Squirrels

Squirrels is the youngest and newest section in Scouts for young people aged from 4-6. Founded only in 2023 after pilots round the country.

And we’re off! with our new Squirrel drey for 4-6 year old young people taking their first step on the Scouting road. It’ll be run as a trial at first until we’re happy it’s working as it should and as we can sustain. We’ve 12 young people signed up to start on 4 October. We’ll let you know how we get on! call back in a couple of months and see what we’ve achieved.

Squirrels will meet Fridays from 6-7 pm. Sometimes we might have a joint activity with Beaver Scouts (6-8) so Squirrels can play with older children, maybe their older brothers or sisters.

Why Squirrels? Well, the first Scout Camp was on Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour in 1907. Brownsea is one of the few places which has Red Squirrels living in England still. The uniform is a Red jumper.

Squirrels will run like other Scout sections. Squirrels will make a simple promise when they start, like their Beaver Scout cousins.

In Squirrels there is:

• Child led learning.
• Participation rather than achievement.
• Focus on equality-so no “Head” Squirrels or Drey Leaders. Squirrels will learn to join in and by watching and helping others.
• Adaptable and flexible sessions.
• A brief opening and closing get together.
• Stories for each session linking to an activity.
• Never less than 3 adults at each session with help from Young Leaders 14 years old +.
  Getting to know their community.

Sorry! There’s no camping or overnights for now. You’ll get plenty of this in Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

The Programme

Squirrels can gain badges, like their older brothers and sisters.

Each badge is packed with wow and wonder, perfect for anyone who’s ever asked ‘Why?’ (or ‘Why not?’). We’ll tell stories and play games. Get active and explore the outdoors. Make things and make things to eat! There’s something for everyone – and that means that there’s something for you.

You’ll be able to help your Squirrel at home with some badges and activities.

There’s:

• 4 Challenge Awards
• 12 Activity Badges
• a Top Award
• a Membership Award
• a Joining In Award
• a Moving On Award

Squirrels can also earn Staged Activity Badges and follow an activity through their Scouting progress in the next section.

And then when you’re 6 you can move on to Upholland Beaver Scouts. More fun with friends old and new and they do brilliant stuff! Still on a Friday!