Founded in 1980 at Saffron Walden Baptist Church, the 1st Saffron Walden Boys’ Brigade Company has spent over forty years helping young people grow through adventure, teamwork, and community. With strong membership and a committed volunteer staff, we deliver a varied, engaging programme that inspires confidence, builds character, and encourages every boy to discover his potential.
Deeply connected to both the church and the wider community, we take part in local events and competitions that showcase the enthusiasm and talent of our members. Older boys enjoy unforgettable summer camps, outdoor pursuits, and expeditions across the UK and beyond—experiences that strengthen resilience, spark curiosity, and create lifelong friendships.
Every age group benefits from a carefully designed programme that blends creativity, physical activity, and personal development in a fun, age‑appropriate way. Above all, we prioritise a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment, following the latest safeguarding practices to ensure every young person feels supported and able to thrive.
More than just a youth group, the 1st Saffron Walden Boys’ Brigade Company is a community—shaping character, building skills, and opening the door to meaningful adventures that stay with our young people for life.
Ages: 5–8 (School Years 1–3)
Uniform: Red sweatshirt; navy polo shirt optional
Meeting Time & Place:
Tuesdays, 6.30–7.45pm (term time) at Saffron Walden Baptist Church
About Us:
The Anchor Section is all about fun, friendship, and trying new things. Our evenings mix games, craft, stories, and plenty of laughter. Boys earn badges for taking part, which are awarded each September.
Each week includes a short focus time where we hear a Bible story and chat about what it means for us.
We enjoy a wide range of activities throughout the year—cooking, movie nights, treasure hunts, team games, LEGO®, and summer visits to the Common. We also run themed evenings like our Dinosaur Challenge.
We’ve welcomed exciting visitors too, including “The Animal Experience,” where boys held snakes, giant snails, and spiders, and Steve the Juggler, who lets us try out his circus skills. Christmas is always a big celebration (this year even with a bouncy castle!), and a summer favourite is our chip‑shop tour of town—sampling and scoring each one, MasterChef style.
Ages: 8–11 (School Years 4–6)
Uniform: Royal blue polo shirt and sweatshirt, black trousers and shoes
Meeting Time & Place:
Tuesdays, 6:30–7:45pm (term time) at Saffron Walden Baptist Church
About Us:
The Junior Section channels the boys’ energy into fun, hands‑on activities. Recent favourites include Star Wars themed evenings, clay candle‑holders, bowling, bird‑box building, kite‑making, juggling, and a food‑bank project. Each year we also create and display the church’s Christmas decorations, and boys work toward their Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, presented at our annual ceremony.
In summer we head outdoors for games on The Common, town trails, and challenges. Each week includes Christian teaching through stories, discussion, or video, followed by a short time for prayer.
We welcome boys from many local primary schools, helping them build friendships ahead of secondary school. Those who complete Junior Section usually find moving up to Company Section an exciting next step.
Ages: 11–15 (School Years 7–10)
Uniform: Royal blue polo shirt, navy sweatshirt, black trousers and shoes
Meeting Time & Place:
Tuesdays, 7:55–9:30pm (term time) at Saffron Walden Baptist Church
About Us:
The Company Section offers a wide range of activities built around the Boys’ Brigade Discover programme. Regular attendance and commitment lead to major awards: the Compass Award in Year 7, the Discovery Award in Years 8–9, and the President’s Badge in Year 10.
We plan our programme to meet the needs of each young person, with a strong focus on developing skills, confidence, and leadership. Many boys work towards their President’s Badge by completing leadership training and taking on roles within the company, often helping in the Junior and Anchor Sections.
At a time of rapid change in their lives, the Company Section provides a safe, structured environment where young men can grow, build friendships, and explore their talents through meaningful, well‑organised activities.
Ages 15-18 (School Years 10-13)
Uniform: Royal blue polo shirt, navy sweatshirt, black trousers and shoes
Meeting Time & Place:
Tuesdays, 7:55–10:00pm (term time) at Saffron Walden Baptist Church
About Us:
Seniors are young men aged 15–18 who follow a programme tailored to their age and interests. They meet alongside the Company Section, often joining in shared activities but with the option to stay later for additional Senior‑only sessions.
Seniors work toward the Challenge Plus Award and can also pursue the King’s Badge—the highest award in the Boys’ Brigade. This involves a strong level of commitment, including volunteering inside and outside BB, physical challenges, and personal development.
Leadership is a key focus at this stage. Seniors are encouraged to take on responsibilities such as planning activities, leading games or quizzes, and helping run the tuck shop, giving them valuable experience and confidence as they prepare for adulthood.
