Raising Tomorrow’s Christian Leaders: Explorers Passing Out Parade Celebrates Joy, Character, and God’s Love
More than 100 children, families, chaplains, educators, and community partners gathered on 14 November for the Explorers Passing Out Parade 2025—a milestone event marking the graduation of K2 Explorers from Little Olive Tree preschools across Singapore. This year’s celebration was hosted at Foochow Methodist Church, who generously sponsored the venue for the event.
While passing-out parades are traditionally associated with uniformed groups in schools, this celebration highlights something quietly significant: a growing movement to shape Christ-centred leaders from as young as four years old.
A Preschool Brigade Movement Rooted in Christian Heritage
The Explorers is the preschool arm of The Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade in Singapore, designed for children aged 4 to 6. Coordinated by Kingdomgarten Preschool Services, the programme focuses on character formation, social-emotional learning, community building, and introducing children to the truth and love of God.
This year’s cohort received not only their Certificates of Completion but will also receive the “Hero in Me” Badge—a symbol of their growth in perseverance, courage, and camaraderie through hands-on challenges across four themed “islands” (WOW, HOME, ACTION, and TREASURE).
Joy That Comes From Jesus
The celebration opened with a cheerful march-in, as the children strode confidently into the hall, greeted by proud families and friends.
The event’s theme, “Joy in My Heart,” came alive through a skit presented by Explorer Jacob Sim (Little Olive Tree Ang Mo Kio) and Centre Principal Ms. Cai Yinshuang. The story follows a teacher who believes she has “lost her joy,” only to be lovingly reminded by a child that true joy is kept deep in the heart—a joy anchored in Christ.
Moments later, the graduates burst into a spirited performance of “I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart,” accompanied by Ms. Yinshuang on the ukulele—an exuberant display of worship and childlike faith.
Little Voices, Big Reflections
Two Explorers bravely took the stage to share their biggest takeaways from their Explorers journey.
"I loved all the bible stores we learned during the explorer lessons. When I go to primary school, I would like to be a helpful hero!" expressed Gabriel Marcus Finn
(Explorer from Little Olive Tree Pasir Ris 51)
"Being a hero means noticing what others need and stepping in with care. I'm excited to keep learning, to help others, and to grow into the best version of myself - together with all of you!" exclaimed Esther Lim Jae Ern
(Explorer from Little Olive Tree Ang Mo Kio)
Honouring a Legacy of Christlike Service
Special Guest Ps Lee Boon Hwa of Foochow Methodist Church delivered an inspiring message on the longstanding heritage of the uniformed groups in Singapore.
She highlighted the founding missions of the Girls’ Brigade (1927) and Boys’ Brigade (1930):
“To develop each Girl and Officer to her fullest potential… to be a leader and servant leader.”
“To nurture youth, based on Christian values, to serve and lead.”
These movements have shaped generations of leaders whose lives are marked by moral courage, humility, community-mindedness, and a desire to put others before self. Ps Lee reminded the congregation that the Explorers programme carries this same baton into a new generation—instilling identity, purpose, and a biblical worldview from the earliest years.
A Joy Wave, a Shower of Light, and a Call to Keep Shining
One of the highlights of the parade was the Joy Wave, where the whole assembly joined in silly, joyful actions—symbolising how joy multiplies when shared and should be passed on!
Graduates then received star light-sticks as a small keepsake, reminding them to continue shining brightly as they embark on Primary One. Families later enjoyed a heartwarming video montage capturing a year of growth, exploration, and friendship across the Explorers curriculum islands.
The celebration concluded with a large group photo—children, parents, chaplains, teachers, partners, and the wider Kingdomgarten family gathered as one community, united in thanksgiving for how God is shaping these young lives.
The Explorers Programme though still in its infancy stage has potential to grow into a great movement that shape lives and nurture Christ-centred leaders who care about others and community from their preschool years. Hence, we invite like-minded school leaders, educators, parents, and Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade alumni to come alongside with us in advancing this important work.
The Explorers’ Journey
For more information about the Explorers programme, please email us at explorers@kingdomgarten.org.