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One of the difficulties of Otter Leaders and their Assistants is coming to terms with the fact that Otters are not just a younger Timber Wolf, doing what Timber Wolves do.
Otters are Otters and nothing else. They will expect to try very hard in all they do and nothing else but the very best is acceptable. The effort should be channeled into making the youngster a good Otter.
Growth and progress are not the same in all Otters, as they are not the same in all of us, and we must not expect all Otters to conform to a particular standard set at an age level.
The standard is that of the Otter him/herself. Particular emphasis is placed on regular attendances at Pack Meetings and this is a form of self-discipline which does not need a yard-stick to measure an Otter by as it is self-evident.
PHYSICALLY the growth rate of children at Otter age varies enormously and what is within the capabilities of some Otters may not be within the capabilities of an Otter of similar age but different stature. Team spirit has to be taught and it is at this age 5-8 that the structure of future generations has to be built.
Competing against another Den and competing against each other are of equal importance. Finding out their own limitations can only be done by competition, of whatever type, team or individual. Another point to remember is that at this age shyness is difficult to overcome and more individual attention is required.
The larger built youngster tends to be more self-assured, successful and more popular. This can lead to less developed youngsters being envious and withdrawing into themselves. Unpopular children at Otters are usually unpopular at school and in their environment outside of the Pack. Careful handling is needed in these cases.
At Otter age concentration is rewarding to the Otter Leader but it doesn't last for long. The Otters will soon become bored and concentration is lost. Trying to keep bored Otters in one place is almost impossible.
INTELLECTUALLY the mental age for Otters will be below the age range to well above it. Some may be able to read, others unable. Most of them will have just started school for the first time and will be in a world of drastic change. Those Otters will be less able to cope than those who have already been to Daycare or some similar activity.
The Otters will be learning about their new friends and where they live; the Scouting World, the classroom and the world about them is an exiting new place. We must help them to adapt and become one of the family, so to speak.
All sorts of activities must be made available in the Pack to this end, e.g. toys, games materials, dressing up, clay, plasticine or play-dough. Books with lots of pictures and simple jigsaws will also aid the act of discovering.
Children learn what they live:
A CHILD WHO
 | Lives with criticism, learns to condemn; |
| Lives with hostility, learns to fight; |
| Lives with ridicule, learns to be shy; |
| Lives with shame, learns to feel guilty; |
| Lives with tolerance, learns to be patient; |
| Lives with encouragement, learns confidence; |
| Lives with praise, learns to appreciate; |
| Lives with fairness, learns justice; |
| Lives with security, learns to have faith; |
| Lives with approval, learns to like him/her self; |
| Lives with acceptance and friendship, learns to find love in the world. |
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