Squirrels · ages 4 to 6

Their first hour that belongs to them.

Games, stories, mud and making things — and the first time they do something brilliant without you standing next to them.

Find Squirrels near you

Ages: 4 to 6
Meets: Weekly, about an hour
What's new: Doing things on their own

What's new at this age

Having a go at something new
Squirrels try things they have never done before, in a room where getting it wrong is completely fine and nobody keeps score.
Friends of their own
Not school friends and not family friends — theirs. Most of the hour is spent playing together, sharing out the jobs and noticing who needs a hand.
A little independence
For a lot of four-year-olds this is the first hour a week that is genuinely theirs. Small, close to home, and the same trusted adults every single time.

This is what an hour looks like

Squirrels learn by doing rather than by being told. No books and no sitting still — games, stories, making things and getting outside whatever the weather.

Games and stories
Getting outside
Building things
Cooking
Exploring the local park
Making a mess

Somewhere to belong

Squirrels meet as one small group with the same faces every week. Scouts calls it a Drey, after a squirrel's nest.

Small on purpose
Everyone knows everyone's name by about week three, which is most of what a four-year-old needs in order to feel safe somewhere new.
Everybody gets a turn
Handing out the snack, leading the line, choosing the game. Tiny jobs, taken very seriously.
The same trusted adults
Every adult in the room is vetted, referenced and trained in safeguarding before they work with young people.

“I get to choose what we do.”

Even at four, Squirrels are asked what they would like to do next — and then it happens. It is the first rung of something that runs all the way up: by Explorers, young people are organising the programme themselves.

Things to work towards

As young people try new things, build skills and take on challenges, they earn badges and awards along the way. The highest award in Squirrels is the Chief Scout's Acorn Award.

It is worked at gradually across their whole time in the Drey, and it is the first step on a ladder that ends with the King's Scout Award at 25.

Before you start

The practical things worth knowing. If something here is not answered, ask the Group — they would far rather you did.

A red sweatshirt with their badges sewn on, and their Group's own neckerchief. You need none of it to turn up — come in whatever is comfortable and sort uniform out once they have settled in.

Groups charge subs to cover the hall, equipment and insurance, and every Group sets its own — so ask the one you are interested in. Camps and trips are costed separately, and a kit list and a price should reach you at least two weeks beforehand.

Wear something comfortable that can get messy — uniform can wait until they have settled in and have badges to sew on. Arrive a few minutes early so there is time to say hello, and expect them to be doing something within about five minutes of walking in.

If your young person needs additional support or adjustments, talk to the local Group. They can discuss what they need and what can be put in place. Tell us when you register an interest as well, and we will pass it on.

Often, yes. Waiting lists are normal across the district and a section can be full for a term or more. Register your interest and the district team will match you to the nearest Group with space, rather than leaving you to ring round.