The Boys' Brigade & ICONZ Canterbury/West Coast Area
Object: The Object of The Boys' Brigade is the advancement of Christ's Kingdom among Boys and the promotion of habits of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-Respect and all that tends towards a true Christian Manliness.
Motto: Sure and Stedfast (Hebrews 6 v 19)
The Boys' Brigade is comitted to the development and well being of Boys. We make learning fun, while encouraging positive values and lifestyles.
The Boys' Brigade provides fun and friends for Boys aged 6 to 18. Thousands of parents have been grateful for The Brigade's role in the lives of their sons.
The Boys' Brigade promotes Christian standards and values, having encouraged sound relationships between adults and young people for over 100 years.
The Canterbury, West Coast & South Canterbury Battalion aims to support local Companies in their work with people, through training, activities and advice.
Each Company run a weekly programme that is usually held in a local Church Hall, outside of School hours. Each Group is called a "Company". Companies are divided into three sections :
Anchor Boys (for Boys aged 6
and 7)
Team Section (for Boys aged 8
to 10)
Company Section (for Boys aged
11 to 18)
In each Section, you have the opportunity to achieve. The awards programme is based on the verse found in the book of Luke "And Jesus grew in body and wisdom, gaining favour with God and men."(Luke 2 v 52)
The Boys' Brigade programme offers a holistic approach to life. The programme is based on Adventure, Physical, Educational, Spiritual and Community challenges.
Adventure - Outdoor activity and Camping
Physical - Sport and Recreation, Team Games
Educational - Interests, Adventure, Leadership
and Skill development
Spiritual - Learning about the ways of Jesus Christ
and what it means today.
Community - Learning about the Community and practical
Community Service
A typical meeting lasts about an hour. It may include games, music, singing, handcrafts, cooking and short stories. Anchor Boys also have the opportunity to go on outings and invite parents and friends along to Special Nights.
Team Section Boys take part in games, stories, Figure Marching, outings, Camps, Special Nights, Music, Crafts etc. There is a Badge System where Boys may gain 2 Badges in each of their 3 years in Team Section.These Badges may be worn on their uniform. If a Boy attains all six Badges, he is awarded a Gold Badge which he can wear in Company Section.
A weekly Boys' Brigade parade night might last for approximately 2 hours and
covers a wide range of activities. The programme enables you to develop new
skills and interests such as :
Adventure, Arts & Crafts,, Athletics, Bible Study, Bands, Camping, Communication,
Computing, Canoeing, Conservation, Drill, Expeditions, First Aid, Games, Life-Saving,
Physical Recreation and Games, Seamanship, Swimming, Wildlife.
Boys can earn badges which they can wear on their uniform. The highest Award in The Boys' Brigade is The Queen's Badge. This is usually presented by The Governor General.
The Boys' Brigade Badge System dovetails into The Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award which assist in Boys gaining these awards.
Seniors who display leadership potential and initiative may be selected for promotion to the rank of Non Commissioned Officer(NCO) to assist in the running of the Company. Leadership training courses are held locally at our Waipara Campsite, and Nationally.
Website © 2007-8, Boys' Brigade Canterbury West Coast Battalion, Christchurch N.Z.