Beaver Scout Ceremonies

Beaver Scout Ceremonies: A Tradition of Growth & Belonging

Ceremonies are an important part of Beaver Scouts, helping create a sense of community, structure, and celebration. They mark key moments in a Beaver Scout's journey, reinforcing teamwork, personal growth, and exciting transitions.

🏕️ Opening & Closing Ceremonies

Tail Slap – The Opening Ceremony

Every meeting begins with the Tail Slap, where Beaver Scouts gather to represent the unity of the Colony at the Pond.

Tail Slap Ceremony (Opening)

  1. Leader calls "River Banks" → Beaver Scouts and Scouters form two lines, marking the edges of the river.
  2. Leader calls "Build a Dam" → Everyone joins hands, closing the ends of the river to form a circle, symbolizing the Beaver Scout Pond.
  3. Leader says "Shhh" → All Scouts crouch into Chopping Position, making the Beaver Scout sign.
  4. Leader calls "Who are we?" → Scouts reply "Beavers, Beavers, Beavers!"
  5. Leader calls "What do we do?" → Scouts reply "Sharing, Sharing, Sharing!"
  6. Scouts yell "Whaaooooo!", stand up, jump, and slap their hands behind their back, mimicking a beaver’s tail slap.
  7. Leader leads the Colony in the Beaver Scout Promise & Law (repeat-after-me style).
  8. Leader calls "Lodging", and Scouts sit criss-cross to begin the meeting.

Lodging – The Closing Ceremony

At the end of each meeting, Beaver Scouts participate in Lodging, reflecting on their adventures and receiving badges, certificates, and awards while thanking one another for the time spent together.

Lodging Ceremony (Closing)

  1. Leader calls "River Banks" → Beaver Scouts form two lines like a riverbank.
  2. Leader calls "Build a Dam" → Scouts join hands to form a circle representing the Pond.
  3. Leader says "Shhh", and everyone crouches in Chopping Position.
  4. Leader says "Sleeping, Sleeping, Sleeping. Goodnight Beavers and busy building tomorrow!" → Scouts slap the floor, signaling rest.
  5. Leader calls "Goodnight" to each Scouter and guest, as everyone joins in with a tail slap and a collective "Goodnight!"
  6. A final giant tail slap is given as the Colony thanks each other for their adventures.

🎖️ Investiture Ceremony – Becoming an Eager Beaver!

New members begin as Kits and must learn the Beaver Scout Promise, Law, Motto, and Salute before being formally invested into the Colony.

At this special ceremony, parents and families join to welcome Kits as Eager Beavers, reinforcing the importance of family involvement in Scouting.
Newly invested Beaver Scouts receive their neckerchief and badges that identify their group.

Tail Ceremony – Marking Growth

Beaver Scouts progress through 4 tail levels, reflecting their growth and development in Scouting.

A Tail Ceremony is held twice a year at the 91st Toronto Colony:
✔ At the start of the year – All Beavers receive their tail color for the year.
✔ Midyear (with Northern Lights Quest Ceremony) – Brown and Blue Tails receive a new tail to show they are getting ready for next year, while White Tails receive the Northern Lights Symbol, marking their preparation for Cub Scouts.

🌊 Swim-Up Ceremony – Transitioning to Cub Scouts

A special moment in a Beaver Scout’s journey, marking their graduation from Beaver Scouts to Cub Scouts.

  • Held in the spring, alongside Cub Scout moving-up ceremonies.
  • White Tail Beaver Scouts wear the Cub Scout uniform under their vest.
  • During the ceremony, Beavers remove their vest, symbolizing their transformation into a Wolf Cub.
  • Led by Akela, Cubs welcome the new Scouts into the Cub Scout Pack, introducing them to exciting new challenges and adventures.

🏕️ Ceremonies Make Scouting Special!

From their first Tail Slap to their final Swim-Up, ceremonies shape a Beaver Scout’s journey, reinforcing tradition, teamwork, and personal development.

🎉 Every ceremony is a chance to celebrate, reflect, and look forward to new adventures!