New Squirrel Scouts group for four to five-year-olds launches in Broughton

Squirrel Scouts in Broughton — Squirrel Scouts has started in Broughton

Scouting in Preston has just got bigger, with a new section for four and five-year-olds starting in Broughton.

The new Squirrel Drey is part of the 1^st Broughton Scout Group, which also has a Beaver Colony, Cub Pack and Scout Troop catering for six to 14 year olds.

This new section is full with 24 Squirrels gaining new skills through fun games and activities.

As an experienced Beaver Scout Leader, for children aged six to eight, Judith Jamieson has been leading the development of this new section in Broughton.

Judith said: “Squirrel Scouts will be doing all the different aspects of Scouting, tailored for their age group. This includes getting outdoors, finding adventure and developing the skills they need for school and beyond through a range of activities and challenges. Key to the whole programme is having fun and developing confidence.”

Emma Hansen has joined the group as the Squirrel Scout Leader and added: “Squirrels will be able to get involved in our Scout group’s annual programme, as well as District and County camps and events, which gives our youngest members a taste of the amazing opportunities that Scouting has to offer.”

Five-year-old Oliver is a new Squirrel Scout. He said: “I really liked finding the acorns and making a butterfly feeder. I have lots of friends at Squirrels and we play games.”

Alex, another five-year-old Squirrel Scout, added: “What I love about Squirrels is making lots of new friends. We do lots of fun things and play lots of games. My favourite thing was chopping fruit and making a sandwich.”

Squirrels is the newest and youngest section of the Scout Association, launched in September following pilot trials since 2019.

The name came from the movement’s link to Brownsea Island in Hampshire, where the first Scout camp was held in 1907. Brownsea Island is one of the few places in the UK where red squirrels can be found living wild, therefore those beginning their Scouting journey echo these foundations. Their red uniform jumpers are symbolic of the red squirrels found on the island.

The Squirrel section follows the Scouting structure of the existing Beaver, Cub, Scout and Explorer sections, with members making a Scout Promise at their investiture.

Warren Frost, Preston’s District Commissioner, added: “Opening our first Squirrel Drey is really exciting, and we’re looking forward to several more starting in the Autumn.

“Opening up this new section means even more young people can get active, explore nature, and earn badges just like other scouts, with the Squirrel dreys creating a new beginning for the great Scouting adventure that leads on to Beavers, Cubs and Scouts as they get older.”

The Scout movement is run by volunteers and expanding what is on offer means more volunteers are needed.

Warren said: “Squirrels is proving very popular and we have lots of families interested in taking part. We can only open up more dreys if we have enough volunteers to help run them. I would urge anyone who is interested in finding out more, to get in touch.

“Volunteering is very flexible, and there is training and support given to everyone involved. As adult volunteers it’s also hugely rewarding, passing on skills and enthusiasm for life’s opportunities to the next generation, and making new friends among like-minded people.”

If you’d like to find out more about opportunities for your family to get involved in Scouting in Preston, as a volunteer or youth member, visit the Preston Scouts website.

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