TARGET BADGE BB ORIENTATION
2ND SINGAPORE COMPANY
INTRODUCTION
This is the very first badge that you will earn in The Boys’ Brigade. It is an introductory programme to let you
know what the BB is all about and all new members of the Seniors Programme need to undertake this.
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
1. To equip recruits with the necessary information and knowledge to be an operational Boy of the BB
2. To build up a greater sense of enthusiasm towards BB and the activities offered in the holistic programme
3. To help recruits look forward to BB parades and make meaningful use of them to develop themselves
SUGGESTED SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT
Recruits are required to sit for the Target Test, which assesses them on BB information and knowledge they
have attained during the 4-week Orientation Programme. The paper is 50 min long and is worth 50 marks.
Section Question type Marks Weighting
A Multiple choice 10 20%
B Structured questions 40 80%
Section A consists of 5 multiple choice questions, each carrying 2 marks.
Section B consists of about 6 structured questions.
Each question in Section B may consist of up to 3 part questions.
Topics 1, 9, 11.3, 12.2 and 12.3 will not be tested. All other topics may be tested.
(Hint: Pay more attention to the fill-in-the-blanks parts of the notes and Pg. 25-26 of the Seniors Prog. Handbook.)
PASSING CRITERIA
To attain the Target badge, Recruits must:
1. Undergo the Recruit Orientation Programme
2. Attain at least a ‘Pass’ for the Target Test
The following outlines the grades attained for respective percentage scores.
Minimum marks Percentage Grade
35 70% Pass
40 80% Merit
45 90% Distinction
The Target Test will be held on _________.
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CONTENT STRUCTURE
The following table outlines the order of Target Badge lessons for the Recruit Orientation Programme.
Theme Topics Page *SPH
I. WHAT WE DO 1. Overview of 2nd Singapore Company 3 34-36
2. Introduction to Awards Scheme 4 8-9
II. WHY WE EXIST 3. BB Object, Method, Motto & Emblem 4-5 6-7
4. History of The Boys’ Brigade & Traditions 5-6 10-11, 30
5. History of 2nd Singapore Company 6
6. BB Vesper & Table Grace 6 31
III. WHO WE ARE 7. The Boys’ Brigade in Singapore 7-8 12-14
8.
Company Organisation & Ranks
8-9
16-21
9. BB Songs 9 86-89
IV. WHAT’S NEXT 10. BB International & BB Asia 9 15
11. Uniform, Wearing, Cleaning & Conduct 9-10 22-29
12. Company Formalities 11-12
This table shows the suggested sequence of revision for you to prepare for the Target Test based on the SPH
(*Seniors Programme Handbook).
Category Sequence Page *SPH
I. HISTORY 1. History of The Boys’ Brigade & Traditions 5-6 10-11, 30
2. The Boys’ Brigade in Singapore 7-8 12-14
3. BB International & BB Asia 9 15
4. History of 2nd Singapore Company 6
II. KNOWLEDGE 1. BB Object, Method, Motto & Emblem 4-5 6-7
2. Introduction to Awards Scheme 4 8-9
3. Company Organisation & Ranks 8-9 16-21
4. Uniform, Wearing, Cleaning & Conduct 9-10 22-29
III. SONGS BB Vesper & Table Grace 6 31
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LESSON NOTES
THEME I: WHAT WE DO
Topic 1: Overview of 2nd Singapore Company SPH Ref. Pg. 34-36
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Topic 2: Introduction to Awards Scheme SPH Ref. Pg. 8-9, 37-42
Part 2.1 Classification of Badges and Awards
Category Description
Target Badge Introductory course for recruits before you are allowed to undertake other awards
Core Badges The “more important” badges that constitute to your all-round, enhanced development
Electives Badges Badges which are not compulsory, but are good to take up to gain additional knowledge
Special Awards Recognition of notable or distinguished accomplishments in the BB
Service Badges To recognise your loyalty, good service and participation to the BB
Part 2.2 List of Badges and Awards (other than Target Badge)
Core Electives Special Awards Service
• Adventure
• Christian Education
• Citizenship
• Community Service
• Drill
• First Aid
• Leadership
Development
• Life Skills
• Total Defence
• Arts
• Crafts
• Hobbies
• Athletics
• Bugler
• Bandsman
• Environmentalist
• Gymnastics
• International
Relations
• Kayaking
• Musketry
• Naturalist
• Piper or Drummer
• Sailing
• Sportsman
• Swimming
• Intermediary Proficiency Award
• Senior Proficiency Award
• Founder’s Award
(highest award of Seniors Programme)
• Best Boy Award (SP Chua Medal)
• Cross of Heroism
• Diploma for Gallant Conduct
• National Youth Achievement Award
• Gold Award (from Juniors’ Programme)
• Link Badge
• 1 Year Service
• 3 Year Service
• Long Year Service
• National Event
Total: 9 Total: 18 Total: 8 Total: 5
Theme II: WHY WE EXIST
Topic 3: BB Object, Method, Motto and Emblem SPH Ref. Pg. 6-7
Part 3.1 What is the purpose of the BB?
