4 -6 Year Olds…
Squirrels – Nurturing Young Adventurers (Ages 4-6)
In September 2021, the Scouts unveiled Squirrels, a vibrant programme tailored for children aged 4 to 6—the first new section introduced in 35 years. This initiative aims to equip young minds with essential skills for life during their formative years.
What Do Squirrels Do?
Squirrels engage in a variety of activities designed to be both educational and fun:
- Outdoor Adventures: From nature trails to scavenger hunts, Squirrels immerse themselves in the natural world, fostering a love for the environment.
- Creative Play: Activities like crafting, singing, and storytelling enhance creativity and imagination.
- Practical Skills: Simple tasks such as planting seeds or managing small amounts of money (like spending 50p in a local shop) teach responsibility and basic life skills.
These experiences are crafted to promote teamwork, communication, and community awareness.
Earning Badges
To celebrate their achievements, Squirrels can earn a variety of badges:
- Feel Good: Encourages activities that promote well-being and happiness.
- Be Active: Rewards participation in physical activities, promoting a healthy lifestyle.
- Explore Outdoors: Recognizes curiosity and exploration of the natural world.
- Brilliant Builder: Celebrates creativity in constructing and building projects.
- Exciting Experiments: Introduces basic scientific concepts through fun experiments.
These badges serve as milestones, encouraging continuous learning and development.
Structure of a Squirrel Drey
A group of Squirrels is called a Drey, typically comprising up to 24 young people. Meetings are held regularly, with schedules tailored to the needs of the community. Each Drey is led by a team of dedicated volunteers who plan and facilitate activities, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment.
Uniform and Identity
Squirrels wear a distinctive red jumper paired with a neckerchief in their group’s colours. This uniform fosters a sense of belonging and pride among the young members.
Join the Adventure!
Paisley & District Scouts currently boasts three thriving Squirrel Dreys, with plans for more on the horizon. We are committed to providing a supportive and enriching environment for young children to develop essential life skills while having fun.
Embark on this exciting journey with us and watch your child grow into a confident and capable individual!