Jewish Lads' and Girls' Brigade
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Jewish Lads' and Girls' Brigade | |
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| Motto | "They go from strength to strength" |
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| Formation | 1895 |
| Headquarters | Camperdown, London, United Kingdom |
| Brigade Commandant | B/Col Jill Atfield |
| Website | http://www.jlgb.org/ |
The Jewish Lads' and Girls' Brigade (JLGB) is Britain's oldest Jewish youth movement. It offers Israeli tours to its members. It was founded in 1895 as the Jewish Lads' Brigade by Colonel Albert Goldsmid, a senior army officer, to provide an interest for children of the many poor immigrant families who were coming into Britain at that time. The first company was launched in London's East End but others soon appeared throughout the city and the provinces. The movement later spread as far as South Africa and Canada.
Modelled on the Church Lads' Brigade, in the early days Brigade catered for boys only, providing them with more than just spare-time activities. It offered food, clothes and the chance to learn skills which might help in finding a job - and promised to turn young Jewish immigrant boys into good Englishmen. Just 19 boys attended the first summer camp in 1896. Girls were admitted to membership in the 1963 (as the Jewish Girls' Brigade) and in 1974 the JLB and JGB amalgamated to become the JLGB. Nowadays, several hundred youngsters camp with JLGB throughout the year. JLGB still gives young people the type of valuable training which helps them to succeed in today's world.
Since the Second World War the formation of the first girls' company and the first junior units for the under-elevens has resulted in a larger and more exciting Brigade. There are now hundreds of Jewish boys and girls sharing in the Brigade's experiences.
The JLGB has a rank-structured hierarchy, with members progressing as Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) to become leaders as Warrant Officers and Officers. There are also many non-uniformed helpers and instructors who, together with the Officers and Warrant Officers provide a diverse range of activities within a Jewish environment, including camping, voluntary and community service, citizenship, sports, drama, social events, crafts, music, outdoor pursuits and tours, as well as:
- Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme (for which the JLGB is the only Jewish Operating Authority)
- Millennium Volunteers
- Challenge Award for Jewish Youth
- Annual Sir Peter E. Lazarus Debating Competition
