Beaver Scouting provides the first opportunity for young people to join the exciting world of Scouting. All Members are enthusiastic, energetic and full of get up and go; that includes the Leaders!

Who are Beaver Scouts?
Beaver Scouts are young people between the ages of six and eight years who are Members of The Scout Association. They meet together as a Colony and within that work in a variety of small groups, called Lodges.

Who belongs to a Colony?
A Colony will normally comprise of about 24 Beaver Scouts and a team of adults who plan and run the meetings.

What do Beaver Scouts do?
The Beaver Scout Programme supports and promotes the planning of balanced programs in the Colony. It is made up of some areas of activity and a variety of methods which take place within a framework of key principles.

• Beaver Scouts learn about themselves - exploring their feelings and developing good habits of health and personal safety.
• Beaver Scouts get to know people - finding out about people in their family, the family of Scouting, the local community and the wider world.
• Beaver Scouts explore - discovering the exciting world of science nature and technology, exploring the natural and man-made world.

Background
In October 1982, The Scout Association introduced 'Beavers' for six and seven year old boys in response to a growing demand within the Movement for such an optional activity to be available at the discretion of Scout Groups.
Initially, Beavers were not full Members of the Movement. That did not happen until April 1986 when they became a recognised training Section and took the title of Beaver Scouts. In 1991, girls were admitted to the Beaver Scouts for the first time.
The Beaver Scout Programme was extensively overhauled in 1995.