Beavers - is it worth it?

I know he's only six so this probably doesn't apply yet but football and instruments (and even swimming) all become competitive or about the next grade. What I have appreciated about Beavers and all the other Scouting and Guiding groups is that it's purely for fun and spending time with other people. It's nice to do something where there is no measure of success but having a nice time (other than the blooming fiddly little badges 😂)

Football, swimming and beavers are fun for 6 year olds, so it's the same as doing 3 fun activities a week, I don't think that's too much. It also gives you a bit of a break at home if your too busy one week to do something with the kids. You can always try him and see if he is finding it tiring.

Yes. Mine went into Beavers already knowing some of it but they had a whale of a time. (They dropped out at the end of Cubs).

I think the most important point in your OP is I’m conscious of not overloading him with activities - don't go down the FOMO route with a 6yo, if they are already busy and fulfilled they don't need more.

I'm a leader so very biased but Scouting in general is excellent for promoting life skills. It's one of the few places that hasn't been infiltrated by overzealous health and safety putting a stop to camp fires etc. Everyone I know takes the kid's safety and enjoyment seriously and we all appreciate seeing the kids develop new skills and friendships

Absolutely, and it's a gateway to cubs and scouts which offer fantastic opportunities as they get older

Yes, I think children get a huge amount out of the Scouting movement. We've been fishing, camping, on treasure hunts, visited the fire station and lots more.
However if you are lucky enough to get a place (there are often waiting lists) Please be prepared to help out in some way e.g as a parent helper at occasional sessions. The sessions can only run if people are willing to help out.

My daughter did beavers and loved it. We do all those things as well but it's totally different doing them with your peers than your mum and Dad.
It's good for fostering decision making skills, risk assessment and skills for independence. Not on a big obvious scale, just small things like lighting fires in groups with supervision but not being micromanaged, learning to get on with people while doing things you're unfamiliar with and not sure you want to try. DD managed a tent camp in beavers too.
Totally worth it in my experience. It's a beginning to the whole scout movement.

I would recommend it, DS was a quiet thing when he joined, did so much for his confidence, ended up as a Young Leader looking after Beavers

My son loved Beavers!

He learned to make pancakes there. We always cooked pancakes at home but he still talks about the ones he made at Beavers!

Yes!
It’s amazing and he will have a great time. DS started in beavers at 6 and went all they way through scouting and on to young explorers until age 18.
The camping trips, hikes, canoeing, abseiling, cooking, fundraising, community litter picks, remembrance events -all very worthwhile and he’s learned lots of skills.

Yes absolutely worth it.

• Interaction with children from other schools
• camps / activities he wouldn't experience with us
• builds confidence and resilience

DS loves it.