{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"","standfirst":"Join us in celebrating five years of Squirrels, 40 years of Beavers and 110 years of Cubs since they rolled out across the UK ","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E2026 is a big birthday year. In fact, it\u2019s a triple birthday year!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe\u2019re celebrating 5 years of Squirrels, 40 years of Beavers and 110 years of Cubs across the UK.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThat\u2019s over 250,000 young people and volunteers all celebrating, making it one of the biggest birthdays ever.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/secc20by/triple-bday-web-image_timetocelebrate.jpg","width":8000,"height":4500,"altText":"Three round badges that celebrate the fifth, 40th and 110th birthdays of Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs, respectively","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EWhat\u2019s happening?\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThere\u2019s an Occasional Badge for each of the first three sections to celebrate their milestone anniversary. These badges can be worn all year by young people and volunteers.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWe\u2019re signposting programme ideas for you so you can plan your celebrations locally, (which can be as large or small as you like).\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"callToAction","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","buttonText":"Discover Squirrels birthday ideas ","buttonLink":{"name":"5th Birthday Uniform Badge","id":null,"url":"/squirrels/activity-badges/5th-birthday-uniform-badge/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":{"value":"ed3f23","label":"ed3f23"},"alignment":"left"},{"gridType":"callToAction","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","buttonText":"Discover Beavers birthday ideas ","buttonLink":{"name":"40th Birthday Uniform Badge","id":null,"url":"/beavers/activity-badges/40th-birthday-uniform-badge/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":{"value":"006ddf","label":"006ddf"},"alignment":"left"},{"gridType":"callToAction","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","buttonText":"Discover Cubs birthday ideas ","buttonLink":{"name":"110th Birthday Uniform Badge","id":null,"url":"/cubs/activity-badges/110th-birthday-uniform-badge/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":{"value":"25b755","label":"25b755"},"alignment":"left"},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EWe\u2019ll also be providing ready made programme for a birthday sleepover or camp, which are also on the section birthday pages.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/19243/squirrel-with-squirrels-badge-2.jpg","width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"A Squirrel wearing a red jumper smiles at the camera while holding a Squirrels sticker in one hand and a roll in the other.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EWhy celebrate?\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThese celebrations are completely optional. We know that volunteers and groups always have a lot on. However, if you do celebrate, this is a great moment to:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EProvide a feel-good factor \u2013 celebrating all you\u2019ve achieved together\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EStrengthen links between the sections promoting progression, especially if you hold joint celebrations\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EGrow \u2013 shining a spotlight on Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs and involving families and new members in your celebrations\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EFundraise to create more opportunities. We\u2019ve got some great ideas and advice\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERun a party, camp or sleepover with a birthday theme\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EWhen can you celebrate?\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAll year round \u2013 anytime from 1 January to 31 December 2026. There are no specific dates you need to stick to. Just choose a time that works for you and your section. You may like to celebrate in the summer outdoors, and hold a party in the winter months to provide some.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/18275/beaver-running.jpg","width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"A Beaver wearing a blue uniform and necker smiles at the camera while running outside.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003ETell us about your birthday plans\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019re planning an event to celebrate your section\u2019s birthday, then we\u2019d love to hear about it! Let us know at \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:support@scouts.org.uk\u0022\u003Esupport@scouts.org.uk.\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHappy birthday to everyone who\u2019s celebrating in 2026, and thanks for all you\u2019re doing for young people.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/19344/cubs-sitting-on-tree.jpg","width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"Two smiling Cubs in green uniforms and neckers talking to each other while sitting on the branch of a tree.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EA proud history\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThese badges celebrate the dates when the Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs sections were rolled out across the UK as part of the Scouts family.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESquirrels and Beavers had a proud history in Northern Ireland before they became official UK-wide sections in 1986 (for Beavers) and 2021 (for Squirrels). This is also a timely moment to acknowledge this pioneering work which paved the way for thousands more young people to also become Squirrels and Beavers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ECubs began as \u2018Wolf Cubs\u2019 in 1916, after a successful pilot programme, and officially became \u2018Cub Scouts\u2019 in 1966.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003ETurn the Triple Birthday into a fundraising celebration\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Triple Birthday for Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs is a brilliant chance to celebrate together. But have you thought about turning your celebration into a fundraiser to support the amazing opportunities your group provides? Here are some ideas to get you started.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGet outdoors\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EHow far can they go? Squirrels could run or walk 5 miles, Beavers 40 miles, or Cubs 110 miles \u2013 individually, as family or as a group challenge.