Squirrels is where Scouting begins. It's our youngest section, for children aged four to six, and it's built to be a gentle, joyful first step into being part of something bigger than home and nursery or school.
Sessions are short — usually about an hour — and packed with variety. In a single evening Squirrels might play a parachute game, plant some seeds, build a den out of cardboard boxes, hear a story and share a snack. The pace suits little ones: lots of doing, plenty of movement, and a change of activity before anyone loses interest.
Being outdoors matters even at this age. Whatever the weather, Squirrels get outside to splash in puddles, hunt for minibeasts, collect leaves and learn the names of the trees and birds around them. For many children it's a first proper taste of the outdoors as somewhere to explore rather than just pass through.
Underneath the fun, Squirrels are quietly learning how to be part of a group: taking turns, sharing, listening, tidying up, having a go at something even when it feels a bit scary, and cheering on their friends. They earn their first badges along the way — small milestones that mean a lot when you're five.
Just as important is the feeling of belonging. Squirrels wear a red hoodie, have leaders who know them by name, and quickly become a little community of their own. For a lot of families it's also a first point of connection with other parents and carers nearby.
New Squirrels are welcome to come along for a taster session or two before deciding to join. There's no pressure, no cost to try it, and no need to have any Scouting connection already.
What a term looks like
- Active games and simple team challenges every week
- Crafts, cooking and making things
- Getting outdoors in all weathers to explore nature
- A visit or two — the fire station, a farm, the local park
- Their very first badges to earn and wear
Uniform: Squirrels wear a red hoodie over their own clothes.