Basis Object Method
▪ The Boys’ Brigade is based on
▪ the Twin Pillars of
▪ Religion (Christian Education) and
Discipline
▪ The object of The Boys’
Brigade shall be
▪ 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
▪ The method of achieving the BB
object is
▪ by providing a meaningful and
enjoyable programme
▪ of *spiritual, physical,
enrichment, and social interests,
▪ based on Christian Education
and Discipline,
▪ and guided by adult Officers
All BB activities are based on the
Twin Pillars to give Boys a sense of
purpose when carrying them out
The text has remained the same
except the addition of
‘Obedience’ in 1983
The BB method is carried out
through a framework of uniform,
badges and drill (*‘special’)
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Part 3.2 How is BB distinguished from other uniformed groups?
Motto Emblem
Sure and Stedfast
• Taken from the Bible
(King James Version)
• Hebrews 6:19, ‘which
hope we have as an
anchor of the soul, both
Sure and Stedfast’
• The original spelling of
‘steadfast’ (i.e. stedfast)
was retained
The Boys’ Brigade logo before 1926 The Boys’ Life Brigade logo before 1926
▪ The red cross was added in the middle
▪ when The Boys’ Brigade and The Boys’ Life Brigade united in 1926
Topic 4: History of The Boys’ Brigade and Traditions SPH Ref. Pg. 10-11, 30
Part 4.1 How was BB founded?
About Description
Who ▪ The Boys’ Brigade was founded by Sir William Alexander Smith (Sir W.A. Smith)
▪ who was a Sunday School teacher (refer to Part 4.2 for details)
When On 4 Oct 1883
Where ▪ Free Church College Mission Hall
▪ at North Woodside Road, Glasgow, Scotland
Why • Sir W.A. Smith found difficulty in controlling a crowd of unruly Sunday School boys
• He was also unable to keep them in church after Sunday School
• Thus founded The Boys’ Brigade (BB) to solve these problems
• He believed that the word ‘boy’ should be spelled with a capital B (i.e. ‘Boy’)
What • BB became the first Uniformed Organisation for youth
• It initially offered simple forms of activities, including: ◼ Drill (to inculcate discipline)
▪ Gymnastics (to encourage physical fitness) ◼ Games (to promote fun)
Part 4.2 Who was Sir W.A. Smith?
About Before founding the BB After founding the BB
When • Born on 27 Oct 1854
• Passed away on 10 May 1914
Sir W.A. Smith was knighted
on Jul 1909
Where Born at Pennyland House, Thruso, Scotland
Who • Businessman
• Sunday School Teacher
• Volunteer Officer in the Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers
by King Edward VII
Why • Both his Father and Grandfather were Officers in the Army
• This influenced him to become a Volunteer Officer
to recognise his work in The
Boys’ Brigade
Traditions Founder’s Day is observed on the last Sunday of October each year in memory of Sir William
Alexander Smith’s birthday
6
Part 4.3 Did BB appeal to many initially?
