Beavers is a simple, flexible program to meet the needs of children 5, 6 and 7 years old. The theme of the program is based upon beavers and the beaver colony. It focuses on sharing, cooperation and playing in small groups, in harmony with nature. Individual competition and structured achievement are not part of the program.
For more information on Beavers in Canada click here.
For Beavers this is expressed in the Beaver promise, law, and motto.
The Beaver uniform is brown and blue. These colours symbolize nature: brown for the earth and the beaver’s fur coat, and blue for the clear sky and the fresh sparkling water. These colours can be seen in all parts of the Beaver uniform which consists of:
The local scout shop is located:
The only badges worn on the uniform (see diagram) are:
Items above are presented at no cost, however there will be a fee for replacements. All of these additional badges will be issued during the year. There will be a fee for replacements.
Through the course of the year, our Colony will be involved with certain official outings (e.g., Apple Day, Beaveree, Overnight Camp). The Beavers who attend these events will be given a crest commemorating the day. Apply these crests to their campfire blanket or vest only, do not attach them to their uniforms.
Sometime during the Beavers Term, Beavers in our group make a Big Brown Beaver, on which to sew crests that are given out as above and old Beaver tails.
As part of the uniform, Beavers receive a tail that is attached to the back of their hat. The tails symbolize the age of the Beaver and the growth that each Beaver experiences. Each year a new tail is presented in a Tail Ceremony and the old tail is retired (only one tail is ever worn at a time). There are four tail levels in Beavers: brown, blue, white and white with a magic light. The link provided leads to an explanation of each level. New Beavers start with the tail level appropriate to their age. This also gives leaders a visual reference to the age level of each Beaver.
There are many ceremonies that Beavers participate in to help symbolize their passage through Beavers.
Every meeting Beavers participate in an Opening and Closing ceremony.
At the beginning of the year new Beavers (Kits) are invested into the colony at the Investiture Ceremony. Tails are given out at the Tail Ceremony. Half way through the year, the White Tails receive their Magic Light symbol, which is generally given at a Magic Light Ceremony. Finally, the year ends with the Swim Up Ceremony, where the White Tails say a final goodbye before swimming up to Cubs.
Please read over the descriptions of the ceremonies or ask a leader if you have any questions.
There are many terms that are used at Beavers that you might not have heard before. To help the new and to refresh the memory of the old a Glossary of Beaver Terms can be found here.