Beavers - is it worth it?

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DS is about to turn 6 and a few of his friends have joined Beavers.

DS is keen but I’m wondering if it’s worthwhile - it seems like they play games and do stuff like cooking, crafts and woodland walks?

We and school do all that with DS already and I’m conscious of not overloading him with activities (he does football and swimming and is learning an instrument which he practices every day), but if Beavers would be a good experience then I also don’t want him to miss out.

I think Beavers and Rainbows etc are avry different kettle of fish to a sport that is physically tiring or a music lesson that comes with homework. Beavers is nice gentle activities, socialising with other children which they really don't get to do that much as they move up the school. Once they are yr 5 + free socialising like that is almost over school becomes test focussed and they never get it back, being involved in beavers and moving up to Scouts is a great way to preserve it.

DS is keen but I’m wondering if it’s worthwhile
Is it worthwhile? Absolutely. Kids generally have a blast at Beavers/Cubs etc, and learn so much about themselves and others, community, good values, skills etc, at the same time as having a lot of fun.

I’m conscious of not overloading him with activities
Only you can decide whether he would cope with another activity. It's not unusual to do four activities in one week at his age, but it's also not unusual to do none! You could always give it a go, and see which of his activities he prefers - as they get older, they tend to drop one or two, or swap activities around.

My DD tried so many different activities, scouting is the only one she saw through from aged 8 to 18, and she is currently an adult leader.

But do be aware, there is usually a waiting list for Beavers, unless you are lucky and your local group has plenty of adult helpers.

The very best thing that my kids do. I'd cancel anything else, but keep Beavers.

My DC have worked themselves from beavers all the way up to explorers (the group after scouts). Scouting has been probably the best extra curricular activity they have done. The range of activities they have done is enormous. They have been given opportunities to lead groups, follow others and work as a team. They have learned to be resilient, get on with others and be brave. They have all loved it.

Parents often don’t realised how little free play children get at school. Your child may be around other children for much of the day, but he may have zero opportunity to play a nice relaxing game with them. Children desperately need group playtime, even more than they need chill time at home.

Try Beavers, what have you got to lose? He’ll get stronger local friendships and have fun camping. If he isn’t in Beavers then his local friends will be regularly holidaying together without him in a couple of years and your son will feel left out and not as close to the group.

That said, some parents of ‘problem kids’ dump them at Beavers as cheap childcare, so keep an eye on who is in your local group.

Oh it's such good fun.
My kids have lit fires, made catapults, canoed, sailed, done hikes in the dark.
They know kids from other schools and other year groups (particularly useful for high school transition).

In a very techy world it feels very real. It's also the one activity that we never have to cajole or put pressure on to get our DC to go.

I rate it that much that I now volunteer as a Squirrel leader for the 4 & 5yo

I agree, get him in quick, we have a waiting list for all sections but by cubs (8) there's no chance.

Ok thank you - I’m convinced! He’s on the waiting list 🙂

Well, it probably won't count for much on his Personal Statement....

@CurlewKate that’s not what I’m interested in - he’s 6!

Absolutely fantastic extra curricular activity to be involved in. We are very lucky here to have an outstanding Scout unit - with excellent Leaders -which meant both my sons had to go on the Beavers waiting list two and a half years before they turned 6 to get in the group but it was so worth it. IMO and IME one of the most worthwhile things my children have ever become involved with. My eldest son is just about to start Scouts and he can’t wait.

@CurlewKate what a strange comment

It’s worth it. They will let you trial for a good few weeks before you make your Beaver Promise. A few children leave as it’s too noisy or they are too tired after school but those that love it, really love it.
For my DD I thinks it just feels more grown up and hands off than school they learned to cross the road a few weeks ago (in pairs), use sharp knives, cook on gas… It’s cheap as chips too!