What is 9th Epping Boys’ Brigade?
We are a ministry of Epping Baptist Church through The Boys’ Brigade Australia – which is a Christian organization for boys and young men in Australia. Boys’ Brigade aims to provide a fun, challenging place for all school ages males, as well as providing training and development for effective life as a Christian Man!
So what do we do?
Through our object:
“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.”
we provide a fantastic opportunity to learn about God through our weekly small group devotionals and at the same time enjoy top games, activities, and spending time with others! We have many other activities through the year such as mystery nights, activity nights, camps, hikes, canoeing, bike riding, caving and abseiling. The “social” component of our programme helps boys to focus not just on self but on community, social justice and their role in society.
Hang on, did I hear that right?
We have weekly activities (during school term time) at Epping Baptist Church – see location page:
Anchors (YrK-2) – Wednesday 5.30pm-6.45pm – lower right hall
Juniors (Yr3-6) – Wednesday 6.30pm-8.00pm – lower left hall
Seniors (yr7-12) – Wednesday 6.30pm-9.00pm – starting in lower left hall
And on top of that – there are camps/other weekend activities where my family can even get involved!
So what would we be doing?
Anchors
Anchors is Boys’ Brigade’s infants group for boys and girls. Weekly activities include games, spiritual input and awards based on individual achievement. Typically Anchors will undertake craft activities and sometimes they have the opportunity to go for a visit to the local Boronia Park for some more active games. Anchors leads on to Juniors (Primary school) and then Seniors (High School). Click here for more information on Anchors Section.
Juniors
Juniors is the group for primary school aged boys. In Juniors section, Boys’ Brigade aims to provide a balanced program of physical, spiritual, social and eductional activities – with an individual achievement scheme based on these 4 areas of life. We also run extra activities like torch walks, family outings, putt-putt golf, swimming carnival, inter-company games night, church parades and camps. Click here for more information on Juniors Section.
Seniors
Seniors are the oldest group so have 2.5 hours of adventure each Wednesday night – which is structured to balance the various aspects of life with activities such as a welcome, games, devotionals, achievements (with topics from electronics to hiking, cooking to photography, gymnastics to discovering leadership, BB Knowledge to making model rockets!). We have termly activity night which may involve activities from bowling to a pool party, laser zone to trivia hunt.During each term we normally have a camp or weekend outing – some recent activities have been a canoeing camp, our annual caving trip, going to Jamberoo Recreation Park, hiking, stay tuned for what’s coming up soon!
Many of these activities can qualify boys for awards under The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. Click here for more information on Seniors Section.
Leaders
The company leaders are committed Christians ranging from boys who have finished school, to parent helpers to interested adults who have a vision to see Christ’s Kingdom advanced amongst those in the Epping area through 9th Epping Boys’ Brigade. Each of the three sections has a section coordinator who looks after the running of the section, in conjunction with other officers and leaders. Our leaders are encouraged to undertake formal Boys’ Brigade training through our NSW body (those who have been boys have also often completed the Leadership Development Course as well), and Senior First Aid Training. Each person plays a unique part in 9th Epping Boys’ Brigade and brings skills to the team.
Why Boys Only?
We believe that young men and woman develop both physically, socially and mentally at different rates and levels and that being in a boy’s only environment “let boys be boys”.
The impact of having older Christian male role models as leaders is very important to a young man’s development and can have a huge impact on their growth, self esteem and relational values.
(There is our sister organisation – The Girl’s Brigade, although there is not one running at our church currently, however you may want to check out Epping Baptist Church’s Girls Club!)