The Boys’ Brigade, Hong Kong roots could be traced as far back as 1910 when Rev. H. 0. Spink established the first Company in St. Andrew’s Church in the Kowloon Peninsula. However the Company was closed in 1913. Having been laid to rest for 46 years, The Boys’ Brigade was once again re-established in 1959 by Mr J.M. Fraser, Rev. V. N. J. Lowis and Dr A. Deans Peggs with the establishment of the 1st Company in Union Church Hong Kong. It was five years later that the 3rd Company was formally introduced to local Chinese children. Since then, The Boys’ Brigade began spreading to the local Chinese churches.

In 1984, The Boys’ Brigade Hong Kong took a bold move by starting a Non-uniformed Group Services and received subvention from the government for the formation of a Children and Youth Centre. Known for their pioneering spirit, the development took a revolutionary turn when BBHK became the first country in The Boys’ Brigade Asia to accept girls as members in 1986. To cater to youths with special needs, an Integrated Section was also established in sheltered workshop cum hostel for the mentally handicapped.

Entering the 21st century has been a blessing. BBHK has been in its golden years in terms of expansion and social recognition. The number of Companies and membership grew almost triple, in which 40% of Companies were established in schools.

Up to March 2010, there are 280 Companies established with a membership of 9,700 Boys and Girls. BBHK has more than 1700 active adult volunteer officers. The membership is organized into five (5) sections namely the Anchor Lamb (3-6 years), Pre Junior Section (6-8 years), the Junior Section (9-11 years), the Senior Section (12-19 years) and the Integrated Section (Special needs youth). BBHK has also ventured into training development. A training centre, The Anchor House was established at the newly built Christian based Theme Park called Noah’s Ark (www.noahsark.com.hk). The centre offers professional training services to The Boys’ Brigade Companies, schools, churches, business and government sectors. The third core service is the School Social Work Service where professional school counselors are employed to provide guidance service for the local secondary school students.

Research & Press Conference

A research project about “The influences of Christian Uniformed Groups on Youth Members & Leaders” was conducted between BBHK & Hong Kong Baptist University. The research was conducted in conjunction with the BBHK 50th Anniversary celebration. A survey was conducted feedback questionnaires and interviews and the findings were published in the National press. The results of the survey concluded that there is a positive influence on The Boys’ Brigade members’ personal growth as a result of the involvement.

Another research survey would be conducted to study the comparison of youths in the BB and youths who are not in the BB. The survey findings would be published at the end of 2010.

New Section — Anchor Lamb

The BBHK has also started another new Section called the Anchor Lamb. The new section is targeted on children between 3-5 years old.

Award & Recognition from Government & Community

BBHK was awarded the Gold Award for Volunteer Service 2009 from Social Welfare Department of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Highest Service Hour Award of Hong Kong Community Volunteers from Agency for Volunteer Service. In 2008 BBHK also received an Award for the most hours of training from HKCSS — Citi Continuous Learning Recognition Scheme.

Flag Day

The Flag Day has been a traditional avenue for BBHK to raise funds over the years. This year, the funds collected from the public will be mainly used for the new HQ renovation fund.

Among the plans for the future are:

1. Enhancing the The Boys’ Brigade’s image and recognition in the community.
2. Improving the quantity and quality of our training services, through Anchor House’s service training in Noah’s Ark Theme Park.
3. Consolidation of District Development Scheme for better support of The Boys’ Brigade Companies.
4. Expanding the international network and to widen the BBHK members’ exposure in international ministry.
5. Initiating The Boys’ Brigade Ministry in Mainland China.