Special Birthday Year for Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs

Happy birthday from our UK lead volunteers

This year we have much to celebrate as within our Scout family. Squirrel Scouts were launched just 5 years ago, the newest section within Scouting. Forty years ago, Beaver Scouts was launched for young people aged 6-8 years old, at that time this was the youngest age group. Celebrating 110 years, the Cub Scout section has been around for a very long time – did you know they were originally called Wolf Cubs? That’s why the main leader is called Akela, because in Rudyard Kipling’s story of ‘The Jungle Book’ Akela was the leader of the wolf pack which raised Mowgli.

Squirrels
‘Five years ago, we launched Squirrel Scouts in the UK. Now, we celebrate not just a milestone, but the opportunities that have empowered thousands of Squirrel Scouts to build confidence, make friends, and discover the world around them through play, adventure, and kindness. I’m incredibly proud of our volunteers and families who’ve made this possible. Here’s to the next five years of helping little voices grow louder and little hands reach further.’
Rachel Beyer, UK Lead for Squirrel Scouts

Beavers
‘This year marks an incredible milestone as Beaver Scouts celebrate 40 years of inspiring adventure, friendship, and growth. I feel so proud and uplifted to hear stories from young Beavers who have since grown into dedicated volunteers, giving back to the movement that once shaped them. It fills me with joy and hope to think about the future, and I can’t wait to see how the experiences we’re providing for young people today will shape the memories and motivations of the next generation of volunteers in another 40 years. Happy birthday Beavers!’
Lu Drewery, UK Lead for Beaver Scouts

Cubs
‘Happy Birthday Cubs! This year is a year to party, have even more fun and make even more friends. I remember going on my first Cub camp where I toasted my first marshmallow. It was one of my favourite experiences ever and now I do it at every camp. However you’re celebrating, I hope you make this year another fantastic one!’
Matthew Longden, UK Lead for Cub Scouts