About Description
Initial success • 50 Boys initially joined out of curiosity
• 35 Boys eventually remained
• Became known as the First Glasgow Company
Legacy The founding of The Boys’ Brigade led to the formation of other Uniform Groups, including:
• The Boys’ Life Brigade
• Boy Scouts
• Girl Guides
in 1899
in 1908
in 1910
Part 4.4 Other important traditions
BB Handshake BB Week BB Buttonhole Badge
• This is the
annual fund-
raising effort
• It is an
opportunity
for members
and friends
to contribute
financially to
the on-going
work of BB
• BB Handshake came to Britain from America
• United Boys’ Brigade of America, who invented the
handshake, visited BB UK in August 1905
• G Stanley Smith, W.A. Smith’s son, observed the
unique way the Boys shook their hands, and
officially adopted it to be the BB Handshake
• The thumb and little finger represent the twin pillars
of Religion (Christian Education) and Discipline
▪ Badge of membership worn
when you are in school uniform
▪ to identify you as a BB member
▪ and help make BB known to
others
• Have it pinned on the left collar
of the school uniform you wear
to school every school day
Topic 5: History of 2nd Singapore Company
How was BB 2nd Company founded?
What The Boys’ Brigade Second (2nd) Singapore Company
When February 1931 (exact date unknown)
Who John McNeish (an officer of the 1st Singapore Company who wanted to expand BB in Singapore)
Where • Straits Chinese Methodist Church
• Now known as Kampong Kapor Methodist Church
Traditions Enrolment Service is held in late February or early March annually (12 March this year)
Synopsis From 1931-1980, BB companies in Singapore were based only in churches and mission schools.
Then in 1981, Second Company became the first BB Company to be established outside the
mission school circuit in Victoria School. It took the concerted effort of Second Company’s then
Head of Discipline Sunny Mok, Captain Sam Tan and Victoria School’s Principal Andrew Ng to
make this possible. VS thus became the first government school in Singapore to recognise the
Boys’ Brigade as an official Extra-Curricular Activity (now known as ‘Co-Curricular Activity’).
Details Visit http://bb2ndcoysg.wordpress.com/about for more information
Topic 6: BB Vesper and Table Grace SPH Ref. Pg. 31
About Part 6.1 BB Vesper Part 6.2 Table Grace
Purpose Prayer sung at the end of a BB gathering ▪ Prayer sung before each meal
▪ to thank God for the food he provides
Music http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELoDfB-vQ34 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl2pj1-std0
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About Part 6.1 BB Vesper Part 6.2 Table Grace
Lyrics Great God who knowest all our needs
Bless Thou our watch, and guard our sleep
Forgive our sins of thought and deed
And in Thy peace Thy servants keep
We thank Thee for the day that’s done
We trust Thee for the days to be
Thy love we learn in Christ Thy Son
O May we all His glory see
*Amen
Be present at our table Lord
Be here and everywhere adored
These mercies bless and grant that we
May feast in fellowship with Thee
*Amen
(“Everybody eat!”)
*uttered at the end of a prayer or hymn, meaning ‘so be it’
Theme III: WHO WE ARE
Topic 7: The Boys’ Brigade in Singapore SPH Ref. Pg. 12-14
Part 7.1 *What was the history of The Boys’ Brigade like in Singapore?
About Our Beginnings 1st Enrolment World War II Post World War II Years
When On 12 Jan 1930, In Aug 1930, From Feb 1942
to Aug 1945:
1945 1950 1971
What 1st Singapore
Company was
founded under BB
Asia
all BB Boys in
Singapore
were officially
enrolled
• The Japanese
occupied
Singapore
• All BB activities
suspended
• BB records and
items kept at
one’s own risk
1st
Singapore
Company
was
revived by
POW
(Prisoner
of War)
JM
Fraser
returned
to the BB
BB in
Singapore
was
honoured to
have our
Patron as the Where at Prinsep Street
Presbyterian
Church by
at the Brigade
Headquarters,
London,
Who • James Milner
Fraser (of 23rd
Aberdeen
Company)
• Quek Eng Moh
(of 1st Swatow
Company)
where 40 BB
Boys were
enrolled
• JM Fraser was
arrested
• He was forced to
work on the
infamous Burma
Railway
SP Chua
(Chua Siak
Phuang)
JM
Fraser
President of
the Republic
of Singapore
Traditions • BB Day is held
annually on 12
Jan in memory
of the founding
of BB in Singapore
• JM Fraser
Award for
Excellence is
named after him
Enrolment
Service is held
at the
sponsoring
church of each
company
annually
The SP
Chua Best
Boy
Award is
named
after him
Our current
President of
the Republic
of Singapore
is His
Excellency
Dr Tony Tan
Keng Yam
*read each column from top to bottom
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Part 7.2 What were some key highlights of BB in Singapore in recent years?
