The Boys Brigade is the oldest uniformed youth organisation for Boys in the world. Founded in 1883 in Glasgow, the organisation has spread around the world and is active in Leicestershire with 13 Companies in the County. The Boys Brigade aims to "care for and challenge Young People for life through a programme of informal education underpinned by The Christian Faith".
Anchors
Anchors are Boys aged 5 to 8 years and they meet for about one hour a week to play games, take part in quizzes, hear stories and have the chance to join in all sorts of crafts. They wear a uniform that includes a blue polo shirt and a red sweatshirt.
Juniors
When a Boy is 8, he can join the Juniors where he can play competitive sports like Football, Unihok, Cricket and Swimming and also take part in handicrafts and art. They have a badge system where their own level of achievement is monitored called "Go for Gold". The uniform includes a blue polo shirt and royal blue sweatshirt.
Company Section
In the Company Section, which is for Boys of 11 - 14 years, there are even more sports and games including snooker, cross country, gymnastics, table tennis, badminton, athletics and tennis in addition to the ones that Juniors do. The badge system encourages leadership, community service, a wide variety of interests, hobbies and crafts, sports and games and the chance to join classes in adventure activities like camping and orienteering. The Uniform includes a blue polo shirt, navy sweatshirt and trousers.
Seniors
After 15, young men join the Seniors for a more informal approach to uniform and work and play at most of the same activities as Company Boys but also include the opportunity to participate in The BB President's and Queen's Badges as well as The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.