As part of the launch of the new programmes for the Anchors and Juniors age groups we are pleased to have also launched a range of ways to recognise participation in the programme.

Badges, certificates and other resources provide a great way to recognise young people’s achievements and encourage them to learn new skills. They can be used to map a young person’s progress through the organisation and provide an incentive for them to continue their journey through the movement. They can also help to add structure and a focus through encouraging completion of activities in each of the 6 activity areas, ensuring young people participate in a balanced programme.

‘It is important that participation in the programme is recognised and rewarded’

In this article we look to introduce the new awards and resources available to support leaders . . .

CORE ACTIVITY AWARDS

The Core Activity Awards for each age group are about completing a number of activities from each of the 6 Activity Areas required. There is no minimum requirement in terms of time for a single activity to be completed, but that members fully participate in the chosen activity.

The core awards for the Anchors age group are the Green, Blue and Red awards, with an optional Yellow award for those working with 4-year olds (i.e. session in which they attain 5^th birthday).

The core awards for the Juniors age group are the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.

All the awards involve completing a minimum number of activities in each Activity Area as well as 4 additional ‘Free Choice’ activities from across the Activity Areas encouraging a balanced and varied programme, but also providing some local flexibility. With the ‘Free Choice’ activities children may choose which additional activities they wish to do, perhaps those they enjoy most, or which give them new challenges. Companies may also decide to concentrate on particular activities that reflect the skills of the leaders, equipment available or meeting space.

More information including an awards table can be found in the ‘Anchors & Juniors Awards’ supplements available at
boys-brigade.org.uk/programme/

MEMBERSHIP AWARD

The Membership Award is to be presented to new members in the age group once they have completed one activity in at least 3 Activity Areas and being introduced/inducted into the age group. There are separate membership awards for Anchors and Juniors, and the awards should be presented to those moving up age groups as well as those starting out on their BB adventure.

TEAM LEADER

A Team Leader badge is available and can be used within both the Anchors and Juniors age groups and awarded to a member who is taking responsibility for a team or group. There are no set requirements for how this badge or role is used and it is very much for the local Company to decide.

OTHER WAYS OF RECOGNISING ACHIEVEMENT

In addition to badges, children could be presented with a certificates or stickers on completion of the award criteria. These additional resources could also be presented after reaching the midway point for each award or for completing an individual activity. Certificates, stickers and other resources are available to download from boys-brigade.org.uk/programme/ or to order from BB Supplies. A progression certificate is also available for when members move up from one section to the next.

AWARDS IN OUR WEEKLY PROGRAMME

With the new programmes it is not intended that the programme has a formal ‘awards’ time, but that children and young people gain recognition for their participation in the programme as a whole. So it is more about identifying which parts of the programme will be recorded under the award scheme. Remember, the work of the section should be programme led, not awards driven.

ASSESSING ACTIVITIES

There are no set levels of attainment for the activities within the award scheme, these are gained by a child participating in particular activities; no external controls are to be applied. The level of achievement will vary for each individual according to their ability and age. During a child’s time in the age group their level of skill is likely to vary greatly. The onus is on the leaders to ensure that they are fully participating and developing at an appropriate pace.

WEARING THE BADGES

The award badges are metal with a pin-on fastening. The awards are placed on the armband as per the current armband layout. When members move up to the next age group, they carry the highest award gained up to the next age group and continue to wear that on their armband.

Download the Anchors & Juniors Armband Layouts at
boys-brigade.org.uk/programme/

RECORD KEEPING

You can keep track of progress with awards for all members using the functionality within Online Brigade Manager, from there you can record completion of individual activities and the system will let you know when an award is due. Parents/Carers and other leaders can also view the badge progress through OBM. Alternatively, you can download a record card template which can be printed out and used to record progress at
boys-brigade.org.uk/programme/

TRANSITIONING FROM THE OLD ANCHORS PROGRAMME

The transition in terms of awards should be straightforward as there is no change to the overall structure of the awards scheme. Although there has been an increase in the number of activities which are required to be completed for each award and this is linked to the increase in the Activity Areas (formerly Programme Zones) from 5 to 6. It is recommended that leaders make the transition from the old award scheme to the new award scheme at the end or beginning of a session.

Chris Norman
Development Support Manager, BBHQ

Follow Chris on Twitter at @chrisnormanbb