About BB in Singapore
has its own flower
Founding site of BB in
Singapore recognised
BB Share-a-Gift awarded
(previously known as ‘Sharity Gift Box’)
What ▪ ‘Dendrobium The Boys’
Brigade’, a special orchid
hybrid,
▪ became the official flower
of the BB in Singapore
▪ Prinsep Street
Presbyterian Church
▪ was marked the 41st
Historic Site of Singapore
▪ by National Heritage Board
▪ BB Share-a-Gift (BBSG) is a national
community service project organised
by The Boys’ Brigade in Singapore
annually during the Christmas season
▪ Ex-captain of 2nd Coy, Mr Sam Tan,
was the chairman of the 1st BBSG
project when it inaugurated in 1988
▪ It was awarded Ten Accomplished
Youth Organisations ASEAN Award
▪ presented by the Committee for
ASEAN Youth Corporations (CAYC)
Picture
When • on 18 September 1999
• 70th anniversary of BB in
Singapore
on 12 January 2000 • Awarded in 2010
• For more info: http://www.bbshare.sg
Topic 8: Company Organisation and Ranks SPH Ref. Pg. 16-21
Part 8.1 Key Appointment Holders
Sponsoring Bodies Leaders NCO Council
A School A Church Volunteer Adult Leaders Young Leaders Boys will join in Sec 3
Principal Chaplain Captain Primers To serve and lead from
Sec 3 Apr to Sec 4 Mar Teachers-in-charge Church Volunteers Company Officers Recent Graduates
Part 8.2 Company Organisation
Current Structure Refer to http://bit.do/coy-org for our current Company Organisation name-list
Squad System • Boys of the company are divided into squads
• Each squad is under the command of an *NCO known as the Squad Leader
• Squad meetings (e.g. after parades, after school) should be held regularly
• Squad outings (e.g. during school holidays), which promote squad spirit, are encouraged
*Non-commissioned officer (not to be confused with commissioned company Officers)
Company Leaders • The company is led by the Captain and Chaplain, and they wear the Lieutenant rank
• Captain wears a red rosette on his cap while the Chaplain wears a purple rosette
Part 8.3 Ranks for Boys
REC PTE LCP CPL SGT SSG WO
Recruit Private Lance Corporal Corporal Sergeant Staff Sergeant Warrant Officer
Lowest Highest
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Part 8.4 Ranks for Primers Part 8.5 Ranks for Officers
CLT SCL OCT 2LT LTA
Cadet Lieutenant Senior Cadet Lieutenant Officer Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Lieutenant
Lower Higher Lowest Highest
Topic 9: BB Songs SPH Ref. Pg. 86-89
Song Video Page
Part 9.1 The Anchor Song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeM6OypCCjg 86
Part 9.2 Mighty Band of Brothers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-25NxC1v_Y 87
Part 9.3 Will Your Anchor Hold http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9aLhTHmuTg 88
Part 9.4 Underneath the Banner http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXaVw05aXmg 89
Theme IV: WHAT’S NEXT
Topic 10: BB International and BB Asia SPH Ref. Pg. 15
What are the regional organisations of BB and why were they established?
