Beavers, Cubs, Brownies or Guides? Ages and How to Choose

When a friend asked whether her six-year-old should be a Beaver or a Brownie, and I realised I could not confidently explain the difference or the ages, I decided to actually get my head around it. Scouts and Girlguiding run some of the best-loved children's activities in the country, but the sections and ages can be confusing. Here is a clear guide to help you work out what is what.

The Scouts Sections

The Scouts (open to girls and boys) is organised into sections by age. The approximate age ranges, which can be adjusted and may be revised over time, are broadly:

• Squirrels: the youngest section, roughly ages 4 to 6
• Beavers: roughly ages 6 to 8
• Cubs: roughly ages 8 to 10 or 11
• Scouts: roughly ages 10 or 11 to 14
• Explorers: roughly ages 14 to 18
• Network: for young adults, roughly ages 18 to 25

Children move up through the sections as they grow, so a child often starts young and continues for years.

The Girlguiding Sections

Girlguiding (for girls and young women) is similarly organised into sections. The approximate age ranges, again subject to change, are broadly:

• Rainbows: the youngest, roughly ages 4 to 7
• Brownies: roughly ages 7 to 10
• Guides: roughly ages 10 to 14
• Rangers: roughly ages 14 to 18

As with Scouts, girls progress through the sections as they get older.

A Note on Ages

The exact age boundaries can vary slightly and are occasionally updated by the organisations, and there can be a little flexibility around moving between sections. So treat the ages above as a general guide, and always check the current details with the organisation or your local group, as they are the definitive source.

What They Offer

Both movements are about fun, friendship, adventure and developing skills and confidence. Depending on the section, children might enjoy:

• Games, crafts and activities
• Outdoor adventures, camps and trips
• Learning new skills and earning badges
• Teamwork, responsibility and helping others
• Trying things they might not otherwise get the chance to

Many children make firm friends and gain a real sense of belonging and achievement.

How to Find and Join a Local Group

• Use the official Scouts and Girlguiding websites, which have tools to find groups near you and register interest
• Be aware that popular groups can have waiting lists, so it is worth registering early
• Ask other parents locally, as word of mouth often points you to a good group
• Volunteers are always needed, and helping out can sometimes ease a child's path in, as well as being rewarding in itself

Keeping Track of Meetings and Events

Once your child joins, there are weekly meetings, subs, camps, trips and events to keep on top of, alongside everything else family life throws at you. My School Agent can pull the emails and reminders from groups and school into a daily briefing and shared calendar, so meeting nights, kit lists and trip deadlines stay in one place. Whether it is Beavers or Brownies, Cubs or Guides, these groups offer children something special, and with a clear picture of the ages and how to join, you can find the right fit for your child. Always confirm current ages and availability with the organisation directly.