At the beginning of the 20th Century, when the GirlsBrigade was in its infancy, a four-square programme based on Spiritual, Physical, Educational and Service activities evolved. The initial letters of these words spelt “SPES” - the Latin word for HOPE. It was said then that each girl in Girls’ Brigade was a “HOPE” for the future. We still believe each one of us is a hope for the future.

Apart from the SPES awards which we all work hard for there is also the Queens Award and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards which we can go for.

Our SPES Awards

These are speciially designed to meet all of our needs. They are planned in such a way that those with creativity and imagination can determine their own activities guided by the overall structure of the badges, but we can get help from our leaders when we need it. They are broken down into sixteen areas. These are:

Spiritual
	The Bible : Study a selection of passages and complete related activities.
	The Church : Participate in a project to find out about/support the church at either local or world level.
	The Christian Life : Be involved in an activity designed to find out about a specific aspect of the Christian life or to show faith in action.
	People of God : Explore the life and work of individuals or groups who have been used by God.
Educational
	The Arts : Select an element of art/music/drama and develop your skill in this art form.
	Study : Choose an area of specific interest and find out as much about it as possible.
	Hobbies : Be involved in a hobby of your choice showing evidence of your interest/developing skill.
	Life Skills : Develop expertise/show some knowledge of skills which can be used within your personal life.
Physical
	Dance : Select a specific type of dance and practice/perform at a level appropriate to your knowledge.
	Personal Fitness : Undertake a selection of activities which develop personal fitness.
	Out & About : Plan/participate in a journey.activity which involves an element of physical activity. Show an awareness of any safety requirements.
	Games : Participate regularly in your selected game or activity showing developing awareness of the skills and rules involved.
Service
	Home Service : Determine the needs of the home and find ways of being of service to the family.
	The Environment : Help to improve the environment by undertaking a specific project or by learning the problems which exist.
	Helping Others : Identify a group or individual within the community and find ways of helping/developing an awareness of their specific needs.
	Training to Help : Undertake a specific course of training which will equip you to serve others.