Let’s get right to the point: Squirrel Scouts started in September 2021 as a new section from the Scout Association, made for four- to six-year-olds. Squirrels arrived to bring play, outdoor learning, badges, and short weekly meetings to really young kids.
You’ll find out why this section began, how it grew from just a few pilots to hundreds of groups, and what makes its promise, uniform, and activities stand out from the older Scout sections.
Expect some short histories, key features, and a bunch of details to help you see how Squirrels fit into modern scouting and early years learning.
Origins and Launch of Squirrel Scouts
Squirrel Scouts grew from small local groups into a nationwide early years programme in the UK.
You’ll read about roots in Northern Ireland, a national pilot from 2019–2021, the official 2021 launch by The Scout Association, and the ideas that shaped the name.
Early Beginnings in Northern Ireland
Some roots go back to the Northern Ireland Squirrel Association, an independent group that ran feeder units for scout groups before the national programme existed.
They started in the late 1990s and offered an early-years model that looked a lot like what Squirrels later became.
Many local dreys and volunteers already used the name and basic activities, which pretty much matched what The Scout Association eventually formalised.
When The Scout Association wanted a younger section, leaders in Northern Ireland showed how these groups actually worked.
Some of those dreys merged into local Scout Groups when the national programme began.
This bit of history matters because it gave real-life examples of running short, play-focused meetings for four- to six-year-olds.
The 2019–2021 Pilot Programme
The Scout Association kicked off a pilot in 2019 to test an early years offer, using the working name “Hedgehogs” at first.
They aimed the trial at under-served communities, with sessions led by parents, schools, early years settings, and Scout volunteers.
About 60% of the pilot families had never tried Scouts before, so the pilot really did reach new people.
The pilot helped shape meeting length, badge ideas, and simple promises for four- to six-year-olds.
It also influenced safeguarding, leader training, and how helpers and Young Leaders (aged 14–18) got involved.
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, the need to support early child development became more urgent, which helped push the programme from pilot to launch.
Official Launch by The Scout Association
The Scout Association launched Squirrels officially on 9 September 2021, rolling out a new brand and uniform for four- to six-year-olds.
At launch, about 200 dreys had registered, and that number jumped to over 350 by November 2021.
Squirrels sit below Beavers in the age progression, so kids move into Beavers after they turn six.
The national programme included short evening meetings, a simple promise, group-colour neckerchiefs, activity badges, and a top award called the Chief Scout’s Acorn Award.
The Scout Association ran weekend camp pilots and public events like Remembrance activities so even the youngest members could get outdoors and join in community experiences right from the start.
Inspiration Behind the Name
The name Squirrels came from a few different places in scouting history and children’s media.
Robert Baden-Powell’s 1907 Brownsea Island camp had red squirrels, which designers used as a nod to Scouting heritage.
They also pulled inspiration from kids’ shows—like CBeebies’ Hey Duggee Squirrel Club—and even earlier parodies like The Fairly OddParents’ “Squirrel Scouts.”
The Scout Association picked red jumpers and a squirrel-tail logo to appeal to young kids and to help leaders spot their groups easily.
The branding aimed for a playful vibe but still wanted to connect to classic Scout ideas like outdoor play and group identity.
Programme Features and Identity
Here’s how Squirrels work, what they wear, and how they fit into local Scout groups.
This part covers ages, group structure, uniforms, badges, and the general feel of the programme.
Age Range and Membership
Squirrels welcome children mostly aged four to six.
You can join at four and usually move on to Beaver Scouts when you hit six.
The main goal is to help early childhood development with short weekly meetings that match those shorter attention spans.
Meetings last about 45 minutes to an hour.
Activities focus on play, simple skills, language, and social development—lots of storytime and games.
The programme was piloted in early years settings to reach communities that needed extra support and to help children catch up after all the COVID disruption.
Membership stays flexible so everyone feels included.
Parents, volunteer helpers, and Young Leaders (aged 14–18) often pitch in.
Squirrel leaders run the sessions and make sure groups stay safe and welcoming.
Structure: Dreys and Scout Groups
A local Squirrels group is called a drey.
Your drey links into a wider Scout Group alongside Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts.
That link helps kids move smoothly from Squirrels to Beavers when they turn six.
Dreys meet in community halls, schools, or Scout huts.
Leaders stick to a short, regular plan: welcome, storytime, an activity, and a simple closing.
You might see community projects and short family ceremonies at launches or Remembrance events.
Volunteer helpers rotate, and Young Leaders give extra support.
The Scout Association tested different ways to run dreys—like parent-led and school-based groups—before launching Squirrels everywhere.
Uniform, Logo, and Visual Style
Squirrels usually wear a red jumper and a neckerchief in their group colours. That bright red jumper? It’s inspired by the red squirrels of Brownsea Island and, honestly, it makes spotting the youngest members at events like weekend camps a whole lot easier.
The Squirrels logo features a friendly red wordmark where the first letter curls into a squirrel tail. Supple Studios teamed up with The Scout Association to create this branding, aiming for a clear, kid-friendly look that pops up on badges and publicity. If you check the Squirrels section on the Scouts website, you’ll see this style everywhere.
There are twelve activity badges, plus staged activity badges, four challenge awards, and the big one—the Chief Scout’s Acorn Award. These badges lay out simple steps for learning new skills, from craft and nature projects all the way up to tougher challenges.
