a “survival skills” or “sports” camp. This approach deepens interest and engagement.
• Overseas Camps: These trips are for older sections. They offer a unique opportunity to experience different cultures and environments. This provides a global perspective.

Camp vs. Course: A Key Distinction

While both camps and courses are residential experiences, they serve distinctly different purposes.

Feature	Camp	Course
Primary Focus	Adventure, community, and personal growth.	Training, skills development, and leadership.
Participant Group	Open to all members of a particular section.	Aimed at older members who have demonstrated a level of commitment.
Duration & Schedule	A mix of structured activities and free time.	A more intensive and structured schedule with formal instruction.
Learning Outcome	Broad life skills and social skills. Learning is often informal and experiential.	Specific, measurable skills and knowledge, often leading to a formal qualification or badge.

Planning a Successful Camp

A safe and effective BB camp is the result of careful, detailed planning by volunteer leaders. The process includes:

1. Defining the Purpose: Establishing clear goals and objectives for the camp.
2. Location and Venue Selection: Choosing a safe and suitable site that aligns with the camp’s purpose.
3. Risk Assessment: Identifying and planning for all potential risks, from minor injuries to more serious emergencies.
4. Program and Logistics: Creating a detailed schedule of activities, organizing food and equipment, and managing the budget.
5. Staffing and Supervision: Ensuring a sufficient number of trained leaders are present, following BB’s strict supervision guidelines.
6. Communication: Providing parents and participants with all necessary information and gathering feedback after the camp.

The Boys’ Brigade employs a systematic approach. This ensures that every camp is safe, enriching, and memorable. They uphold a tradition that has positively impacted young lives for over a century.