Mighty Oaks from Little Acorns

In 2019 Scouts trailed an early years’ pilot to explore the possibility of welcoming 4 and 5-yearolds to Scouting for the very first time. Focusing

on storytelling, routine, and play, Squirrels aims to reach a diverse range of communities and provide our youngest members with the best start in life.

Saroj Watton, Squirrel Leader from 64th Birmingham Scout Group, was involved in the project: “We have had an amazing response from the local community interested in enrolling their children onto Squirrels. It’s helped build strong community links with Scouts and reached out to parents of different backgrounds, which has created an enriched and diverse section”.

When asked why they felt it was important to prioritise rolling Squirrels out in communities most in need, Paul Little, GSL of 64th Birmingham Scout Group added: “Areas of deprivation have less opportunities plus families have less funds

for expensive activities. Scouting is often the cheapest activity out there and makes one of the widest impacts”.

You can view a short video about the early years’ pilot on the Scouts website: https://bit. ly/3BHfq2k

Squirrels will grow bit by bit over the next few years, with the first sections opening this Autumn.