Boys' Brigade offers a programme of fun activities for boys, designed to educate, challenge and inspire along with Christian teaching that is relevant and meaningful to boys today. Companies meet once a week, from Sept to April/May each year.

The Boys’ Brigade Companies are run in local churches/missions. We have 307 in Northern Ireland so there is one close to you! Type the first part of your post code into the BBNI search.

The local church/mission provides:

• Leadership & Overall Management
• Premises
• Insurance
• Pastoral support
• Financial support

Boys are grouped into sections according to school year group:

• Anchor Boys - School Year 1-4
• Junior Section - School Year 5-7 
• Company Section - School Year 8-10
• Seniors - School Year 11-14

Your son can join a BB company at any time but the best time is at the start of the season in September. You do not have to be a member of the particular church to send your son to their BB company.

Leadership

Each BB company is led by a male volunteer from the church/mission and he is referred to as the Captain. He will have several other male/female leaders to help him, who may be in charge of a particular age group, referred to as Officers. Each company may also have some additional male/female helpers who work under the supervision of the Captain or an Officer. Each company also has a company chaplain. Frequently this will be the minister/pastor of the church/mission. The chaplain is the most senior officer in the company and must approve all nominations for leadership training.

To become a Caption or Officer in BB each leader must undergo comprehensive training certified by BB Headquarters, in areas such as child protection, programme planning, leadership skills, practical skills, safety etc. there is also an ongoing programme of training for Captains and Officers in programme areas such as sport, craft, drama, camp leadership, music, modern dance, etc.

Cost of Membership

Fees
Parents may be asked by the BB Company to make a contribution towards this either through BB Week (collection card given to each boy to collect donations from friends & family), a small weekly donation, or a one-off amount at the start of the year. Some Companies also do some fundraising during the year which parents are asked to support.

Uniform
The boys wear a distinctive uniform that promotes a sense of belonging, equality and identity. Each section in the BB has its own uniform. Uniforms are on sale in BB Supplies. Provision for uniform varies from Company to Company. Some Companies operate a uniform lending system for a nominal charge. Most Companies will operate a uniform ordering and collection service, although parents are always welcome to come in to our shop direct. Click on the uniform section to see the required uniform.

Why send your son to the BB?

• Find creative, and sporting talents?
• Have fun in a safe & caring environment?
• Make lifelong friends?
• Build confidence & self esteem?
• Discover God and the relevance of the bible today?
• Develop practical skills & life skills?
• Escape from the pressures of school?
• Find a sense of belonging?
• Gain access to the Duke of Edinburgh’s and other awards?