There are four groups in Girls’ Brigade; Cadets (4-8 years old), Juniors (7-11 years old), Seniors (10-14 years old) and Pioneers (13-18 years old). Girls are able to join the age appropriate group anytime once they have started school. The girls in each group work towards awards that are received at the end of each year. The awards involve girls completing achievements that focus on our themes of LIFE, SELF, PURPOSE and COMMUNITY.
Cadets (4 – 8 years old)
Cadets can earn three stars: blue, red and gold.
The symbol represents that star the Wise men followed to find Jesus. Cadets are just starting their journey through life and as they work for this award they too can find Jesus.
A Cadet would normally complete a Star within a Cadet year.
Juniors (7 – 11 years old)
Juniors can earn three circles: blue, red and gold.
The circle symbolises our motto “Seek, Serve and Follow Christ”.
A Junior would normally complete a Circle within a Junior year.
Seniors (10 – 14 years old)
Seniors can earn three rectangles: blue, red and gold.
The rectangles contain hands representing “Serving Hands”
The Senior Award includes both discussions and activities because at this age, the ‘who’ is just (if not more) important, than the ‘what’.
Pioneers (13 – 18 years old)
Pioneers has a focus on helping girls develop into young women while encouraging them in leadership, teaching them life skills and allowing them to grow in their faith
Pioneers can earn three triangles: blue, red and gold.
The triangles contain a symbol representing CHRIST THE KING.
Each Pioneer Award caters to girls’ individual and group interests.
Pioneer leadership training
Pioneers are also able to complete another 6 braids over their 3 years in Pioneers and/or as Young leaders. Each braid, starting with Foundations (green), builds skills on the one before, to ensure the girls who participate get a good grounding in leadership skill development, as well as the opportunity to put it in to practice when they return to their GB groups. Find out more here.
From bottom to top – Foundations (green), Lead (yellow), Community (blue), Events (orange), Teams (brown), Deep (purple).
GB Award
Each year girls can earn an additional award.
These are awarded based on the following criteria:
Cadets
- 60% attendance over one year or if a girl joins during the year 60% of time remaining.
- The minimum time frame is one school term.
- Learn a minimum of four (4) memory verses throughout the year.
Juniors
- 60% attendance over one year or if a girl joins during the year 60% of time remaining.
- The minimum time frame is one school term.
- Learn a minimum of seven (7) memory verses throughout the year.
Seniors and Pioneers
- 60% attendance over one year or if a girl joins during the year 60% of time remaining
- The minimum time frame is one school term
- The girl demonstrates a commitment to explore her journey with Jesus over the one year period. For example, this may be shown by regular attendance and involvement at church services, youth group, bible studies or other activities that would lead to the extension of her knowledge of the Christian faith and possible personal commitment.
Operation Reachout
Girls’ Brigade Australia encourages Companies to learn about other Girls’ Brigade Companies in other countries of the world. A special award is offered for each Fellowship.
- Africa – Green
- American/Caribbean – Pale Blue
- Asia – Maroon
- Europe – White
- Pacific – Blue
Pioneer Pin
The Pioneer Pin is the highest Australian Award awarded at National level.
It is awarded to Pioneer who:
- Completes the three Pioneer Achievement Awards
- Gains one GB Award while in the Pioneer Unit
- Completes the Preliminary Leadership Course and one Advanced Leadership Training Course.
- 6 months “In Company” service (eg care of games equipment, help set up – clear away, birthdays card distribution, operation of audio/visual equipment.)
Successful assessment by an interview Panel. The Panel members consider a confidential report on the Applicant from her Captain and Chaplain/Minister and then assess the girl on her work done in Brigade and on her attitude to the whole of life. The interview panel then make an endorsement of her attitude, commitment and willingness to serve others.
The Application is then endorsed at both the State and National levels.
The Queen’s Award*
The Queen’s Award is an international Award and is the highest achievement in Girls’ Brigade awards.
Why do the Queen’s Award? For the challenge; for the fun; to help get a job; for personal satisfaction; to help in the community; to serve in Girls’ Brigade and the local church; to develop leadership skills; to gain new friendships; to explore faith.
What’s involved?
- A project of significance
- Serving in the local church, the local Girls’ Brigade group, nationally and/or in the community
- 2 leadership iniatitive tasks
- discovering more about God and your faith
- Exploring Girls’ Brigade acorss the world
- Participating in a state or national event
*Girls’ Brigade Australia is still waiting to hear if The Queen’s Award will change its name to The King’s Award.
Find out more about Queen Elizabeth’s links to Girls’ Brigade Worldwide here.
