Beaver Scouts, usually referred to as Beavers, is the youngest section of

Scouting Scouting or the Scout Movement is a youth social movement, movement which became popularly established in the first decade of the twentieth century. It follows the Scout method of informal education with an emphasis on practical outdoor activi ...

operated by the

Baden-Powell Scouts' Association The Baden-Powell Scouts' Association (''B-PSA'') is a worldwide youth organisation originating in the United Kingdom, with friendly relationships with similar traditional scouting organisations in various countries. Baden-Powell Scouting focuse ...

. The core age range for Beaver Scouts is six to eight years, though exceptions can be granted. Individual sections of Beaver Scouts, known as a Colony, are run by the local

Scout Group A Scout group is a local organization used in some Scout organizations that groups a Scout troop or unit with other age programs, separate gender-based Scout troops and/or multiple Scout troops. A Scout group that groups Scouts with programs fo ...

. After reaching the age of eight, a Beaver Scout will then move on to

Wolf Cubs Cubs or Wolf Cubs are programs associated with some Scout organizations, for young children, usually between 8 and 12, who are too young to be Scouts and make the Scout Promise. A participant in the program is called a Cub and a group of Cubs ...

History

Originating in Canada in 1973, Beaver Scouts have been a section of the Baden-Powell Scouts' Association since 1982 as a response to other Youth Organisations, such as the

Boys' Brigade The Boys' Brigade (BB) is an international interdenominational Christianity, Christian youth organisation, conceived by the Scottish businessman William Alexander Smith (Boys' Brigade), Sir William Alexander Smith to combine drill and fun acti ...

opening their doors to younger children.

Organisation

A Beaver Colony is a section of the Scout Group aimed at children from 6 to 8 years. The Scout Leader in charge of the Colony will be a Beaver Scout Leader, assisted by Assistant Beaver Scout Leader and Section Assistants. Beaver Scout Colonies are controlled by the local Scout Group, with each colony being divided into a number of Lodges. The Beaver in charge of a Lodge is known as a 'Lodge Leader', who is assisted by an 'Assistant Lodge Leader'. This is a similar role to that of Senior Sixer in the Wolf Cub pack.

Programme

UK Promise

The Beaver Scout promise is a simpler version of the

Scout Promise The Scout Promise (or Oath) is a declaration made by a person joining the Scout movement. Since the publication of ''Scouting for Boys'' in 1908, all Scouts and Girl Guides around the world have taken a Scout (or Guide) promise or oath to live up ...

: I promise to do my best, To be kind and helpful and to love God.

UK Motto

The Beaver Scouts motto is "Busy and Bright".

UK Beaver Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to be a good Beaver, always busy and bright. Be with those so dear to me and help me do things right. Amen.

UK Uniform

The Beaver Scout uniform is a turquoise and with a group scarf (neckerchief) with black or grey shorts, trousers or skirts and black shoes

International Variations

International sections of the Baden-Powell Scouts' Association have variations on the above, an example of which being B-PSA Ireland's Beaver Promise of, "I promise to love God and to Help take care of the World."

Awards and Badges

Beaver Scouts can earn a number of awards and badges.

References

External links

B-PSA UK Beaver Scout Programme
{{Scoutorg BPSA. Baden-Powell Scouts' Association