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We’ve been studying the new Canadian Path program pretty closely and have been integrating aspects of the program to the first five months of Beaver Scouting. Now we’re ready to do even more.

The Canadian Path method puts the scouting program in the hands of the youth. Over the past months we have canvassed the Beavers about what they want to do and we’ve offered programs based on their preferences. Now the oldest Beaver Scouts (“White Tails”) will be determining not only WHAT we will do, but also HOW we will do it, what we need to know and what supplies are necessary. How exciting!

Of course there are some events the Scouters have come up with already, such as Beaver Buggies, some fun shelter-building out in the forest that we plan for April, and some camps. But even these activities will involve the Beavers to plan and prepare. All the youth will learn more about taking responsibility for their own programming, and develop key planning and cooperative skills that will enrich their experience going forward.

To this end, the White Tails are beginning the White Tails Program, where they will prepare to work on badge stages and plan a White Tails Adventure. We may even invite other White Tail Beavers on our adventure.

Part of our program is to offer a set of challenges to our White Tail (Grade 2) Beavers that can help them grow as Scouts and prepare for Cubs.  These challenges are chosen by the youth in response to the questions: “How can White Tails Help the World” and “What Adventure do the White Tails Want to Do”, and finally, “How Can White Tails Help Younger Beavers”.

At White Tails Council, the White Tail Beavers discussed these questions and started to consider their options. They really liked the notion of going on a hike and cleaning up the area. They also were enthusiastic when one Beaver suggested “Climb a Mountain.”  They overwhelmingly want to go camping.

I’ve asked the White Tail Beavers to think about what sort of challenge quest they would like to do, and to come back with some ideas in the coming weeks so that we can work together and plan. I agreed to also look at some options that might be suitable. We’ll have another council meeting in a couple weeks to discuss.

When asked how they could help the younger beavers, the White Tails considered, and decided that a “Blue Tails Council” should be struck so that Blue Tails could plan, and similarly that a “Brown Tails Council” would be beneficial.

Wow, great planning!