Beaver Information

Welcome to Beaver Scouting

As your child enters the Beaver Colony, they are joining the existing world of Scouting. We hope that they enjoy their time within the section and the movement. This section has been developed to answer any questions that you may have about the Beaver Section.

History

In October 1982, The Scout Association introduced the Beaver Section for boys aged 6 and 7. There had been a growing demand within the movement for such an optional activity. It was available at the discretion of the Scout Group.

The age group had been provided in other countries for some time. Beavers had begun in Northern Ireland some 15 years earlier. Australia, Canada, New Zealand and some European Countries had also developed programmes.

Initially, Beavers were not full members of the Movement. This did not happen until April 1986, when they became a recognised training section and took the title of Beaver Scouts. In 1991, the first girls were admitted to Beaver Scouts making it possible for it to be a mixed section. The Beaver Scout programme was changed in 1995 to allow the Beaver Scouts to gain badges.

1st Cheriton Beaver Colony was started in 20th March 1990.

Who are Beaver Scouts?

Beavers are young people aged between 6 and 8 years who are members of the Scout association. They meet together within a group and work in a variety of small groups called lodges. Usually there are 24 boys and girls in a colony and a team of adults who plan and run the programmers.

What do Beaver Scouts wear?

Beaver Scouts currently wear a turquoise top and navy blue bottoms; these can be jogging bottoms or combat trousers. The tops and trousers can be purchased on-line. We provide them with the group scarf and badges when they are invested into the colony.

How does a Beaver become invested?

The child is invited to an introductory session of approx 4 meetings. This enables them to decide if they wish to embark on the exciting opportunities that Beaver Scouting can provide.

Next step:

The Beaver Scout should show some understanding of the following;

• some knowledge of the Scouting Family

• the Scout Motto, sign and handshake

• the Beaver Scout Promise

The Beaver Scout Promise

“I promise to do my best

To be kind and helpful

And to love God”

An alternative promise can be taken by those with no affirmed faith and humanists

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”

At the investiture your child will be awarded ‘The Beaver Scout Membership Badge’ which is recognized worldwide.

Can you help?

Mums, dads, grandparents, carers. Can you spare an hour or so on Wednesday evenings? Our Beaver colony would like to hear from you if you are able to lend a hand during Beaver sessions. Nothing too strenuous is asked of you – just turn up, help with the running of the evening's activities and go home at the end of the day happy in the knowledge that you did your bit for the young people.

If you are able to regularly commit to helping in the evenings there is the opportunity for you to become Beaver Helpers.

For more details see Jacquie on Wednesday evenings at Beavers or phone 07847335855