As the group made up of youngsters aged five to seven came to a clearing, all their leaders suddenly cried out in pain. Each guide stopped to clutch a lip liner-coloured wound either on their arm or leg.
After a moment’s pause to determine the cause of the commotion, the Beavers quickly jumped into action, pulling out their bandages and applying pressure to the wounds to stop the bleeding.
Within no time the young scouts had everything under control and were soon making their way along the trail once more, having demonstrated excellent use of the first aid skills they had been taught.
It was just the first event in an early evening outing designed to showcase the skills the co-ed colony has learned.
The first group in the Scouts Canada line-up, Beavers learn about sharing and how to work together, says 3rd Orléans Beaver leader Tom Breuer, known to his colony as Hawkeye. That emphasis on community comes from their namesake, Breuer continues, explaining beavers are known for working together and living in colonies.
Along with basic first aid, the group also worked on skits and presentation skills, songs, map and compass skills as well as camping preparation.
Breuer says the group has already been camping twice and plans to head out again in about two weeks.
Meanwhile, the youngsters also learn about nature and how to find signs of life when they head out on their hikes.
The skills learned help build a foundation of knowledge as participants move up the ranks to Cubs, Scouts, and finally Venturers. According to Breuer, there are 15 colonies of Beavers in Orléans and each meets once a week.
Registration for the season is now open, with a spring discount currently available. Parents can log onto www.scounts.ca or call 1-888-SCOUTS-NOW to find the nearest colony and register their child.
