Between the ages of 7½ and 8½, it’s usually time for Beavers to move up to Cubs. Here’s what to expect when the time comes and some of the common questions we get asked.
I’m a Beaver moving on to Cubs. What will happen?
Moving on to Cubs is a really exciting time, but you might also feel a little sad about saying farewell to some of your fellow Beavers. This is an understandable reaction to change and it’s okay to feel nervous and unsure. You will hopefully see them again in Cubs when its their turn to move up.
In the run up to your last night at Beavers, your Beaver leader will talk to your new Cub leader – who you may have already met during joint activities. Together, they’ll make the move as easy as possible for you.
Although most Beavers move up to Cubs between the ages of 7 ½ and 8 ½, leaders can be flexible in cases where a Beaver may need a bit more time due to additional needs or exceptional circumstances. Generally, they’ll also have a think about when your friends are moving, and time things so that you can start your new adventure together where possible.
To get you extra prepared, your leader might tell you about the Moving on Award. Completing it involves spending at least three weeks with a Cub section, while keeping up your normal routine at Beavers. During that time, you’ll see what Cubs is really like – getting to know your new leaders, making new friends and participating in lots of new and exciting activities. Keep an eye out, as you might even spot some familiar faces from when you first started at Beavers.
What happens if I move to a new area and need to leave my Colony?
If you move to a new area, the Scout Information Centre can provide what you need to find a new Colony and get settled. Contact them to find out more.
We use OSM (Online Scout Manager) to hold your details securely and if your new group uses this tool, we can transfer your record to the new group.
I’m the parent of a Beaver with additional needs. I’m not sure they’re ready for Cubs. Is there flexibility around the age they move on?
In the right circumstances, yes. Everyone at Scouts should face a similar amount of challenge, and everyone’s individual needs are always taken in account when making decisions. More information on flexibility and reasonable adjustments can be found at Scouts equality, diversity and inclusion. Generally, leaders will keep to the suggested age ranges, unless young people need a little extra time due to additional needs or exceptional circumstances.
You should that you have already spoken with the Beaver leader and have a care plan in place. This can be reviewed during the moving up process to see if anything needs to be changed or adapted for Cubs.
When the time to take the leap does come, our visual resources are ideal for those who need a bit of extra help. They’re particularly useful for young people with additional needs – and young people on the autism spectrum – especially if prone to increased anxiety around change.
I’m a leader. What can I do to welcome new members, and help others move on?
It’s easy for young people to feel like small fish in a big pond when they move to a new section. At an age where friendship is becoming an important part of a young person’s life, these small tweaks can make all the difference to making them feel happy and confident about the changes they face.
If you’re a Beaver leader saying goodbye to a Beaver
Regularly link up with the sections above yours regardless of if you’re working on the moving on process together – doing so will help you build relationships, plan joint activities and share ideas.
Remind Beavers of former members who have since moved on to Cubs, to reassure them familiar faces are waiting on the other side.
Encourage young people to complete their Moving On Award, which involves spending three weeks with their potential new group while keeping up their regular routine. Doing so helps them make friends and familiarise themselves with how things will work in their new section.
Consider having a moving on ceremony to celebrate all the skills Beavers have learned during their time with you, and to help them process the change.
If you’re a Cub leader welcoming new faces
Regularly link up with the sections above yours regardless of if you’re working on the moving on process together – doing so will help you build relationships, plan joint activities and share ideas.
Go to Beaver meetings, joint camps or outings to get to know everyone – leading on games and activities where possible. Work with Beaver leaders to move new starters together, rather than by themselves.
Keep new starters in pairs, or with others that they know so they always have a friend by their side.