Coleraine & District Battalion · The Boys' Brigade

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We are a Christian youth organisation, equipping leaders to make a difference in the lives of children and young people from all communities, all faiths, and none.

For over 130 years The Boys’ Brigade has partnered local churches to work with children and young people, sharing the gospel and encouraging the development of a personal Christian faith.

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Our Battalion

We are a battalion (group) of 17 companies in the Coleraine and Limavady areas of Northern Ireland

Find a company

1st Aghadowey
1st Ballywatt
1st Ballywillan
1st Balteagh
1st Coleraine
2nd Coleraine

5th Coleraine
1st Drumachose
1st Dunboe
1st Dunluce
1st Garvagh
1st Kilrea

1st Limavady
2nd Limavady
1st Macosquin
1st Portrush
1st Tamlaght O'Crilly

Sections

Each company (local group) is divided into sections by age

Anchor Boys (5-8)
Junior Section (8-11)
Company Section (11-15)
Senior Section (15-18)
BB Connect (16+)

Anchor Boys

The core age range of the Anchor Boys is from 5 to 8 years.

This age group has its own programme called Anchors based on five areas; body, mind, spirit, community and creativity. The emphasis is on fun and programme activities include games, crafts, stories and opportunities to learn and share in new experiences. Throughout their time in the Anchors Section, children can gain badges and recognition for their participation in the programme.

All our adult volunteers undertake a disclosure (criminal records) check as part of their registration with The Boys’ Brigade, and are trained to provide a safe and caring environment for all children.

Junior Section

The core age range of Juniors Section is from 8 to 11 years.

This age group has its own programme called Juniors based on five areas; body, mind, spirit, community and creativity. The programme provides challenges, adventure and opportunities to learn and grow. The fun and engaging programme enables the children to work in a team and take more responsibility. Juniors also get the opportunity to go on camps and residential trips, and for some this will be their first night away from home. Throughout their time in the Juniors Section, children can gain badges and recognition for their participation in the programme.

Company Section

The core age range of the Anchor Section is from 11 to 15 years.

This age group has its own programme called ‘Discover’ based on three areas; community, recreation and skills. Young people get the chance to develop existing skills and learn new ones, through a fun, balanced and challenging programme of activities. Young people are encouraged to have a say and help shape their own programme. They can get involved in anything from helping others in their local community to playing sports, trying out adventure activities or being creative through dance or art – there’s something for everyone! There are also opportunities to go away on camps and residentials, which are often the highlights in the annual programme.

Throughout their time in this age group young people can gain badges and recognition for their participation in the programme. There’s also an opportunity for young people to start out on working towards their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and within the BB to culminate in being awarded their President’s Badge.

Senior Section

The core age range of the Anchor Section is from 15 to 18 years

Young people in this age group are encouraged to lead their own programme, supported by volunteer leaders. It’s all about the young people deciding what they would like to do and organising it for themselves. The Challenge Plus programme for this age group is based on projects and challenges, encouraging young people to complete one-off challenges and more in-depth projects both of which can be tackled individually or as part of a team. Activities may include ‘Homelessness’, ‘Conservation’, ‘Driving’, ‘Preparing for Work’ amongst many more.

There are opportunities to go away on camps and residentials, which are often the highlights in the annual programme. In addition there may be international opportunities open to the Seniors Section, ranging from attending BB events abroad to volunteering on community projects in developing countries.

Throughout their time in this age group young people can gain badges and recognition for their participation in the programme. Seniors can get involved in a wider range of awards and qualifications including the internationally recognised Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, as well as a number of awards within the organisation including Young Volunteer Award, the President’s Badge and the highest award in the BB, The Queen’s Badge (Founder’s Badge in Republic of Ireland).

BB Connect

BB CONNECT empowers, develops and connects young people throughout The Boys' Brigade in Northern Ireland.

We aim to retain, equip and support the young leaders of the Brigade and allow them to help make the decisions which shape the Brigade now and in the future.

BB Members and Leaders aged 16-30.
Fun & Friendship.
Challenge & Adventure.
International Teams & Projects.
Training opportunities (unique/exclusive/specifically for BB Connect Members).
Opportunity to represent BB Connect at all decision making levels within The Boys' Brigade.

The Boys' Brigade

Est. 1883

Our History

The Boys’ Brigade was founded in Glasgow on 4th October 1883 by Sir William Alexander Smith. From this one Company formed in Scotland the BB has grown in to a worldwide movement having worked with millions of children and young people for well over a century.

Our 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.”

Volunteers

The Boys’ Brigade is dependent on over 13,000 volunteer leaders who come from all walks of life to share their time, skills, passion and faith. Many of our leaders come from within the Church family of which the Company is a part and see the work within BB as a practical expression of their Christian witness.

Churches

For many churches, The Boys’ Brigade provides a bridge into communities that they otherwise might find difficult to access. And remember through The Boys’ Brigade churches have opportunities to reach out to families with whom they would otherwise have no contact.