Introduction to Beaver Scouts

Beaver Scouts are our youngest members, and generally meet for an hour per week. They enjoy all that Scouting has to offer; being introduced to outdoor activities, having the opportunity to be creative, explore their local community and experience the excitement of a Beaver Scout sleepover with their friends.

Beaver Scouts are young people aged between 6 and 8 years old.  There is core flexibility in the age range:  young people can join from age 5¾, and can move to Cubs between age 7½ and 8½ (this is in discussion with and at the discretion of the Leader’s Team).  It may sometimes be appropriate to extend this flexibility for young people with additional needs. For further information, see our guidance on age range flexibility. 

Structure

A Beaver Colony is organised into smaller groups called Lodges. Lodges are used in a number of ways to facilitate the organisation of the Beaver Colony. They provide a ‘home’ area for Beaver Scouts to gather at points at the start, during or at the end of the Colony meeting. 

Beaver Scouts have a Promise and Motto, but there is not a Beaver Scout Law. The concepts of the Scout Law are be presented to Beaver Scouts through games, storytelling and other informal devices.

Activities

During their time in the Colony, Beaver Scouts will get a chance to try a wide range of different activities as well as going on trips, days out, and on sleepovers. Participation, rather than meeting set standards, is the key approach, and there are a range of badges and challenge awards that Beaver Scouts can gain to recognise their achievements. 

Further information about badges and awards for the Beaver section can be found here.