Key Takeaways
- The King’s Badge is the ultimate achievement for young men in the Boys’ Brigade, representing discipline, integrity, respect, and tenacity.
- Recipients of the King’s Badge have demonstrated commitment and perseverance over several years, with many starting the program at a young age.
- The achievement is not just a personal milestone, but also a testament to the support and guidance of family, leaders, and community members.
- The King’s Badge represents a significant development in character, with recipients learning valuable skills and values that will benefit them throughout their lives.
- The program aims to produce young leaders who will go on to achieve great things and make a positive impact in their communities.
Introduction to the King’s Badge
The King’s Badge is a prestigious award that is earned by young men in the Boys’ Brigade, a program that aims to develop character, discipline, and leadership skills in its members. Recently, four young men from Tauranga Boys’ College, Joshua Brown, Elijah Keam, Dominic Absalom, and Matthew Kliskey, were awarded the King’s Badge, marking a significant milestone in their personal and character development. According to Joshua Brown, the journey to receiving the King’s Badge was a long and systematic process that started when he was 13 years old. He emphasized the importance of taking things one step at a time and focusing on the present moment, rather than getting too caught up in the outcome.
The Journey to the King’s Badge
The journey to receiving the King’s Badge is not an easy one, requiring a significant amount of time, effort, and commitment. The program is designed to develop character, discipline, and leadership skills in its members, with a focus on the values of discipline, integrity, respect, and tenacity. These values, known as DIRT, are instilled in the young men through a variety of activities, including expeditions, community service, and leadership training. According to Richard Harkness, the leader of the Boys’ Brigade ICONZ group in Tauranga Central, the climb to receiving the King’s Badge is like running up a ladder, with each step representing a new challenge and opportunity for growth. Not all boys who start the program make it to the top, but those who do are recognized for their commitment and perseverance.
The Impact of the King’s Badge
Receiving the King’s Badge is a significant achievement that has a profound impact on the young men who earn it. According to Elijah Keam, one of the recipients, the King’s Badge gives him a great sense of accomplishment and reminds him of how hard he has worked over the past nine years. The expeditions and activities that are part of the program teach the young men the importance of perseverance and the value of pushing beyond their limits. The King’s Badge also represents a significant development in character, with recipients learning valuable skills and values that will benefit them throughout their lives. As Harkness noted, the King’s Badge is a testament to the young men’s ability to hang in there and stay the course, even when the going gets tough.
Recognition and Celebration
The achievements of the four young men were recognized and celebrated by the community, including Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale, who invited them to an afternoon tea in the mayoral chambers. Drysdale congratulated the young men on their achievement, noting that receiving the King’s Badge is no small feat and reflects character, tenacity, and integrity. He also encouraged them to keep aiming high and to continue making a positive impact in their community. The recognition and celebration of the King’s Badge recipients serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting and encouraging young people as they develop and grow.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the King’s Badge is a prestigious award that represents the ultimate achievement for young men in the Boys’ Brigade. The journey to receiving the King’s Badge is a long and challenging one, requiring commitment, perseverance, and a willingness to learn and grow. The impact of the King’s Badge is significant, with recipients developing valuable skills and values that will benefit them throughout their lives. As the community recognizes and celebrates the achievements of these young men, it serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting and encouraging young people as they develop and grow into capable and confident leaders.
