Why we love Beavers!

My two sons are Beavers. For anyone that doesn't know about Beavers, it is the section of Scouts for boys aged six to eight (and sometimes girls).

R started Beavers two years ago when he had just turned six and he had moved schools a few months before, so we decided it was a good idea as it would help him settle in at school.

R was always really nervous about starting beavers and as I ran out the first night leaving him crying, I thought on the way home that this maybe wasn't for him.

How wrong was I? It has been the making of him and he loves it. He loves it over anything else he does and to be honest, I can understand why.

Beavers has given him the chance to be a 'proper' boy. They go walking, play games indoors and outdoors, night activities in the winter, crafts, sports as well as practical things such as first aid, cooking and knot tying.

They are also awarded badges which you see on to their sweatshirts and R has had a real sense of pride over his badge collection. He has nearly got them all now and I will keep it for him as I think it will be a lovely thing for him to look back at as the badges have given him a real sense of achievement.

In addition to that, they get to go on at least two camps a year which are normally based in outward bound centres where they get to do the most amazing activities at a really low cost to the parents and they provide all of the equipment for the younger groups.

R has loved the whole experience and always talks about the activities and camps for days afterwards. It also teaches them about the importance of respect, about being leaders and the importance of certain days like Remembrance Day and Saint George's Day.

In a couple of weeks, they are doing a march to commemorate Saint George's day and as he is the eldest, R is going to be the flag bearer, he is thrilled and I think that it will definitely be a 'proud mummy' moment for me.

L started Beavers last September and has really taken to it. He loves the fact that it is mainly boys and that he gets to do lots of physical activities. He would have started two years ago if he had been allowed. He has already been on one overnight camp and he loves being awarded the badges at the end of each term.

The people who give up their time to run any of these organisation groups are nothing short of amazing and I am so grateful to them. My sons' group is run by a couple, who have children of their own and they put so much time and effort into it as they run Beavers and Cubs one night a week and Scouts another night along with the camps, swimming galas and activity days. Without them and the time and effort that they put in, my sons wouldn't have this amazing experience and I always feel guilty at the AGM's when they ask for help and everyone shuffles nervously as there is no response. When A is old enough, I will definitely help as it is the least I can do to give a bit back after the amazing experiences and confidence they have given my sons.

R is really excited about moving up to cubs and that is amazing as he doesn't always like change. He will continue to get some amazing experiences and will appreciate being with the bigger boys and away from his little brother.

If you want more information about Beavers, Cubs or Scouts you can visit
http://scouts.org.uk/ to find out more information about the groups and you can also contact them about finding a group in your area. I can't say enough good things about it and if you are considering it, go for it as it is a really fun and character building experience for your children.