Beavers

There are 17 active colonies in the District at present, many of them at capacity or with young people wanting to join. Colonies considered at capacity vary from about 16 to 26 Beavers, but the size of the meeting place and the number of adult volunteers is often a deciding factor.

All colonies are inclusive and have some ability to cater for youngsters of differing needs. The programme framework is similar for each colony with the opportunity for the members to work for badges and awards. The programme includes outdoor activities and the chance to spend nights away, often as a sleepover, in a local hall or Scout HQ, with themed activities over a twenty-four-hour period.

As well as the exciting programmes offered by the colonies there are opportunities to join in events with the wider scouting family at activities shared with other colonies in the District or the County. The pandemic has been a challenge to some of these but last year a District Virtual Sleepover was held. The theme was space, and the Beavers joined a series of Zoom sessions where they heard from someone involved in the International Space Station and heard a story read by Tim Peake. They made space helmets for their teddy bears and packages, containing an astronaut manual, space food, craft sheets and a glow in the dark blanket badge were delivered to their homes. They made space rockets and found unusual places to sleep overnight in their home.

This year Beaver Scouts nationally have been celebrating 35 years since Beaver scouting began and the County set a challenge for the young people to take part in. Again, this was held virtually, and the young people recorded the completion of their challenges in photographs or drawings.

Meeting Times