Jewish Lads' and Girls' Brigade

Jewish Lads' and Girls' Brigade

JLGB Logo
Abbreviation	JLGB
Motto	"They go from strength to strength"
Formation	1895
Type	Youth organisation
Legal status	Charity, Company Limited by Guarantee
Headquarters	Camperdown, South Woodford, London, England
President	Lord Levy
Chairman	Norman Terret
Colonel Commandant	Jill Atfield
Chief Executive	Neil Martin
Website	http://www.jlgb.org/
Formerly called	Jewish Lads' Brigade (JLB)

Not to be confused with the its "Sister Organisation," The Church Lads' and Church Girls' Brigade.

The JLGB (Jewish Lads' and Girls' Brigade) is a national Jewish youth organisation based in and primarily serving the United Kingdom. The UK's oldest Jewish youth movement, it was founded in 1895 as the Jewish Lads' Brigade by Colonel Albert E. W. Goldsmid, a senior army officer, to provide an interest for children of the many poor immigrant families who were coming into England 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' and Church Girls' Brigade (and often referred to as its "Sister Organisation"), The Brigade catered for boys only in the early days, 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 it sought 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. It also offers a Summer tour to Israel for its members.

Since the Second World War the formation of the first girls' company, the first junior units for the under-elevens and several bands 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: