Squirrels
Every week, our Squirrel Scouts gather in a group called a Drey to hop, climb our way through lots of different games and activities – achieving anything we set our minds to, and having lots of fun along the way.
We’ll spend lots of time outside with our Drey. Together, we might build a den, or go on a trip to the seaside, or host a Squirrel Scout sleepover beneath the stars. And even though we might not be ready to climb that tallest tree just yet, we’ll have plenty of adventures on our own doorstop, because being a Squirrel Scout is all about making the most of what we have, wherever and whoever we are.
Our Drey is made up of young people aged 4 to 6, led by our amazing Squirrel Scout Leaders. We meet every other Saturday in Term Time between 10:00 to 12:00 at the Scout Hut.
The Bigger Scout Family
There are Scouts all over the world. From the rainy rainforests of the Amazon to the smallest of the Scottish Isles, Squirrels are a part of this worldwide Scout family. Closer to home, they’re also part of their wider local Scout Group, alongside, Beavers (aged 6 to 8), Cubs (aged 8 to 10 1/2), and Scouts (aged 10 1/2 to 14). When they’re older, they can also join Explorers (for young people aged 14 to 18) and Scout Network (for young people aged 18-25).
Our Promise and Ceremonies
As well as enjoying plenty of adventures, being a Squirrel Scout is about exploring who you are and what you stand for. These are big ideas, and when you join the Drey, you’ll start thinking about them by making a promise. A promise is a set of words that mean something to you, which you try to follow every day.
Making the promise is a big celebration within the Drey. Every time a new Squirrel Scout decides to join, they chat through their promise with their leader before saying it out loud in front of their fellow Squirrel Scouts. Family and friends might come along to see this, too. Doing this is called being ‘invested’ into Squirrels, and it usually takes place once you’ve had a few weeks to settle in.
Everyone is unique but there are some things all Squirrel Scouts agree on – such as treating everyone with kindness and promising to do their best. Depending on their own beliefs, they might also promise to live by their faith.
How to Join the Drey
To get started, fill out our Joining Form to be added to the waiting list.
Squirrels is open to all, and we can usually tweak things to make sure everyone can join in the fun. If you have any questions about accessibility, chat with your local leader as soon as possible.
What to wear?
On your first night at Squirrels, you’ll be taking part in lots of activities, and should just wear something you feel comfortable in.
Eventually, you’ll get your own Squirrels uniform to wear to meetings and on trips and nights away. Wearing a uniform is comfy and practical. It means no one feels uncomfortable or left out and helps everyone to feel a part of the group. It also gives you a place to show off all the Squirrel badges you earn.
For Squirrels, the uniform consists of a red sweatshirt with your badges sewn on and a coloured scarf or ‘necker’ to represent your local group. Uniform can be purchased from Warrington Scout Shop
You can also buy our Group t-shirt and Hoody – please speak to a Leader for more information.
What does it cost?
Being a Squirrel at Burtonwood costs £120.00 per year, payable at £10.00 per month.
Trips, camps and activities that take place away from the usual meeting place are charged separately.
Squirrels is designed to be an accessible and affordable way for young people to learn lots of new skills through a single membership. Nobody should feel excluded from Squirrel activities because of money worries. If you’re concerned about costs, adults should speak to their child’s Squirrel Leader in confidence, to see what we can do to help
