Case Study: 1st Newport Pagnell Company, The Boys’ Brigade
Background
Founded way back in 1883 in Glasgow, the Boys’ Brigade was the very first Christian uniformed organisation in the world.
The brilliant mind behind this innovative concept was a Sunday school teacher who also happened to be a Voluntary Officer in the Territorial Army. He saw that young boys were running wild, with nothing productive to do, so he created a program that would engage them in military drills and life skills. And it really worked!
Today, the Boys’ Brigade is still going strong, with over 40,000 children and young people getting involved every week. It’s an incredible opportunity for them to learn, grow, develop, and discover in a safe, fun, and supportive environment.
The Boys’ Brigade in Newport Pagnell
Imagine a group of boys, eager and excited to learn new skills, explore the world around them, and make lasting friendships. That’s exactly what the Boys’ Brigade in Newport Pagnell is all about! This incredible group has a long and storied history, dating back many years to a time when young men were called upon to fight for their country in World War II.
But even in the face of adversity, the spirit of the Boys’ Brigade lived on. Today, thanks to the dedication and passion of the Baptist Church in Newport Pagnell, this remarkable organisation is stronger than ever before. For over 35 years, they have been working tirelessly to provide a safe and welcoming space for boys of all ages to come together, learn, grow, and have fun.
And the best part? You don’t have to be a member of the church to get involved! The Boys’ Brigade is open to boys from all walks of life, across the community. Whether you’re 5 years old or 18, there’s a place for you here.
At the heart of it all is David, a true hero and volunteer – The Captain! He’s been running companies since he was just 17 years old, and he’s been a proud member of the Boys’ Brigade since he was seven. With his guidance and leadership, this incredible group of 65 boys in Newport Pagnell is learning new things, exploring new opportunities, and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Activities
From games and sports to trips, competitions, military drills, and camping, there’s never a dull moment with the Boys’ Brigade. Each year, the Company runs a 10-day canvas camp for year 7-13. And if you’re lucky enough to be on David’s Quiz team, you’re in for a real treat! They’ve made it all the way to the National Final, and they’re off to Northern Ireland in March 2023 to take on the best of the best. And that’s not all – the Boys’ Brigade’s 5-a-Side team is the reigning England Regional Champions, and they’re headed to Scotland in April 2023 to show off their skills and bring home the trophy.
But it’s not all about winning – the Boys’ Brigade is also about experiencing new challenges, building lasting friendships, learning new skills, having adventures, and being respected and valued. The younger boys aged 5 to 10 meet on Mondays, while the older boys get together on Thursdays. And let’s not forget about the weekends – David and his team are always up to something fun and exciting, on a Saturday too for all their members!
David Wright - The Captain
Support from The Harry Middleton Gift
The Boys’ Brigade located in Newport Pagnell serves as the local hub for the Duke of Edinburgh Award program. While the program is primarily geared towards members of the Boys’ Brigade, it is also open to girls from the Girls’ Brigade and any other individuals in the community interested in participating. The program offers opportunities to complete all three levels of the award, ranging from Bronze to Gold. However, the Expedition Section of the DofE can be costly. To address this, David applied for £1,300 in funding from The Harry Middleton Gift (THMG) to purchase sturdy rucksacks, tents, and cookers for their camping trips. The amount gifted by THMG bought 10 Rucksacks, three 3-man tents, three two-man tents, and two gas cooking sets, which replaced their worn-out kit and allowed them to purchase additional items that were needed.
The application process involved obtaining quotes for the necessary equipment, filling out an application form, and submitting a copy of their accounts. Upon approval of their application, they purchased the equipment, provided receipts and photos of the gear in use, and were subsequently reimbursed.
Conclusion
The Boys’ Brigade in Newport Pagnell provides a safe and fun environment for boys to learn, grow, develop, and discover. Through various activities and programs such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award, the organisation instils essential life skills in boys and girls in the community. With the support of organisations like THMG, the Boys’ Brigade can continue to provide opportunities for young people to thrive.
