In October 1982, the Scout Association introduced Beavers for boys aged six and seven, responding to growing demand for an optional pre-Cub section within Scout Groups.
Similar provisions had existed for years in other countries. Beavers began in Northern Ireland some 15 years earlier, with comparable schemes in the Republic of Ireland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and parts of Europe and informal projects also emerged in Scotland and England.
At first, Beavers were not full members of the Movement. This changed in April 1986, when they became a recognised training section and adopted the title Beaver Scouts.
Girls were admitted in 1991, and the programme was comprehensively revised in 1995.
April 1982
National Scouting Timeline