Brigaders

The Brigader section for girls aged 14-17, catches girls at a time when they are under pressure in school and life in general. GB provides a space for fun and becomes a social gathering above all else.

Each company does a slightly different mix of activities, please enquire with your local Captain prior to registering.

Growth and Development

Having typically ‘earned their stripes’ in Juniors/Seniors, girls now know what GB is all about. The Brigaders class has a little less structure than before. In Brigaders we aim to offer a reprieve from the social and academic pressures of teenage life. Girls can exercise more choice over which activities to participate in, as they are more self aware of their own skills and talents. Some will choose to progress towards leadership and others will simply enjoy the social aspect. As before respect, kindness, honesty and responsibility are encouraged and rewarded.

Planned Programme

The Girls’ Brigade Programme has been designed to provide girls with the perfect environment to develop their social, personal and physical skills and learn through a planned programme of activities which are age appropriate. While we offer Brigaders more autonomy and flexibility than before, Brigaders are encouraged to help in any way they can, giving back to the organisation. Typically by helping with the younger girls, maybe even teaching a class or routine, supervised by a leader.

Girls form teams and learn set routines, memorising steps in unison develops rhythm, balance, coordination, spacial awareness and most significantly teamwork. Teams may get the opportunity to compete against other companies at District and National Competitions. Less pressure is placed on girls at Brigader level, meaning learning the routines and practicing them can be an opportunity for great fun, but their competitive side does tend to come out on competition day!

Girls' Brigade Explorers PE

Relatively new to our programme, Modern Dance was introduced as a less competitive counterpart to our PE programme. The girls get to let their hair down and a chance to really bop! The emphasis here is on pure fun! District and National Modern Dance Competitions are held where girls can perform the routines they have learnt. If you ask our members, most of them will tell you this is their favourite part of GB!

Skipping is physically challenging and a great full-body workout. Style, rhythm, strength an stamina are the attributes of a great solo or team skipper.

This is a relatively new activity in Girls’ Brigade and a very popular one. Every girl from Juniors upwards can take part, performing an excerpt from any stage musical. Not only do the girls get to perform on stage when they compete against other companies for the Musical Theatre Trophy they also can adapt their performance for their displays, and so they get to do it all again! The standard over the past number of years since its inception has risen each year and so the audience is treated to a highly talented musical show.

Each year 3 talented Brigader singers are chosen from each company to enter the National Feis Competition. Girls all practice the same song and give a solo performance on the day. At Brigader level the standard is high as girls become more self-confident in their singing abilities. A shield is awarded to the best singer.

Arts & Crafts Explorer Feis

Each year a different craft is chosen for girls to master, 3 entries in each section can be submitted to a National Arts and Crafts Competition. For example the girls could be painting a picture, knitting or crocheting, making a mobile, designing cards etc – the list is endless and varies considerably each year.

Arts & Crafts

Our spiritual programme explores themes like friendship, love, justice and hope through bible and modern stories with fun worksheets and related activities. Each year we discuss and debate different themes such as “Dare to be different” and “Shine Our Light” and this year the theme is “#GBCares4the World”

Listed here are our core activities but there are lots of others too such as drama, team-building games, trips, fundraising, baking and annual parties. Brigaders also enjoy hearing from guest speakers on a range of topics (such as welfare of animals, skincare, healthy eating etc.)

Physical Activity

The Girls’ Brigade is all about physical movement. Whether it be Skipping, PE or Modern Dance, physical fitness is obviously a major benefit of joining GB. Skipping and PE set routines are precise and specific, while also requiring grace, good rhythm and importantly teamwork. These activities require practice, concentration and discipline. Activities like Feis, Modern Dance and Musical Theatre provide for a more freestyle, creative approach. Our aim at Brigader level is to allow girls to simply have fun with their friends.

Annual Display

In addition to the various competitions held throughout the year, the highlight for any girl is the Annual Display. Each company holds a Display at the end of the session. GB dignitaries, parents, families and friends are invited to see a showcase of all the activities the girls have been working on throughout the year. There is a great sense of pride amongst the girls which culminates in the prize giving. At Brigader level, the display is a great chance to help backstage or to lead a younger group in their display item. In many companies the Brigaders meet after the show to celebrate. Special moments likes these in the GB calendar really build camaraderie amongst this age group.

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