Beaver Scout Badge Program: Recognition Through Adventure!
Beaver Scouts follow the Beaver Law:
"A Beaver has fun, works hard, and helps family and friends."
But did you know? Older Scouts (Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, Rovers) receive badges as recognition for their efforts—so why shouldn’t Beavers? Since Beaver Scouts began in 1974, people have wanted a badge program for younger Scouts in Canada. Now, thanks to the Canadian Path, Scouts Canada has created a balanced badge program for Beavers!
Why do Beaver Scouts Earn Badges?
Badges aren't just fun—they help Beavers celebrate their hard work and give structure to their adventures in Scouting!
- For Beaver Scouts: Recognition for their efforts, learning, and achievements.
- For parents: A way to see how Scouts help develop values, teamwork, and leadership skills.
- For Scouters: A well-planned tool that helps guide exciting and educational experiences.
- For youth: The first step in goal-setting and taking pride in personal growth.
Camp/Event Badges vs. Achievement Badges
Not all badges are the same!
- Camp Badges 🏕️ – These are souvenirs from special events or trips. They don’t go on the uniform vest but are often sewn onto a camp blanket or the back of the vest as a keepsake.
- Beaver Scout Achievement Badges 🏅 – These badges show accomplishments and skills earned through Scouting experiences. They belong on the uniform vest because they symbolize learning and effort!
Types of Beaver Scout Badges
Beaver Scouts earn badges to celebrate their adventures, skills, and personal development. These badges mark important milestones and encourage goal-setting, teamwork, and learning. From exploring the outdoors to demonstrating leadership and creativity, each badge tells the story of a Beaver Scout’s journey. Whether earned through group activities, individual challenges, or special projects, badges give Scouts a sense of accomplishment while preparing them for new adventures ahead!
Personal Progression Badges
Beaver Scouts earn three progression badges, one for each year in the program. These show growth and completion of a year of adventures based on their Tail Level.
- Brown Tail Badge (Age 5) – First-year Beaver Scouts
- Blue Tail Badge (Age 6) – Second-year Beaver Scouts
- White Tail Badge (Age 7) – Third-year Beaver Scouts
Outdoor Adventure Skills (OAS) Badges
The Outdoor Adventure Skills (OAS) program introduces Beaver Scouts to essential outdoor skills, helping them build confidence and experience in nature.
There are 9 different skill pathways, each focusing on important camping, survival, and adventure techniques. These skills begin in Beaver Scouts and continue through Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venturer Scouts, and Rover Scouts.
Each OAS pathway has 9 stages, with each stage building on previous skills, knowledge, and experiences.
✔ Beaver Scouts generally complete Stage 1 and Stage 2 in each pathway, developing foundational outdoor skills.
✔ Older Beavers with extra interest in a specific pathway may be able to complete Stage 3, if they demonstrate advanced knowledge or experience.
✔ Stages are skill-based, not age-based—progression depends on what the youth know, practice, and accomplish, rather than just how old they are.
By following OAS progression, Beaver Scouts gain real-world outdoor skills, preparing them for new adventures and greater challenges as they move through the Scouting program.
Personal Achievement Badges (PAB)
Beaver Scouts can earn 16 different Personal Achievement Badges, where they choose their own adventure!
- Beaver Scouts set 3 personal goals in the badge theme.
- Goals can be completed with the Colony or at home.
- Badges can be earned more than once, as long as each adventure is different and challenging!
North Star Award (Top Section Award)
The highest award for Beaver Scouts, earned in their final year before moving to Cub Scouts.
Starts 6 months before Swim-Up Ceremony.
Includes:
✔ Personal Progression Review
✔ Volunteer Service Hours
✔ Outdoor Adventure Skills Achievements
✔ Capstone Project to showcase learning & leadership
This award recognizes a Beaver Scout’s journey before they move on to Cub Scouts!
Sustainability Badges – Making a Difference in the World!
Beaver Scouts explore the impact of their actions on the planet, people, and future innovations through Sustainability Badges. These badges are linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and encourage Beavers to engage in activities that improve environmental conservation, social responsibility, and creative problem-solving.
Beavers earn badges in three achievement tiers:
🥉 Bronze – Complete projects for 2 goals
🥈 Silver – Complete projects for 4 goals
🥇 Gold – Complete a project for each goal within a theme
Each badge is focused on one of the three areas of sustainability:
🌱 Environment – Protecting the Planet
✔ Learn about nature conservation—explore parks, plant trees, and protect habitats.
✔ Discover clean energy solutions—experiment with solar power and wind energy.
✔ Track environmental impact—conduct waste audits and water conservation projects.
🤝 Society – Building a Better World for People
✔ Promote health and well-being—help create positive spaces for mental and physical health.
✔ Support education initiatives—participate in book drives and learning projects.
✔ Encourage equality and inclusion—engage in activities that reduce inequalities in communities.
💡 Innovation – Creating Solutions for the Future
✔ Invent new ways to improve society—design projects that make everyday life better.
✔ Explore economic growth through creativity—research how ideas turn into helpful inventions.
✔ Test ways to solve global challenges—experiment with problem-solving techniques that can make a real difference.
Youth Leadership Training Badge – Growing Future Leaders!
The Youth Leadership Training Badge empowers Scouts to develop strong leadership skills, confidence, and teamwork through interactive workshops and hands-on experiences. This badge challenges Scouts to take initiative, solve problems, and build the skills needed to lead effectively in Scouting and beyond!
🌟 What Leadership Skills Does This Badge Cover?
✔ Becoming a Leader – Understand leadership styles, build confidence, and learn how to inspire others.
✔ Communication – Master public speaking, active listening, and ways to express ideas clearly.
✔ Plan-Do-Review – Learn how to set goals, take action, and reflect on results for improvement.
✔ Problem Solving – Develop critical thinking skills to tackle challenges in Scouting and real life.
✔ Teamwork – Foster collaboration, trust, and adaptability to support group success.
Language Strips
Beaver Scouts can earn language strips if they are fluent enough to carry on a simple Scouting conversation in another language!
Languages available include:
🇫🇷 French, 🇬🇧 English, 🇪🇸 Spanish, 🇨🇳 Chinese, 🇩🇪 German, 🇬🇷 Greek, 🇮🇹 Italian, and many more!
Canadian Path Beaver Scout Link Badge
Awarded when White Tail Beaver Scouts are ready to Swim-Up to Cub Scouts. This badge marks the end of their adventure at The Pond and the start of new discoveries in the Jungle!
Service Stripes
Beaver Scouts earn Silver Stripes for each year in Scouting and Gold Stripes for five years of service.
A Beaver Scout who starts at age 5 will earn three silver stripes before moving to Cub Scouts!
🏡 Can Beavers Work on Badges at Home?
Yes! Some badges are best earned through group activities, but Scouts are welcome to work on badges at home and share their achievements with the Colony.
🏡 Want to earn a badge outside of meetings? Let us know! We’d love to see what you’ve done and celebrate your hard work with the group!
Final Thoughts: Every Beaver Can Earn Recognition!
Beaver Scouts earn badges through teamwork and adventure—not competition. Most badges are accomplished together, ensuring that everyone who participates and learns will receive their badge!
💡 Beavers discover, explore, and grow—and their achievements deserve to be recognized!