Starting school, making friends, trying new things, and growing in confidence are all big adventures for young children. That's why Squirrel Scouts is designed especially for 4 to 6-year-olds, helping them develop skills for life through fun, friendship, stories, and adventure.
At 1st Keyham (St Mark) Scout Group, our Gruffalo Squirrels meet every week at the Scout Hut from 4:30pm to 5:15pm. We provide a warm, welcoming environment where young people can be themselves, make new friends, and discover just how much they're capable of.
What happens at Squirrels?
Every week is different, and that's exactly how we like it!
One week we might be getting creative with arts and crafts, the next we could be cooking, exploring nature, building dens, learning campfire skills, trying archery, or taking part in exciting games and challenges. Whatever we're doing, our focus is always on having fun, building confidence, and encouraging our Squirrels to try something new.
Our sessions usually begin with our Welcome Song and Squirrel Promise, followed by a story that introduces the evening's adventure. Stories are a big part of Squirrels and help spark imagination, curiosity, and a love of learning.
Our Gruffalo Drey
A group of Squirrels is called a Drey, and within our Drey the children are part of smaller groups called Nests.
Inspired by the much-loved story, our nests are named:
🐭 Mice
🦊 Foxes
🐍 Snakes
🦉 Owls
You'll soon discover that at Gruffalo Squirrels, we love stories almost as much as we love adventures!
Celebrating Every Achievement
We believe every child should feel proud of what they've achieved, whether that's trying a new activity, helping a friend, showing kindness, or simply having the confidence to join in.
Each week we award our Golden Squirrel to someone who has really shone during the session. One lucky Squirrel will also get to take home one of our much-loved cuddly mascots: Spikey and Oakley, and share their adventures with us when they return.
Uniform and Membership
Squirrels should wear their uniform jumper and group scarf to meetings. During warmer weather, a Squirrel Scout polo shirt or a 1st Keyham polo shirt is ideal.
We offer four weeks free for all new members, giving your child the opportunity to settle in and see what Scouting is all about. After that, membership costs just £12.50 per month.
Children usually join from age four and can move on to Beavers from around 5¾ years old, when they're ready for their next adventure.
Ready to Join the Adventure?
Squirrels is often a child's very first experience of Scouts, and we work hard to make it a positive one. Whether they're singing songs, getting muddy outdoors, making new friends, earning badges, or listening to stories, every week is packed with opportunities to learn, grow, and have fun.
We'd love to welcome your family to Squirrels and help your child take their first steps on their Scouting journey. 🐿️✨