Squirrels
The Squirrels section is an exciting and engaging program specifically designed for children aged 4 and 5 years old within Scouts. Squirrels meet locally at a group called a Drey and typically for an hour per week. Introduced in 2022, this section provides an opportunity for young children to take their first steps into the world of scouting. It aims to nurture their curiosity, develop their social skills, and instill a love for the outdoors.
In the Squirrels section, children embark on a range of fun-filled activities that promote learning, exploration, and teamwork. These activities are designed to be age-appropriate and stimulating, ensuring that young Squirrels are actively engaged and inspired. The program focuses on fostering creativity, building confidence, and encouraging a sense of adventure.
Nature plays a significant role in the Squirrels section. Whether it’s going on nature walks, learning about local wildlife, or planting seeds in a community garden, Squirrels have plenty of opportunities to connect with the natural world. They also learn about important values such as environmental stewardship, respect for wildlife, and the importance of sustainability.
As part of the Scouts family, Squirrels participate in some joint activities with other sections, like Beavers (ages 6-8) and Cubs (ages 8-10). These interactions allow Squirrels to develop friendships and create a sense of belonging within the wider scouting community.
The Squirrels section is an excellent introduction to the scouting experience, providing a solid foundation for children as they progress through the different Scouting sections. It nurtures their love for nature, develops their skills and values, and ignites a lifelong passion for adventure and exploration.
4-6 years
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4-6 years
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Squirrels Badges and Awards
Squirrels can earn a variety of badges to celebrate their achievements and progress. These badges serve as a tangible representation of the skills, knowledge, and experiences that Squirrels have gained throughout their scouting journey.
Activity Badges & Staged Badges
Many of the badges available are activity badges, which allow Squirrels to show their progress in existing pursuits, but also to try all kinds of new things and form new interests. Staged Activity Badges are available to young people from Squirrels to Explorers, and cover a range of topics and skills. The stages have increasing levels of difficulty, and a Squirrel can begin at whichever stage offers them an appropriate level of challenge.
Challenge Awards
Achieving a Challenge Award involves accomplishing a number of more ambitious tasks within the Squirrel Drey or community. These Awards support the main themes of the Programme; outdoor and adventure; world and skills. Squirrels take part in a range of activities to develop their skills and understanding in each of the challenge areas.
Chief Scout’s Acorn Award
The Chief Scout’s Acorn Award is the highest award that a Squirrel can earn. It shows that a Squirrels has had adventures, helped their friends, and learned new things. It’s a big achievement, which a Squirrel should be proud accomplishing!
