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Here you will find answers to some of your questions about the new programme, and ideas how to have a smooth transition to the new scheme.

There are also additional questions and answers that have arisen during the launches.

The main shift is on the emphasis wihtin the Programme. Yes there are Awards and badges for Beaver Scouts as before but the most important aspect of Beaver Scouting is now participation. The Joining in Badge shows that the young person has taken part in a Balanced Programme of activities over a period of time.

As with Cub Scouts, Scouts, and Explorer Scouts, Beaver Scouts will have the opportunity to complete Challenges, leading to a top award for Beaver Scouts - the Chief Scout's Bronze Award. The structure to gain this top award is similar in all Sections. This will help reinforce the message that the award is part of a complete programme from 6-25 years old. There are now Activity Badges for Beaver Scouts as well.

As we move on from the current Beaver Scout Programme to the new one, it is important that we recognise young people's existing achievements.

Outlined below is a suggestion of how to move sensitively on to the new scheme. If you want to work differently - then please do! You should be fair to your Beaver Scouts. No young person should lose out or feel they are moving backwards because of the change-over. If in doubt be generous.

All Beavers

Joining in badges can be awarded to reflect the number of years a young person has been involved in Scouting.

A Beaver Scout who has gained the Beaver Scout 2 Badge

Should complete a personal challenge to gain the Chief Scout's Bronze Award

A Beaver Scout who has gained the Beaver Scout 1 Badge

Should complete at least one of the Challenge Badges, preferably the Outdoor Challenge, and a personal challenge to gain the Chief Scout's Bronze Award

A Beaver Scout who has just been invested

Should complete all the requirements to gain the Chief Scout's Bronze Award

There are lots of good programme ideas contained within the current resources. If a programme plan works well for your Colony continue to use it.

The beaver animal is still the theme for Beaver Scouts

You will need to carefully plan the change-over to the new Programme. UK Headquarters will continue to support the current Programme until the end of 2003. You should change over once you are comfortable with the operation of the new scheme and have the necessary materials (such as badges) available locally.

Your Group Scout Leader, Assistant District Commissioner and District Commissioner are all there to help you plan your Colony's transition to the new Programme.

Other Support

• The new range of publications

• Articles in Scouting Magazine

• Pages on ScoutBase UK

• District Leaders' meetings.