Core Activity Awards
These recognise participation in our core activities.
These are awarded as boys complete activities in the following six areas:
- Get Active
- Get Adventurous
- Get Creative
- Get into the Bible
- Get Involved
- Get Learning
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| Bronze Year 8+ | Silver Year 9+ | Gold Year 10+ |
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| Bronze Year 11+ | Silver Year 12+ | Gold Year 13+ | Platinum Year 14 |
Discovery Badge Year 10+
The Discovery Badge is the major award for the Company age group. To gain the award a young person has to:
- Gain a Core Activity Award in the last 12 months.
- Complete a "Faith Journey" element.
- Complete 1+ Night Away or 2+ Adventure Days.
- Complete 3 hours volunteering in Company/Church.
- Be an "Active" member of the Company.
President's Badge Year 11+
This is the second highest award in the Boys' Brigade.
Successful candidates must meet the following criteria-
- Complete "Faith Journey" element. (Our weekly Bible studies)
- Complete 2+ Nights Away or 3+ Adventure Days within last 24 months.
- Complete Building Your Skills Course. (Provided by Ballymena Battalion)
- Be an "Active" member of the Company.
AND either Route A
- Gain a Core Activity Award in the last 12 months.
- Complete 10 hours volunteering in Company/Church.
OR Route B
- Gain the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
King's Badge Year 13+
This is the highest award in the Boys' Brigade.
Successful candidates must meet the following criteria-
- Hold the President’s Badge.
- Attend a Candidates' Meeting.
- Participate in Skills for King's Badge course. (Provided by BBNI)
- Take responsibility within the BB or Church. (30 hours)
- Volunteer outside the BB or Church. (30 hours)
- Develop Interests (in 2 of the below activities):
a) Skills (3-6 months).
b) Physical (3-6 months).
c) Expedition: Plan, train for and complete a 3 day, 2 night expedition.
- Complete 'Faith Journey' element. (Provided by BBNI)
- Participate in a Completion Residential. (Organised by BBNI)
- Record their activity.
- Be an "Active" member of the Company.
Many of these requirements overlap with the Duke of Edinburgh's Silver Award.
Duke of Edinburgh's Award
2nd Ahoghill is a registered Duke of Edinburgh centre, which allows our boys to gain
Bronze Award Aged 14+
This requires boys to spend a minimum of three months on volunteering, physical and skills based activities; as well as a further three months in one of the areas. Boys will then plan, train for and complete a 2 day, 1 night expedition.
Silver Award Aged 15+
Boys must spend six months volunteering, and a minimum of three months on physical and skills based activities; as well as a further three months in either of the latter sections. Boys must also plan, train for and complete a 3 day, 2 night expedition.
For more information visit DofE - The Duke of Edinburgh's Award website.
NCO Ranks
Boys are promoted to Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) ranks once they reach the required age and standard of leadership.
Lance Corporal Year 11+
Corporal Year 12+
Sergeant Year 13+
Annual Awards
Boys also receive awards at our annual display to recognise their achievements in drill, scripture, PE and other areas.








