When your child joins Beavers, they'll be introduced to lots of new activities, people and experiences. Here's everything you need to know about being part of 1st Cheriton Beaver Colony.
Beavers are young people aged 6 to 8 who enjoy learning new skills, making friends and discovering the world around them.
At Beavers, young people have opportunities to:
Try new activities and learn new skills.
Have fun and go on adventures.
Make friends and work together as a team.
Explore the world around them.
Help others and make a difference in their local community.
Every week, Beavers meet in groups called Colonies to take part in games, crafts, challenges and adventures. They learn by doing, build confidence and discover what they can achieve.
Being a Beaver is all about growing, learning and having fun!
Beavers enjoy spending time outside, discovering nature and trying outdoor activities. They might build a den, explore a local park, visit the seaside or even enjoy a sleepover or camp. There's always something new to discover!
Beavers learn through playing, exploring and doing. Our programme includes games, crafts, outdoor adventures, teamwork challenges and opportunities to work towards badges.
Along the way, they develop important life skills such as independence, creativity, resilience and problem-solving.
Being a Beaver is also about kindness, friendship and teamwork. Beavers learn how they can help others, care for the environment and make a positive difference in their local community.
Whether they're helping a friend, taking part in a community project or learning to work together, every little action counts.
Within our Beaver Colony, young people are often organised into smaller groups called Lodges. These help Beavers work together, make friends and support one another during activities.
Beavers may also take turns taking on small leadership responsibilities, such as welcoming someone new, helping with a game or being a good role model for their friends. These opportunities help them develop confidence, independence and teamwork.
When your child first joins us, they're invited to attend approximately four taster sessions. This gives them time to experience Beavers, meet the leaders and other young people, and decide whether they'd like to continue.
Once they're ready to become a member, they'll take part in an Investiture or Promise ceremony. This is a special occasion when they make their Scout Promise and are welcomed into the Scouting family.
During the ceremony, your child will receive their Beaver neckerchief and other relevant group items.
Parents and carers are welcome to attend the ceremony and celebrate this special milestone with their child.
The Beaver Scout Promise
“I promise to do my best
To be kind and helpful
And to love our World"
The Beaver Scout Motto
“Be Prepared”
Subscriptions for 1st Cheriton Beaver Scouts are £180 per year per young person, paid in 12 monthly instalments of £15 through Online Scout Manager (OSM).
We split the annual subscription into 12 equal payments to make budgeting easier for families. This means payments are made every calendar month, including August, when we take our summer break and do not hold our usual weekly meetings.
Our subscriptions are an annual contribution towards the cost of running the Beaver Colony, rather than a payment for individual weekly meetings. Although we take breaks during the year, many of our costs continue throughout the year.
Your subscriptions help us cover:
Activities and badges: The cost of our weekly programme, including craft materials, games, resources and badges earned by our Beavers.
Neckerchiefs: Providing our young people with their Scout neckerchiefs.
Annual Scouting membership costs (capitation): A yearly fee payable for each young person registered with the group, contributing towards the wider costs of running Scouting.
Running the Colony: Helping us plan and provide an exciting, varied programme for our young people throughout the year.
Larger activities, special events, outings and camps may incur an additional charge. Any extra costs will be communicated to parents in advance.
We want every young person to have the opportunity to enjoy Scouting, whatever their family's financial circumstances.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties and are worried about paying subscriptions or the cost of additional activities, please speak to us privately. We understand that circumstances can change, and we will always do our best to discuss what support may be available.
There is absolutely no need to feel embarrassed about asking for help. We want our Beaver Colony to be an inclusive place where every child can take part, make friends and enjoy new adventures.
Once you have confirmed that your child would like to join us, we will send you a link through Online Scout Manager (OSM) to set up your monthly payments.
Thank you for supporting 1st Cheriton Beavers and helping us provide fun, friendship and adventure for our young people!
The Beaver Scout section was introduced by The Scout Association in October 1982, initially for boys aged 6 and 7. It was created in response to growing interest in providing younger children with opportunities to enjoy Scouting.
Beavers had already been introduced in other countries, including Northern Ireland, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
Initially, Beavers were not full members of the Scout Movement. In April 1986, they became a recognised section of Scouting. Girls were admitted to Beaver Scout Colonies from 1991, and the programme developed further over the following years to include badge work.
1st Cheriton Beaver Colony was established on 20 March 1990, and we are proud to continue providing young people in our community with opportunities for fun, friendship and adventure.