As your child enters the Beaver Colony, they are joining the exciting world of Scouting. We hope that they enjoy their time within the section and the movement.

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.

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 programmes.