Hello to the NEWEST section for 4 & 5 Year olds
We want to reach young people who could benefit most from Scouts. Research suggests that the earlier a young person accesses non-formal education, the more positive the impact on their prospects.
Around the world there are various models of Scouts for four and five year olds, such as Meerkats in South Africa, Lions in the US and Family Scouting in Denmark. Here in the UK, Squirrels has been operating alongside Scouting in Northern Ireland for many years. All have shared positive feedback about this section.
We’ve been exploring Scouts for four and five year olds as a potential new provision, so that we can introduce Scouts to new young people and potentially new adult volunteers who we currently don’t engage with. To understand if Scouting for this age group is possible and desirable, we conducted a pilot project that you can read about.
Taking into account the extensive research, member consultation and two years of piloting, the Board of Trustees approved a new section for four and five year olds – now called Squirrels.
There are only a few Squirrel dreys in Cheshire and Warrington East is proud to Host four Dreys!
We have currently one hosted at the 9th Warrington East (Gorse Covert) one hosted at the 12th Warrington East (1st Birchwood), one at the 27th Warrington East (Woolston) and now one hosted at 13th Warrington East (St Elphin’s Own)
Squirrels are usually four or five years of age.
A group of Squirrel Scouts is called a Drey.
Squirrels have a Promise and Motto, but there is not a Squirrel Scout Law. The concepts of the Scout Law will be presented to Squirrels through games, storytelling and other informal devices.
Find more information about Squirrels here
Awards and Activity Badges
There is a large selection of Badges for the Squirrels to work towards.