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHelp out\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EHow many kind acts could they do? Squirrels could aim for 5, Beavers for 40, and Cubs for 110 \u2013 things like helping with the washing up, watering plants, or helping to cook dinner or something in your local community.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGet creative\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EHow many things can they create? Squirrels could aim for 5, Beavers for 40, and Cubs for 110 \u2013 from drawings and models to songs, writing stories or baking cakes.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Set a birthday-themed sponsored challenge"}]},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAsk local businesses to support you through sponsorship or donations.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EExplore grants and funds available to local groups, and boost donations with Gift Aid, \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-things-locally/grants-and-funds-for-your-local-group/\u0022 title=\u0022Grants and funds for your local group\u0022\u003Eguidance can be found here\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThink about how you can link your fundraising to a clear project \u2013 for example, new kit for an upcoming hike or camp, activity resources or hut improvements. If people know exactly what they\u2019re contributing to, they\u2019re much more likely to support you because they can see the impact their donation will make.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBy celebrating and fundraising together, you can shine a spotlight on Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs, strengthen links between the sections, and help your group grow.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003ESharing your birthday stories\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis is a great moment to share your celebrations wider. By following some simple advice, you can shine the spotlight on your group in local media and on social media too. All of this will help you attract more volunteers and grow.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou\u2019ll find some support with writing press release for your birthday events and activities in the \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-things-locally/local-media-and-member-communications/media-toolkit/writing-press-releases/\u0022 title=\u0022Writing press releases\u0022\u003EWriting press releases\u003C/a\u003E support area. You can also access more resources to help with \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-things-locally/local-media-and-member-communications/\u0022 title=\u0022Local media and member communications\u0022\u003Elocal media and member communications\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/idyj3hdk/db-20240609-6026-174323min.jpg","width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"A smiling volunteer in a kayak paddles in front of rafts with young people wearing life jackets and helmets.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EHappy birthday from our UK lead volunteers\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESquirrels\u003C/strong\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E\u2018Five years ago, we launched Squirrel Scouts. Now, we celebrate not just a milestone, but the opportunities that have empowered thousands of Squirrel Scouts to build confidence, make friends, and discover the world around them through play, adventure, and kindness. I\u2019m incredibly proud of our volunteers and families who\u2019ve made this possible. Here\u2019s to the next five years of helping little voices grow louder and little hands reach further.\u2019\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERachel Beyer, UK Lead for Squirrel Scouts\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBeavers\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u2018This year marks an incredible milestone as Beaver Scouts celebrate 40 years of inspiring adventure, friendship, and growth. I feel so proud and uplifted to hear stories from young Beavers who have since grown into dedicated volunteers, giving back to the movement that once shaped them. It fills me with joy and hope to think about the future, and I can\u2019t wait to see how the experiences we\u2019re providing for young people today will shape the memories and motivations of the next generation of volunteers in another 40 years. Happy birthday Beavers!\u2019\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ELu Drewery, UK Lead for Beaver Scouts \u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECubs\u003C/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003E\u2018Happy Birthday Cubs! This year is a year to party, have even more fun and make even more friends. I remember going on my first Cub camp where I toasted my first marshmallow. It was one of my favourite experiences ever and now I do it at every camp. However you\u2019re celebrating, I hope you make this year another fantastic one!\u2019\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMatthew Longden, UK Lead for Cub Scouts\u0026nbsp;\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"05 November 2025","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[],"relatedLinks":[{"caption":"","title":"Squirrels 5th Birthday Uniform Badge","url":"https://shop.scouts.org.uk/new-in/squirrels-5th-birthday-uniform-badge-114283#selection.color=34\u0026selection.size=7331","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Beavers 40th Birthday Uniform Badge","url":"https://shop.scouts.org.uk/new-in/beavers-40th-birthday-uniform-badge-114284#selection.color=34\u0026selection.size=7331","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Cubs 110th Birthday Uniform Badge","url":"https://shop.scouts.org.uk/new-in/cubs-110th-birthday-uniform-badge-114285#selection.size=7331\u0026selection.color=34","newWindow":true}],"id":87526,"nodeName":"Welcome to our Triple Birthday Year","title":"Welcome to our Triple Birthday Year","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/secc20by/triple-bday-web-image_timetocelebrate.jpg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dc433d3551eda0","caption":"Triple Bday Web Image Timetocelebrate","type":"jpg","size":4423705,"width":8000,"height":4500,"altText":"Three round badges that celebrate the fifth, 40th and 110th birthdays of Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs, respectively"},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Welcome to our Triple Birthday Year","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"Join us in celebrating five years of Squirrels, 40 years of Beavers and 110 years of Cubs since they rolled out across the UK.","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC84NzUyNiJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2025/november/welcome-to-our-triple-birthday-year/"}