
Otters are scouts ages 5-7 years old. They play games, make crafts, and learn about nature and being helpful to others.
The Otter motto is “Busy and bright.”
Otter Uniform

Field Guide for Otters
The Otter program has a Field Guide, which is a small book meant to be used and filled in by the scout. It can be printed as a booklet, folded in half and stapled down the middle to make a small booklet for each scout to carry, reference, and write in. There is space for the scout to take notes and draw pictures as well as keep track of their own status on earning badges. So it is a good idea for each child to have a copy.
Some groups have a copy for each Otter that the Otter Leader keeps with the group supplies, handing them out at the start of a meeting and taking back up at the end of the meeting. This way the scouts and their families are not responsible for remembering to bring it to each meeting.
You can also order printed copies from the Quartermaster Store.
Otter Leader Guide and Supplementary Resources
There are a few different documents that could be clasified as “Leader Guides” for the Otter program. Each are listed below with some discussion of how or why you would use them. In general, it is a good idea to review all of these documents as they do have some different information about how to lead Otters and provide different ideas. They all have value in the program for different reasons.
Fun and Games
A bit part of scouting is learning through games. Particularly with Otters. Games are incorporated into meetings as a way to get the kids up and moving between crafts or story time activities while reinforcing scout skills and how to be part of a team.
This document includes a lot of great ideas for games to play with Otters. Most are quick games that don’t require a lot of materials or set up time. Some, like obstacle courses, do require more preparation. This should be a good starting point if you are looking for ideas of how to add more fun to your Otter Meetings.
Sometimes it is helpful to have the kids color something while you read them a story or talk about something. Or just to break up a meeting. These coloring sheets are great to use with the Otters.
Sing Along Time
Singing is a scouting tradition, whether it is around the campfire or during a hike. There are a few songs specifically for Otters that you may find cute to incorporate into your adventures.
Otters On A Cedar Log
This is the Otter theme song. It is very cute to have them all sing along with this while actually sitting on a log for their campfire song.
Here we sit like Otters on a Cedar log,
Otters on a Cedar log,
Otters on a Cedar log,
Here we sit like Otters on a Cedar log,
Waiting for the fun to start,
Waiting for the fun to start,
Waiting for the fun to start,
Here we sit like Otters on a Cedar log
waiting for The fun to start. YEAH!!!!
Otter Jodies
This is a hiking thing. One person says or sings a line and then the Otters or hikers repeat it. It’s a way of keeping everyone in sync during a hike.
Otters, Otters what do you know?
Busy and Bright is the way to go.
Otters, Otters what do you like?
Any adventure with a hike!
Otters, Otters what do you see?
All my Otter Scouts hiking with me!
Otters, Otters what’s in your pack?
Our ten essentials and a tasty snack!
Otters, Otters what do you do?
Render service to my crew.
Otters, Otters what’s in that stew?
Peas and carrots and Timberwolves too!
Here are a few songs that are great for closing out a meeting.
Taps
Day is done, (stand motionless)
Gone the sun,
From the lake, (Extend both arms towards ground)
From the hills, (raise arms parallel to floor)
From the sky, (raise both arms towards sky)
All is well, safely rest, (lower arms slowly)
Friends are nigh. (bow head)
Vespers
Softly falls the light of day
As our meeting fades away;
Silently each Otter asks
Have I done my daily task?
Have I kept my honor bright?
Can I guiltless rest tonight?
Have I done and have I dared,
Everything to ‘Be Prepared’
Articles from Around the Region
If you are looking for more tips and ideas for how to run an Otter Raft, there are some great blog posts on this site that can help you out.