About BB International BB Asia
Where • Spreads across 60 territories in the world
• Found in all Commonwealth countries
• Half its strength is outside of the UK
(United Kingdom)
Consists of Asian countries with BB companies, including:
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• Hong Kong
• Brunei
• Thailand
• Macau
When Formed in 2003
Why • To set basic principles for companies all
around the world to follow
• To set guidelines for companies with
variations implemented to suit their
local conditions and culture
To give focus to the growth of BB in the Asian region
Topic 11: Uniform, Wearing, Cleaning and Conduct SPH Ref. Pg. 22-29
Aspect Reference Page Remarks
Part 11.1 Uniform Dress Codes Seniors Programme Handbook Pg. 22-24 Summary given on the next page
Part 11.2 Uniform Standard Seniors Programme Handbook Pg. 25-28 -
Part 11.3 Code of Conduct Seniors Programme Handbook Pg. 29, 33 Coy code of conduct on next page
Part 11.4 Uniform Maintenance Refer to Company Website - -
Part 11.1 Uniform Dress Codes (Legend: # – Regulation PT Kit only)
Uniform Parts Day Dress Ceremonial Dress Musketry Kit Fatigue Dress PT Kit
Name Tag (*with Special Awards if any) *Yes Yes Yes Yes #
Chevron (Badges pinned) LCP above LCP above - - -
Target Badge (without Chevron) PTE only PTE only - - -
Dark Blue Long Sleeve Shirt Rolled up Rolled down - - -
BB Regulation Polo (Brigade) Shirt
- - Prefix Prefix Prefix BB Blue (Company) Shirt
VS PE (School) Shirt
Dark Blue Long Pants Yes Yes Yes Either one is fine -
Dark Blue Jeans - - -
Black / Dark Blue Shorts - - - - Yes
White Haversack (Metal Runners) Yes Yes - - -
Seniors Programme Belt Yes Yes Yes For loose pants -
White Lanyard LCP above LCP above - - -
Black / Dark Blue Socks Yes Yes Yes - -
White / VS Socks - - - Yes Yes
Black Boots (Laced) Yes Yes Yes - -
White Anklets - Yes - - -
Running Shoes - - - Yes Yes
Field Service Cap (with Cap Badge) Yes Yes Yes - -
Field Rank - - Yes Yes #
White Gloves - Yes - - -
Part 11.3b Company Code of Conduct (will not be tested)
Obedience
1 • Be punctual and accountable for your attendance in all activities.
• Always follow rules (e.g. http://victoria.moe.edu.sg/our-people/victorians/code-of-conduct).
2 • Give the person-in-charge your full cooperation (and assistance, if necessary).
• Respond to instructions and complete assigned tasks promptly.
Reverence
3 • Be polite and courteous to everyone, giving thanks when it is due.
• Greet your seniors and superiors; acknowledge your juniors and peers when you meet them.
4 • Listen to the one who is speaking attentively and respectfully during a meeting or discussion.
• Keep your commitments to others; Mean what you say, and say what you mean.
Discipline 5
• Strive to be enthusiastic, yet professional.
• Move with a sense of urgency regardless of the time given, if any.
6 Be motivated to challenge and improve yourself for the team.
Self- Respect
7 Be confident in yourself and in making a positive difference for others.
8 Be compassionate by treating others with dignity, empathy and care.
9 • Be in the appropriate attire and uphold modesty for all activities and in every situation.
• All changing of attire may only be carried out in non-public spaces (e.g. in the toilet).
Christian Manliness
10 • Be considerate and mindful of the effects of your words and actions on others. Use no profanity.
• Walk and march smartly, do not shuffle your feet when moving from place to place.
11 ▪ It is our responsibility to ensure that the place we have just finished using
▪ is tidier and cleaner than when we first found it before leaving.
12 ▪ “No one is ready until everyone is ready.”
▪ Apply this concept of teamwork and selflessness wherever applicable.
