About Us
What are Beaver Scouts?
The Scouting movement was founded in 1907 by Lord Robert Baden-Powell. Its goal was to help young people achieve their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities. The aim is to make the young member more self-reliant, and caring.
Beaver Scouting didn’t become an official part of the Scout Association until 1986, however, since then the section has become one of the fastest growing areas and now has something in the region of 100,000 members in 7,000 Colonies!
Beaver Scouting is open to all young people between the ages of six and eight years and members of all religious and cultural groups are welcomed.
The Beaver Scout Promise
Scouting differs from many organisations in that it requires its new members to make a Promise. Beavers make a simple version of the Scout promise:
I promise to do my best
to be kind and helpful
and to love God.
Different wordings of the Promise are available for those of different faiths who may prefer not to use the word “God” and for those with special circumstances and needs.
By making the promise a young person becomes a member of the largest worldwide youth movement - Our motto is “Be Prepared”.
Biggleswade Beavers wear a turquoise sweatshirt, a green scarf (sometimes called a “necker") and navy blue activity trousers. Your leader will give you details of where to purchase these. There are also several other optional items of uniform available.
What do Beaver Scouts do?
Beaver Scouts take part in a wide range of activities. These include making things, singing, playing games, going out on visits, investigating nature, listening to stories, learning how to be safe and most importantly making new friends. This programme of activities is provided by a voluntary leadership team, with the essential help and support of parents and carers.
The philosophy underpinning the Programme is that every Beaver Scout should participate in a balanced set of activities over a period of time. This ensures that all young people experience a quality programme covering a wide range of subjects, so that they develop in all the Personal Development Areas. To help, the Balanced Programme is divided into a number of Programme Zones, Methods and Underlying Ways of Working.
The Five Beaver Programme Zones:
- Getting to know other people
- Learning about yourself
- Exploring the world
- Discovering creativity and practical skills
- Discovering beliefs and attitudes
Methods
These Zones are delivered using 12 methods, which give the programme variety and range. The Zones give Beavers Scouts the opportunity to:
- Help others
- Play games
- Explore their world
- Undertake prayer and worship
- Listen to stories
- Follow themes
- Go on visits
- Make things
- Meet new people
- Act, sing and make music
- Chat
- Go outdoors
Underlying ways of working
Underpinning the programmes offered to Beavers Scouts are six Ways of Working, which should be present in every programme. Beavers are encouraged to:
- Have fun
- Make friends
- Try new things
- Keep the promise
- Make progress
- Share in groups
Badges and Awards
In recognition of a Beaver’s achievements, badges are awarded. The highest award that can be achieved by a Beaver Scout is the “Chief Scout’s Bronze Award”.
Child Protection Policy
It is the policy of The Scout Association to safeguard the welfare of all Members by protecting them from physical, sexual and emotional harm.
The Scout Association is committed to:
- taking into account in all its considerations and activities the interests and well-being of young people;
- respecting the rights, wishes and feelings of the young people with whom it is working;
- taking all, practicable steps to protect them from physical, sexual and emotional abuse; and
- promoting the welfare of young people and their protection within a relationship of trust.