Kuala Lumpur Wesley Methodist Church

First For Boys!

- A brief introduction to the 1st Kuala Lumpur Boys Brigade Company -

The First For Boys Worldwide!

The Boys Brigade is one of the oldest uniformed youth organizations in the world – even older than the Boy Scouts! The BB (as we are more commonly known) is catered specially for Boys – to give them the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of fun, wholesome, character-building activities based on Christian principles.

The Boys’ Brigade’s worldwide movement began the 4th of October 1883, by Sir William Alexander Smith at the Free Church Mission Hall, North Woodside Road in Glasgow, Scotland. Today, BB companies have flourished in the UK, Africa, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and many other places in the world!

Even though the BB exists across such a wide range of geographical locations and cultural expressions, there is one thing we hold in common - this is known as the BB Object, the very reason why the BB exists and the vision we all share…

The BB Object:

The Advancement of Christ’s Kingdom among Members and the promotion of habits of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-Respect and all that tends towards a true Christian Character.

The First For Boys in Malaysia!

In Malaysia, the BB is registered as The Boys’ Brigade in Malaysia (BBM) and is officially recognized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Malaysia. Each local chapter of the Boys Brigade is known as a “Company” and every company has a designation.

Our chapter is called the 1st Kuala Lumpur Company, or “1st KL” for short. We are designated as such because we were the first Company established in Kuala Lumpur when we were founded by Mr. Khoo Onn Soo under the sponsorship of Wesley Methodist Church, Kuala Lumpur in 1954 (Incidentally, we are also the second BB Company to be established in Malaysia). Each Company maintains a vital partnership with a church or a Christian body, which has full authority over its Christian education.

Today, more than 50 years old, 1st KL has a total membership of about 200 Members in three sections:

• Senior Section (for ages 13-19)
• Junior Section (for ages 9-12)
• Pre-Junior Section (for ages 6-8)

Boys are then further divided into Squads – essentially a “team” where many boys eventually make life-long friends.

“Yes Sir!” “Yes Madam!”

You may also notice that some BB members wear white uniforms – they are known as Officers. Officers are volunteers, which mean that they do not get paid for the time they spend in the BB. In fact, it’s a wonder how many 1st KL Officers still find time to volunteer at the BB despite maintaining high-profile careers.

Officers typically provide general supervision and training for Boys and you will also discover that 1st KL Officers are always concerned about the personal well-being of their Boys. Parents and Boys are always encouraged spend some time to know who their BB Officers are and what their task in the Company is. You will find that they always welcome a chance to chat with you.

Grooming Generations of Leaders

The BB has a very active leadership-development emphasis, and we do this through our military-based Rank system.

That is why, in the Senior Section, you will notice some Boys being addressed by ranks like Lance Corporal, Corporal, Sergeant and Staff Sergeant. These Boys are called Non-Commissioned Officers or NCOs. They are Boys who have been promoted to become leaders and to help run Company programmes.

In the Junior Section, Boys are appointed to leadership as “Leading Boys.”

For Every Boy, An Adventure Awaits!

Every week at BB, many programmes planned that encourage growth in the four aspects of holistic development: physical, educational, spiritual and social. With this emphasis on overall development, Boys are immersed in an environment where they learn self-discipline, respect, teamwork, time management and have fun through various activities!

• Senior Section meets from 12:30pm – 6:30pm
• Junior and Pre-Junior Section meets from 2:00pm – 6:30pm

Our weekly activities typically include:

Band

Boys are encouraged to join our award-winning Brass Band. You will be surprised to learn that many of our best instrumentalists did not know any music prior to joining the 1st KL Band! Yet now, you’ll see them performing in venues around KL and beyond.

Singspiration and Bible Study

BB Members are a pretty fun bunch – and you’ll see that when we sing songs together! The BB also firmly believes in the moral and character development of our Boys. We achieve this by sharing lessons and values from the Bible, but never to force anyone to convert to Christianity.

Drill

All members go through drill training to develop discipline, self-respect, confidence, leadership and physical dexterity. By being in the 1st KL Drill Team, Boys are also part of an award-winning legacy!

Awards Classes

1st KL believe in all-rounded development, so our Awards classes are designed to help Boys learn and grow in various physical, educational, social and spiritual areas.

Games

Fun and games. Games and fun. What else?

Special Activities and Programmes

Intermittently 1st KL always organizes special programmes, including outdoor camping and adventure activities, competitions, outings, parties and much more!

You’re Always Invited!

There is no better time to join the 1st KL Boys’ Brigade Company than now! We are always prepared to welcome new Members at any time of the year – though we conduct our recruitment drives at the beginning of every year.

Feel free to bring your son(s), their neighbours, classmates or friends for one of our Saturday meetings held at the Youth Center, Wesley Methodist Church, Kuala Lumpur. We’ll take it from there!

For more information regarding the 1st Kuala Lumpur Boys’ Brigade Company, please visit www.1stklbb.org.my