Happy BB Day Everyone!

THE BOYS’ BRIGADE DAY 2011
12 JANUARY 2011

MESSAGE FROM MR TAN BOON CHIANG, PPA, BBM (l)
HONORARY BRIGADE PRESIDENT
THE BOYS’ BRIGADE IN SINGAPORE

Dear Officers and Boys of The Boys’ Brigade,

1. Today we celebrate yet another year of The Boys’ Brigade in Singapore. It is especially fitting that we do so, having just concluded our 80th Anniversary celebrations. I am sure that many of you have participated in at least one of the many events organised to celebrate our Anniversary. Some of these events include the Youth Leadership Conference last June and Camp
Temasek V held in December. You would probably remember fondly the good times spent with your fellow BB Boys and Officers and made new friends from other BB Companies during these events.

2. Friendship and camaraderie are emphasised greatly in the BB. When you join the BB, you will find companions in the fellow BB Boys with whom you will grow up together. It is this sense of belonging in the BB that makes a marked difference in your life. Adolescence is a formative phase of youths for growth and experimentation when youths seek out their identity. It is during this time that it is particularly crucial that you receive positive emotional support from positive adult role models like those you have in the BB in order to navigate effectively.

3. The Boy’s Brigade also offers opportunities for you to develop leadership and make a positive difference to your fellow BB Boys, your classmates as well as the community. Your Officers are mentors who will journey through the different stages of life with you. Do approach them as they would always be there to guide you and provide assistance when you face difficulties. Their positive influence will shape you to become a leader who possesses a steadfast will with a gentle and giving heart of a servant.

4. To the Officers and Teachers, you play a critical role in providing guidance to the Boys to help them navigate the challenges in life. To make a positive impact on the Boys, teacher officers need to build up the trust by cultivating a strong teacher-student relationship. Teacher officers should also strive to forge partnerships with your immediate community, parents and the schools. Simple gestures such as having Boys make tokens of appreciation for Teachers’ Day and arranging for parents to fix new ranks on Boys’ uniforms during enrolment services will go a long way in establishing positive relationships.

5. Finally, I would like to thank and commend all the BB volunteers and teachers for your dedication in guiding and mentoring our Boys. I urge you all to press on with your good work in making an impact in the lives of our youths.

6. Let us as a Brigade always remain sure and steadfast, setting a stellar example for others and making a difference in our community. I wish you all a meaningful BB Day.