Explore Beavers activities, challenges, badges, outdoor activities, progression and practical skills designed to support young Scouts as they learn and explore.
A woodland floor, hedgerow or patch of grass can look quiet until you start noticing the signs of life around you. A hole beneath a tree root, a nest tucked into a hedge or a web stretched between two branches can tell you that an animal has been using that spot for shelter, raising young…
Being able to follow simple directions is an important outdoor skill. Whether you’re walking with your family, taking part in an activity or exploring with a group, you need to be able to listen, understand what you’ve been told and use the information around you to work out where to go next. It doesn’t mean…
There is something special about learning how to do things for yourself outdoors. Knowing how to read a map, put up a shelter, light a fire, recognise a tree, tie a useful knot or simply work out which way to go gives children more than another skill to add to a list. It helps them…
What Is a Naturalist’s Field Notebook? A naturalist’s field notebook is simply a place to record things you notice outdoors. It doesn’t need to be fancy. A cheap notebook and pencil can be enough. The important part is learning to observe carefully and record useful details. Your notebook might contain: Choose the Right Notebook A…
You don’t need to travel to a campsite, climb a mountain or head deep into the countryside to practise outdoor skills. A back garden can be a surprisingly useful training ground. Many of the skills used while camping, hiking and exploring can be practised at home. For children and young people, this can be a…
A woodland walk can be much more interesting when you stop simply walking from one place to another and start looking at what is happening around you. Woodlands are full of clues. Animals may be difficult to see, but they leave behind tracks, feathers, chewed nuts, droppings, nests and other signs. Trees, plants, fungi and…
The Chief Scout’s Bronze Award is the highest award a Beaver can earn. It isn’t designed to be completed in one activity or at the end of a single term. Instead, Beavers work towards it gradually throughout their time in the Beaver section. To earn the award, a Beaver needs to complete all six Beaver…
The Beaver Challenge Awards are an important part of the Beaver programme. They encourage young people to try new things, develop skills, work with others and explore the world around them. There are six Challenge Awards for Beavers: Beavers can work towards the awards throughout their time in the section. Completing all six is also…
Cooking is a great way for Beavers to learn practical skills while having fun. They can measure ingredients, mix, prepare food and work together to create something they can enjoy afterwards. You don’t need complicated recipes or specialist equipment. Simple food activities are often the most successful, especially when young people can get involved rather…
Navigation doesn’t have to begin with complicated maps, bearings and compass work. For Beavers, the first steps are much simpler: knowing where they are, following directions and recognising landmarks. A familiar park, campsite or meeting place can become a brilliant navigation playground. Through games and simple challenges, Beavers can begin developing the skills they’ll use…
