Welcome to our Triple Birthday Year
Join us in celebrating five years of Squirrels, 40 years of Beavers and 110 years of Cubs since they rolled out across the UK
2026 is a big birthday year. In fact, it’s a triple birthday year!
We’re celebrating 5 years of Squirrels, 40 years of Beavers and 110 years of Cubs across the UK.
That’s over 250,000 young people and volunteers all celebrating, making it one of the biggest birthdays ever.
What’s happening?
- There’s 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.
- We’re signposting programme ideas for you so you can plan your celebrations locally, (which can be as large or small as you like).
We’ll also be providing ready made programme for a birthday sleepover or camp, which are also on the section birthday pages.
Why celebrate?
These 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:
- Provide a feel-good factor – celebrating all you’ve achieved together
- Strengthen links between the sections promoting progression, especially if you hold joint celebrations
- Grow – shining a spotlight on Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs and involving families and new members in your celebrations
- Fundraise to create more opportunities. We’ve got some great ideas and advice
- Run a party, camp or sleepover with a birthday theme
When can you celebrate?
All year round – 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.
Tell us about your birthday plans
If you’re planning an event to celebrate your section’s birthday, then we’d love to hear about it! Let us know at [email protected].
Happy birthday to everyone who’s celebrating in 2026, and thanks for all you’re doing for young people.
A proud history
These badges celebrate the dates when the Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs sections were rolled out across the UK as part of the Scouts family.
Squirrels 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.
Cubs began as ‘Wolf Cubs’ in 1916, after a successful pilot programme, and officially became ‘Cub Scouts’ in 1966.
Turn the Triple Birthday into a fundraising celebration
The 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.
Get outdoors
How far can they go? Squirrels could run or walk 5 miles, Beavers 40 miles, or Cubs 110 miles – individually, as family or as a group challenge.
Help out
How many kind acts could they do? Squirrels could aim for 5, Beavers for 40, and Cubs for 110 – things like helping with the washing up, watering plants, or helping to cook dinner or something in your local community.
Get creative
How many things can they create? Squirrels could aim for 5, Beavers for 40, and Cubs for 110 – from drawings and models to songs, writing stories or baking cakes.
- Ask local businesses to support you through sponsorship or donations.
- Explore grants and funds available to local groups, and boost donations with Gift Aid, guidance can be found here.
Think about how you can link your fundraising to a clear project – for example, new kit for an upcoming hike or camp, activity resources or hut improvements. If people know exactly what they’re contributing to, they’re much more likely to support you because they can see the impact their donation will make.
By celebrating and fundraising together, you can shine a spotlight on Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs, strengthen links between the sections, and help your group grow.
Sharing your birthday stories
This 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.
You’ll find some support with writing press release for your birthday events and activities in the Writing press releases support area. You can also access more resources to help with local media and member communications.
Happy birthday from our UK lead volunteers
Squirrels
‘Five 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’m incredibly proud of our volunteers and families who’ve made this possible. Here’s to the next five years of helping little voices grow louder and little hands reach further.’
Rachel Beyer, UK Lead for Squirrel Scouts
Beavers
‘This 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’t wait to see how the experiences we’re providing for young people today will shape the memories and motivations of the next generation of volunteers in another 40 years. Happy birthday Beavers!’
Lu Drewery, UK Lead for Beaver Scouts
Cubs
‘Happy 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’re celebrating, I hope you make this year another fantastic one!’
Matthew Longden, UK Lead for Cub Scouts