Beaver Terminology

Beaver Terminology: Understanding the Language of the Pond

Beaver Scouts have their own special words and traditions that make scouting fun, exciting, and full of adventure! This guide helps Beaver Scouts and their families understand the unique language of the Beaver Scout Colony.

Beaver Scout Roles & Tail Levels

Beaver Scouts progress through different roles based on their age and experience, indicated by the tail color they wear on their hat.

  • Kit – A new Beaver Scout who is just starting their adventure in the Colony. Kits learn from older Beavers before officially joining through the Investiture Ceremony.
  • Eager Beaver – A Kit who has learned the Promise, Law, Salute, and ceremonies, officially joined the Colony through the Investiture Ceremony.
  • Brown Tail (Age 5) – First-year Beaver Scouts learning the ways of the Pond
  • Blue Tail (Age 6) – Helping Brown Tails feel at home and exploring new adventures
  • White Tail (Age 7) – Leaders of the Colony, guiding younger Scouts
  • Northern Lights Tail (Age 7½) – Awarded mid-year to White Tails as they begin their Northern Lights Quest toward the North Star Award
  • Busy Beaver – A White Tail Beaver who is preparing to Swim-Up to Cub Scouts

Each tail represents growth, teamwork, and leadership as Beaver Scouts prepare for Cub Scouts.

Signals & Formations

Beaver Scouts use special signals and formations to communicate and work together during meetings and adventures.

  • Beaver Hand Signal – Scouter raises their arm straight up with a Beaver Salute to signal Beavers to stop and pay attention
  • Beaver Salute – A greeting made by bending two fingers, representing a beaver’s front teeth
  • Beaver Position – Sitting cross-legged, used when listening to stories or instructions
  • Lodging Position – Another term for Beaver Position
  • Chopping Position – Squatting down with elbows on knees, both hands making a Beaver Salute
  • River Banks Formation – Beavers stand in two wavy lines, facing each other about three feet apart
  • Dam Formation – A circle formation made by joining the ends of the River Banks

These signals help Beaver Scouts stay organized, listen carefully, and work as a team.

Ceremonies & Awards

Beaver Scouts celebrate big moments with special ceremonies that mark their progress and achievements.

  • Investiture Ceremony – New Beaver Scouts (Kits) officially join the Colony, receive their neckerchief, and become Eager Beavers
  • Tail Ceremony – Beaver Scouts receive a new tail each year, marking their growth and progression
  • Northern Lights Quest Ceremony – White Tails receive their Northern Lights symbol, beginning their journey toward the North Star Award
  • Swim-Up Ceremony – White Tails transition to Cub Scouts, symbolized by swimming up the river from the Pond to the Jungle
  • North Star Award – The highest award for Beaver Scouts, earned by completing progression reviews, service hours, Outdoor Adventure Skills, and a capstone project

Each ceremony is a special moment that celebrates hard work, leadership, and adventure.

Beaver Scout Traditions & Symbols

Beaver Scouts have fun traditions that make scouting exciting and meaningful.

  • Big Brown Beaver – A large Beaver mascot used in ceremonies
  • Pond – The meeting place where Beaver Scouts gather for activities
  • Lodge – A small group of 4 to 6 Beavers within the Colony
  • Lodge Patch – A felt beaver shape worn on the right-hand vest pocket as a sign of identification and belonging
  • Necker – A scarf that identifies members of the group; the 91st Toronto necker is green with yellow trim
  • Tail Slap – Part of the Opening Ceremony, where Beavers clap their hands behind their back, imitating a beaver slapping its tail

These traditions help Beaver Scouts feel connected to their Colony and the scouting community.

Badges & Achievements

Beaver Scouts earn badges to recognize their skills and progress:

  • Personal Achievement Badges (PABs) – A set of 16 badges that Scouts earn by setting personal goals and completing three adventures
  • Personal Progression Badge (PPB) – A badge representing the tail level completed, showing a Beaver Scout's growth through the program.
  • Outdoor Adventure Skills (OAS) – A structured program with 9 pathways, each featuring 9 skill stages that recognize scouting knowledge and experience
  • Canadian Path Beaver Scout Link Badge – Awarded when Beaver Scouts move up to Cub Scouts, symbolizing their progress along the Canadian Path

Badges help Beaver Scouts celebrate their hard work and achievements.

Leadership & Community

Beaver Scouts learn teamwork, leadership, and responsibility as they grow.

  • Scouter – A volunteer leader who helps guide the Colony; must be 14+ years old and have completed screening and training with Scouts Canada
  • Tail Level – Indicates a Beaver Scout's age and experience by the tail worn on the back of their hat. There are four levels.
  • Northern Lights Quest – The journey for White Tails as they work toward their North Star Award
  • Northern Lights Symbol – Added to the White Tail halfway through the Beaver year to symbolize their Northern Lights Quest

These roles and terms help Beaver Scouts understand their place in the Colony, grow as leaders, and embrace the spirit of scouting.

Final Thoughts

Beaver Scouts use these special terms and traditions to create a fun, structured, and engaging environment where they learn, grow, and prepare for new adventures.