KGV1 Residential with Boys Brigade

What is KGVI? Well it’s a 2 week long residential course which gives you all that you need to become a leader in The Boys' Brigade. The training is at the Regional Headquarters of The Boys’ Brigade at Felden Lodge. You split the 2 week course over two years and I attended my first year during August 2013. I was given lots of information before attending the course telling me about what I would learn and what I needed to bring with me.

I was told that the course would help me learn new skills, make new friends, get new ideas and inspiration, explore your own faith, grow in confidence and share experiences. I can say that during the week I was able to experience all of these things. Over the week we did many sessions which gave us an idea of what it was like to be a BB Officer and what was expected of us. For example the days were split into three parts; a morning, afternoon and evening session where we looked at all the challenges faced by a leader. We also covered issues such as safeguarding, activity planning and how to involve all members of the Brigade in activities.

It was the hottest week of the year and it was great to spend the day playing rugby and sitting outside during sessions talking in our groups. We were all well looked after and made to feel at home.

My favourite day was on the Wednesday when we all went into London for the day. We were set a sightseeing challenge and then had free time to explore the city. Amazingly we didn’t get lost once and even managed to make it back to Felden.

I didn’t know what to expect before I went, but I can honestly say that I enjoyed every minute of the week. I made new friends who I look forward to seeing again next year for my second year’s training.

Tom Nelder, 7th Plymouth Company