MESSAGE FROM MR TAN BOON CHIANG, PPA, BBM(L)
HONORARY BRIGADE PRESIDENT
THE BOYS’ BRIGADE IN SINGAPORE
The Boys’ Brigade turns 125 years old this year, having been established in Glasgow, Scotland in 1883 by our Founder, Sir William Alexander Smith. Being the first uniformed group for youths in the world, Sir William had to overcome the challenges and criticisms that came with his many unprecedented moves e.g. introducing camping for youths. Parents, being worried for the safety of their sons, did not take to the idea very well.
Sir William Smith nevertheless persevered and stayed true to his calling to nurture young lives. The fruit of his labour is now a movement that has grown and can be found in over 60 territories around the world. The idea of uniform, discipline and camping also caught on and gave birth to many other uniformed groups that we know of today.
We can learn many lessons from our Founder but I want to highlight two important lessons and challenge you today to emulate him. Firstly, Sir William Smith had a pioneering spirit. He thought out of the box and led by sharing with others and rallying them to help him realise his vision. Today in the BB, leadership and life skills are taught and opportunities are given to you to grow as a leader through experiential learning. We also introduce adventure and outdoor experiences like our BB Adventure Quest so that you can develop resilience and tenacity. I trust you have been taking advantage of these activities by participating in them fully. The willingness to take up challenges comes from within and the BB hopes that having been equipped, you will step forward and take on leadership roles not only in the BB, but also in your school and even in the community.
Secondly, our Founder’s life was purpose driven as he gave back to the community through his involvement in youth work. In 1909, William Smith was knighted by King Edward VII in recognition for his work. The Boys’ Brigade organises many community service projects to involve you in the community such as our BB CARES Weekend, the Volunteer Guiding Programme at the National Orchid Garden and the BB Sharity Gift Box. In addition, the establishment of our BB Learning Centre in Cambodia opens an avenue for you to help communities and youths beyond our shores. These exposures will help you to see that you are in a position to make a difference in society today. The BB hopes that you too will find your purpose driven life as you give back to the community.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our volunteers, parents, old Boys, principals and staff of the schools for their strong support, enabling the BB to continue the work our Founder started over more than 100 years ago. I wish everyone a blessed BB Day and 125th Anniversary.
Editor's note:
The Boys' Brigade was founded in Singapore on 12 January 1930, making it 78 years till now.
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