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Original poster

Beavers or brownies - Chandon/merstham/Caterham

13 replies

PatheticTrumpet · 21/06/2012 12:52

Hi all - I'm just looking to you for your collective wisdom on brownies vs beavers in these areas.

I've heard some groups are better than others ?

Can't decide - please help!

OP posts:
Original poster
PatheticTrumpet · 21/06/2012 13:02

Damn! Posted in wrong place ..... Would ibu to ask your advice here anyway?

OP posts:
Kimberlykisshead · 21/06/2012 18:46

OP - brownies in for girls and Beavers is for boys (I think). So surely that part of your query is answered.

Sorry but can't comment on the areas - don't know that neck of the woods.

Kimberlykisshead · 21/06/2012 20:51

Just googled - I honestly had nO idea that girls can join beavers Yet I see boys can't joint brownies .... Hmmmm .... Ponders on that for a while

Yet in answer tonyourvpost OP sorry I still haven't a clue

signet · 21/06/2012 20:55

Depends on the child. My daughter does both. She loves the girly stuff at Brownies but then also LOVES the opportunity to do more adventurous stuff at Beavers (well she's a cub now but same thing...). But some of her friends only do brownies because they prefer quieter more girly things and some only do beavers because they hate the girly arty crafty stuff. So really depends on the child.

veritythebrave · 21/06/2012 21:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BackforGood · 21/06/2012 21:09

Depends on the Group and depends on the child.
My dd1 went to Rainbows, and enjoyed it. It was specifically to allow her space to be 'dd' and not 'ds's sister' (as he's rather loud and I wanted to give her her own space). She then moved to Brownies, and the pack that she was in, wasn't very active, and only ever did a bit of craft. She was bored quite soon and moved to cubs as soon as she was 8. We have the bonus of having a FANTASTIC cub pack near us though - not many cub packs would be as good as this, but, IME, they do tend to do a lot more outdoors.
dd2 went straight to Beavers, she'd have never suited the Rainbows or Brownies.
I do know of lots of guides who have done loads with their sections though - so, as most people have said, you have to go along and find out, and/or ask around other parents, what they say they are like.

GangstaGranny · 21/06/2012 21:15

As a Rainbow Guide Leader I would definately second the "depends on the child". I've had some Rainbows that I've gently suggested to the parents that cubs may well be more appropriate for them than Brownies but it also depends on what your local units are like. Some Brownies are great at doing PGL and really active stuff

madewithpassion · 21/06/2012 21:17

Again I have to say it depends on your DD.

I think they cannot join Brownies until 7

They can join Beavers at 6

My DD went to Brownies, my DS went to Beavers

At Brownies it was always hall-based - they would do cookery, make up plays, make things. A sleepover was arranged in the hall but DD didn't want to go.

At Beavers they go on hikes, catch trains to nearest town, couple of sleepovers in hall and a lot more outdoor activities. There are a few girls but they are outnumbered.

So have to say it depends on your DD whether she enjoys or would enjoy outdoor activities and putting up with boys or whether she prefers a quieter all girl environment.

Just have to say I am not in your area so cannot comment on the groups you have mentioned.

However, just to say DD got into Brownies straight away with hardly any waiting list. DS was on the waiting list for Beavers for 7 months.

madewithpassion · 21/06/2012 21:31

Also much more parental input is invited with Beavers because they do so much more. Each parent is requested to do a CRB check so they can be involved helping in a couple of meetings every so often.

Also cleaning HQ for sleepovers and occasional bag packing at local superstore to raise funds for activities.

If you want to 'pay and run' Beavers may not be for you (well not in my area anyway!)

Didn't have to do anything extra for Brownies

BartletForAmerica · 21/06/2012 22:20

I think it depends on the child and on the unit. I am a Brown Owl. We try to do crafty stuff as well as adventurous things. Don't want them to think it is just the Scouts that get to do those things!

Shocked though that every parent is asked for a CRB for madewithpassion. Don't think that is appropriate at all. Girlguiding policy is that a CRB is needed for anyone helping more than a couple of times a month, so parents on a parent rota don't need them automatically. We just need to ensure that we never leave a parent with the girls on their own, which, to be fair, we never do anyway.

izzyizin · 21/06/2012 22:21

Without wishing to cause controversy any great debate, what would happen in the event that a parent's CRB check was less than satisfactory, passion?

Would their child not be allowed to join the Beavers?

simpson · 21/06/2012 22:26

You do not need a CRB check for the beavers in my local area. DS loves it and I will put DD down for it as soon as she is old enough as she is quite a rough and tumble sort of girl.

They take beavers from 5 yrs and 10 months.

DS got loads of badges last week and I am panicking at the amount of sewing I will have to do this weekend ( I do NOT do sewing!!).

BackforGood · 21/06/2012 22:28

That is just madewithpassion's group, not a Scout Association Policy.
Some groups do it so they then can call upon adults to - for example come along and be the cook on camp, or to support with a particular badge or 'run' of evenings that they might have a particular skill or interest in. They can help occasionally without needing a CRB, just like the guides, as long as not left alone with dcs.

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