The Mid-Staffs & Sandwell Battalion

The Boys’ Brigade is one of the biggest Christian based organisations in the UK, making a positive difference to the lives of young people.

We are committed to seeing lives enriched by supporting children and young people to reach their full potential by providing opportunities to meet together and engage in a range of fun and developmental activities and experiences.

Throughout their time in Boys’ Brigade, young people will develop new skills, learn how to work in a team, build confidence and make new friends. Additionally we provide young people with the opportunity to engage with the world around them and make a difference in their community.

Activities we offer include games, sports, crafts, competitions, learning new skills along with holidays & camps. There are also opportunities to take part in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and gain badges. Activities are selected to provide fun, and to present a challenge to every child and young person.

Enjoy adventure? Like making new friends? Want to learn new skills? Then The Mid-Staffs & Sandwell Battalion is here for you – why not start your adventure with us.

The Mid-Staffs Battalion was formed in 1970 and made up of companies from across Staffordshire, Walsall and North Warwickshire. The West Bromwich and District Battalion was formed in 1944 and included companies from West Bromwich, Tipton, Wednesbury, Darlaston and Walsall. Following the formation of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council in 1974, the Battalion changed its name to The Sandwell Battalion. By 2003 their number of companies had diminished and it decided to merge with the Mid-Staffs Battalion, when the two Battalions then became known as The Mid-Staffs & Sandwell Battalion

Our Battalion is now made up of 15 companies of The Boys’ Brigade, where each company is responsible for its own affairs, but when working together is known collectively as The Battalion and together we work with over 300 young people every week.

Representatives from each of the companies meet regularly at Battalion Council Meetings to discuss ways of providing support and events for all of the boys and girls. A Battalion Executive is appointed annually comprising President, Vice Presidents x 2, Secretary and Treasurer, who are responsible for managing and co-ordinating affairs of the Battalion. Pastoral care is provided by the Battalion Chaplain.

More details about each of the individual companies in our Battalion, including where and when they meet can be found on this web-site under the heading ‘Companies’.

We are a very active Battalion and arrange inter-company competitions and events every session for each of the age groups Anchors (5-8yrs), Juniors (8-12yrs), Company (12-15yrs) and Seniors (15-18yrs), to compliment the individual programmes run by each of the companies. A list and details for all of the competitions we run for our companies can be found on this web-site under the heading ‘Competitions’.

Trophies are presented at all competitions for the winners and runners up and medals are presented to individuals at appropriate competitions for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. League tables are maintained for each section throughout the year, with points being awarded for entry and the first 4 places in every event. Overall winners and runners up trophies are then presented to the relevant companies each year.

We hold a Battalion Parade and Church Service annually on the Sunday nearest to Founder’s Day 4 th October, when all of the companies are invited to join together for a Service of Celebration especially planned to suit each of the various age groups.

The Battalion in conjunction with the West Midlands District provides high quality training to ensure that companies are able to provide a safe environment and have the in-house skills to deliver exciting and challenging programmes for the boys and girls, which may include outdoor residential activities and annual camp.

If you would like to know more about our Battalion or to become involved in the work of The Boy’s Brigade in Staffordshire, North Warwickshire, Walsall or Sandwell do please visit our section headed ‘Get Involved’ or get in touch with us through the ‘Contact Us’ section of the web-site.

The Object: “The advancement of Christ’s Kingdom among boys and the promotion of habits of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-respect and all that tends towards a true Christian Manliness”

The Motto: “Sure and Steadfast” Hebrews Ch6 vs19