Boys Brigade

Aged 5 – 18 and interested in any of the following? Arts & crafts, safety, physical sports, archery, first aid, gorge walking, camping, hiking, ten pin bowling, competitions, go-karting and much much more…? The adventure starts here!

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Members of Boys Brigade sitting around tables eating and talking
Members of Boys Brigade standing smartly in matching uniform
First Stewarton Boys Brigade. Tap on an image to zoom

1st Stewarton Boys’ Brigade were first formed in the town in 1901, however from 1914 they went into abeyance due to World War 1, and finally recommenced in 1960, and have been going ever since.

Still connected to the 2 main Churches in the town, our younger Sections still meet in St. Columba’s on a Wednesday night. Our Company and Seniors meet at the Centre, with over 50 boys on the role with ages ranging from 11 to 16.

When the pandemic stopped our activities we recommenced in the Centre with all Sections, and the Company and Seniors now still operate from there on a Friday night. We have found this to be ideal accommodation and operates as a safe and inclusive space for the boys.

The Boys Brigade is more than just a place to go with friends on a Friday – all be in that is an important part of it. We continue to work and develop the boys in our care through learning, discipline and sports. We operate a full and varied programme out with a Friday to accommodate all interests to make sure all boys are catered for. We operate a programme with boys starting at age 5, up to age 17/18, which is structured in a way to retain interest over a period of 10 to 12 years.

We aim to give boys a lasting legacy which takes them on to the next Chapter of their life – Building confidence, Team work, pushing their boundaries, social skills and public speaking to name but a few.

The boys work toward major award with the Queens (Soon to be Kings badge) which is a 2 year programme of skills, interests, residential courses along with volunteering both in the Company and outwith. The achievement of this badge is something that helps boys in the first stages as they head into adulthood. Ask anyone who has one and they will have their own story to tell on the positive outcomes.

We currently have 92 “Queens Men’s” who have gained their Queens Award, with another 2 due to be presented in May of this year. From then on the badge becomes the Kings Award where we have 6 young men working in their first year with another 10 due to start next session.

One of our parents thanked us for creating memories – something that has always stuck with me, and speaks to anyone connected with the Boys Brigade they will share memories of the times they had, and particularly the times of both gaining their major awards and also time at residentials.

Willie Campbell, BEM Captain 1st Stewarton Boys’ Brigade.