Figure 1.--This photograph shows what an English Beaver Colony and their adult leader. Notice the caps styled on the traditional Cub caps.

The latest addition to the English Scout familiy is Beaver Scouts. In the early 1980's Scout Groups were allowed to take in boys in the 6-8 age range for a new Beaver group. Although at this point the Beavers were not part of the Scout Association, only their Leaders were allowed in. This changed on April 1, 1986 when all Beavers became Beaver Scouts overnight. Initially the section had just one badge to earn after the Beaver had been enrolled, but in 1995 a new programme introduced two new badges, imaginatively know as the First Beaver Scout Badge and the Second Beaver Scout Badge, allowing with the Beaver Scout Challenge Badge for the older Beavers. Beavers have proved to be a very successful program for English Scouts. A group of Beavers is known as a Colony.

Ages

In the early 1980's Scout Groups were allowed to take in boys in the 6-8 age range for a new Beaver group. The age is was later expanded to 5-8 years.

Status

Initially Beavers were not part of the Scout Association, only their Leaders were allowed in. This changed on April 1, 1986 when all Beavers became Beaver Scouts overnight.

Activity

Beaver Scout activity ideas suggested by the Scoit Association in 2000 include the following. Furry Fred Programme Ideas: A series of programme ideas around the theme of 'Furry Fred'. County Fun Day: A major County Beaver event with ideas you could try at Colony or District level. Quick Games Ideas: Quick Game ideas for the Colony.

Awards

Initially the section had just one badge to earn after the Beaver had been enrolled, but in 1995 a new programme introduced two new badges, imaginatively know as the First Beaver Scout Badge and the Second Beaver Scout Badge, allowing with the Beaver Scout Challenge Badge for the older Beavers.

Uniform

English Beavers wear green caps with yellow piping (based in the old Cub caps). They also wear a group colour scarf (kerchief); grey jersey; dark blue shorts; grey, greeen, or khaki stockings. Stockings can be any plain colour with green garter tabs showing on the outside. Shoes can be brown or black. Shoulder patch small circular embroidered patch the colour of the lodge.