Aylmer Beavers’ celebrate 50th anniversary with community spirit and fun

Tashi Farmilo

The 1st Aylmer Beaver Colony recently participated in a heartwarming celebration of the Beavers' 50th Anniversary, marking half a century of inspiring and educating children. The event, held in Beckwith, Ontario, brought together 15 Aylmer Beaver Scouts and 8 Scouters for a day filled with outdoor games, fun activities, and the unforgettable experience of a virtual campfire.

Beavers, the youngest section of Scouts Canada, has been a pivotal program since its inception in 1974, engaging children aged 5 to 7 in activities that promote community involvement, environmental stewardship, and personal growth. The 1st Aylmer Beaver Colony exemplified these values by raising over $1,300 through a successful can drive to cover transportation and admission costs for the event. In addition, they collected non-perishable food items for donation to the Aylmer Food Centre, demonstrating their commitment to community service.

One of the event's highlights was the virtual campfire, which connected Beavers across the country via livestream. Participants from British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador joined in song and cheer, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose. "Seeing youth and Scouters connected through song and cheer made us feel like we truly are part of a larger family united through Scouting," said Scouter Braden of the 1st Aylmer Beavers. "Another memorable moment was witnessing kids naturally interact and play with others they don't know, without caring where they were from."

“Our Beavers were incredibly excited to be part of this event,” said Matthew Ross, Scouter Leader with the 1st Aylmer Beaver Colony. “It was a great opportunity for them to connect with other Beavers and live out our motto: ‘Sharing, sharing, sharing.’”

The day was also packed with various outdoor games and activities that encourage teamwork and friendship among the young participants. From nature walks to campfire games, sleepaway camps, building snow quinzhees, and crafting Beaver buggies, the event celebrated the confidence and social skills that come with being a Beaver Scout. The event not only celebrated the milestone anniversary but also reinforced the core values of Scouting—friendship, cooperation, and community involvement.

As the summer approaches, the 1st Aylmer Beaver Colony is wrapping up its programming and looking forward to a break before planning new adventures for the fall. "Scouters will be planning over the summer all sorts of fun adventures for when kids return from their vacations," Scouter Braden added.

Photo caption: The 1st Aylmer Beaver Colony celebrated the Beavers' 50th Anniversary with a day of outdoor activities, community fundraising, and a virtual campfire connecting Beavers across Canada.

Photo credit: Courtesy of the Beavers Scouts