BB South Island development manager Warwick Tomlinson has led the First Mosgiel BB group for the past three years, and said the recent celebrations had been a great opportunity to bring boys and leaders together to enjoy camping and outdoor activities — away from technology.
Boys from the Dunedin area and Invercargill gathered recently at the Berwick camp to enjoy kayaking, tubes and the flying fox, and had taken the opportunity to talk about the history of the organisation.
"Throughout its 140-year history, BB has engaged boys in fun activities while teaching them life skills," Mr Tomlinson said.
Founded by Sir William Smith in Scotland in 1883, the organisation came to New Zealand in 1886, with Dunedin hosting the earliest groups.
From its popular height in the 1980s, the organisation’s fortune had waxed and waned, until it was reinvigorated several years ago in Mosgiel with the formation of the First Mosgiel BB group — based at Mosgiel Presbyterian Church.
With a 25-year background in youth and pastoral work, Mr Tomlinson launched the Edge Programme about four years ago — taking a trailer packed with "all the gear" for practical, hands-on projects to schools in Dunedin and Central Otago.
Schools assign pupils to take part in the programme for the term, and they spend one day per fortnight working on practical projects with leaders.
"Most boys don’t like to sit down and talk about important stuff, but they will have important conversations while they are working on something," Mr Tomlinson said.
The youngsters involved in the Edge Programme have fed into the First Mosgiel BB group, and are some of its keenest members.
"The Edge Programme exists for Boys Brigade, and because of it," he said.
The recent camps have launched a busy 2023 BB New Zealand calendar, with several further expeditions planned, including trips to Stewart Island, Nelson Lakes, and Whanganui River.
A national camp will be held in October to mark the anniversary of the founding of the organisation 140 years ago.
Mr Tomlinson said BB New Zealand was in need of leaders to work with youngsters across Dunedin, and needed men to step up and help.
Funding was also an issue, and any sponsorship would be welcome.
For information, email warwick.tomlinson@bb.org.nz