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Topic 12: Company Formalities
Part 12.1 Room
About When a *Superior is in a room
And you wish to enter the room
When you are in a room/area
And a *Superior enters the room/area
Rule ▪ You must ask for permission
▪ from the Superior before entering the room
• Knock the door before asking if you are alone
▪ Someone must call for attention
▪ and everyone must come to attention
▪ and greet the Superior properly
Conditions • The Superior you seek permission from must be
highest in rank (or the most senior) in the room
• If you have asked for permission to enter the room in the
same setting before, you need not ask for permission to
enter again (e.g. if you just visited the toilet and came back)
• If unsure whether or not to ask permission, just do it
• There must be no one already in the
room who is of same or higher rank than
the entering Superior, unless the
entering Superior is a BB Teacher
• The Superior must not have been
greeted during the parade before
Detailed
description
• If there is one Superior in the room and you are
alone, knock the door and ask (loudly):
“Permission to enter the room, Sir/Ma’am!”
• If there is more than one Superior and you are
alone, address the most senior Superior using:
“Permission to enter the room, “Officer <name>!”
• If you are with a group of Boys, everyone must fall-
in outside the room to ask for permission together
(one person to stand in front to command the entire
squad, everyone to ask loudly and clearly):
▪ “Ask permission from “Officer <name> to enter
the room on the count of 3: One Two Three!”
▪ “Permission to enter the room, “Sir/Ma’am/Officer <name>!”
• The first person who notices a Superior
enter is to shout the command “Room!”
• Everyone in the area will stop what they
are doing and stand facing the Superior.
• The representative who shouted “Room”
will command everyone to greet the
Superior together with gusto, like this:
▪ “Greet Officer <name> on the count of
3: One Two Three!
▪ Good, morning Sir/Ma’am!”
• Wait for the Superior’s reply before
resuming with your activities.
*Superiors refer to Officers, Primers and BB Teachers (Your Sec 2-4 BB Boys are referred to as ‘Seniors’)
Part 12.2 Time Off (will not be tested)
If you are unable to make it for any part of a BB activity, you must follow the time off procedure described below:
About For Official Parades For Additional Activities
Examples Saturday Parades, Standard Band Practices,
Badgework Courses, Special Events, Camps
Competition Trainings, Parade Rehearsals,
Additional Band Practices, Company Photoshoot
Instructions #If for medical reasons, you must also: i) Obtain a Medical Cert. ii) Send a picture of the MC to your Officer iii) Attach a copy of the MC to your Printed Time Off Form
Do these at least 24 hours before parade:
1) Seek #permission from your Cohort Officer
2) Inform your Squad Leader (once allocated)
3) Submit Online Time Off Form
(http://bit.do/time-off)
4) Check Time Off Approval List
(http://bit.do/toal) to verify that your time
off form has been submitted
5) Submit Printed Time Off Form
(http://bit.do/print-time-off) to the BB
Pigeon Hole outside staff room
Do these at least 24 hours before the activity:
1) Inform your Cohort Officer/Officer-in-charge of
the activity
2) Inform your Squad Leader/NCO-in-charge of
the activity
3) *Submit Online Time Off Form
(http://bit.do/time-off) before it starts
4) *Check Time Off Approval List
(http://bit.do/toal) to verify that your time off
form has been submitted
*NOT required for Blaze Training/CQ Training
Exceptions If it is not possible to complete any of the above steps at least 24 hours in advance:
• Steps (1), (2) and (3) must be completed at least 15 mins before the BB activity starts
• Step (5) must be completed by the next school day that you will be attending
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Part 12.3 Assembly Starting Positions (will not be tested)
Cohort Fall-in Roll Call Muster Parade
Notes:
Conclusion SPH Ref. Pg. 4-5
Our founder, Sir William Alexander Smith said, “If I am to be remembered by posterity, I should like it to be as
the man who taught people to spell Boy with a capital B.” Hence, the word ‘Boy’ is always spelled with a capital
B. They are the most important people in the BB. They are the reason why the BB continues to exist to this day.
Obedience Reverence Discipline Self-respect all that tends towards a true
Christian Manliness
• Be accountable
• Be cooperative
• Be courteous
• Be respectful
• Be enthusiastic
• Be professional
• Be motivated
• Be confident
• Be compassionate
• Be modest
• Be considerate
• Be responsible
• Be selfless
Be Sure and Stedfast.