South East Scotland Scouts logoSQUIRRELS

Early years fun for boys and girls ages 4 and 5

Welcoming Scouting for early years

Scouting across the UK is a constantly evolving and changing organisation and something that we pride ourselves on is our ability to adapt to the changing world around us. The next evolutionary stage is the introduction of a Scout Early Years provision under the name “Squirrels”. This will be a provision for four and five-year-olds to partake in Scouting activities, such as achieving badges, enjoying outdoor adventures, and making new friends. Boys and girls are welcome.

In July 2020, the Trustee Board of The Scout Association took the decision to create early years Scouting for four and five year olds. This followed two years of piloting in England and, more importantly, 25 years of hard work and dedication by volunteers in Northern Ireland who delivered Squirrels. 

In the UK, there are currently five Scout sections which young people aged 6 to 25 can join. In age order, they are: Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Network. Squirrels is the newest – and first – branch in the Scouting family meaning our provision is for young people aged 4-25 now.

In South East Scotland we are taking a staggered approach to rolling out the new Squirrels section for early years, recognising that many groups are concentrating on consolidating the leaders that they have for existing sections.

We have established a Regional Squirrel’s working group comprising the Regional Commissioner, Scouting Support Officer and Squirrels Advisor Neil Hogg. The first Squirrel Dey launched at the 25th Braid Scout Group in Morningside on November 11th 2021, 21st Craigalmond Scout Group in South Queensferry on November 12th 2021 and Cardrona Scout Group in January 2022 with other Dreys scheduled (see below). The working group are engaging with the groups to support their launches.
Currently, we are looking for adults to join the Squirrel team. So please get in touch if you think you can help.

There are some things that must be in place from day one. Making sure volunteers have undergone safety and safeguarding training, appropriate vetting and disclosure checks have been carried out, dealing with data etc will all need to be handled properly before you can begin to deliver Squirrels as part of a Scout Group. 

We understand some of this will be frustrating and feel like duplication. However, now that Squirrels is legally part of The Scout Association, we must ensure our policies and rules are understood and followed by all. We will only insist on immediate actions that are designed to keep young people safe.

Squirrels can only start in areas where there’s manager approval and we’re prioritising new provision that will reach underserved communities most in need. Only those invited into a cohort can start Squirrels as this is a new age range, so it’s important members are well supported in getting things setup safely.

If you’re not currently involved with Scouts but would be interested in starting Squirrels in your area, head to our Group Finder to find your local group and let them know.

 

Parents and Carers

We encourage all parents and carers to take an active interest in what is going on with all sections, including Squirrels. If you would like to help see our information for adult volunteers.

Future Squirrel dreys

Updated August 2022 regarding South East Scotland Scouts Squirrel news – 21st Craigalmond, South Queensferry (launched); 25th Braid Scout Group (launched); Cardrona Scout Group (launched); Lauderdale Scout Group (launched); Pentland District (launched); 14th Midlothian Bonnyrigg (launch tbc); 1st Midlothian Gorebridge (launched). Please note all these timings are subject to volunteers being acquired as leaders. If you are interested, please contact Scouting Support Officer at communiations@sesscouts.org.uk  We can do so much more for the next generation of Scouts, but only with your help. Thank you!