Scouts Scotland: Kelty forming new Squirrel unit for four and five year-olds

The 39th Fife group, which is based in Dunfermline's Carron Grove, and the 77th Kelty Scouts group are two of just nine packs in Scotland to launch Squirrel dreys for children aged four and five.

The pilot programme aims to support early years children after lockdown and help them learn skills for life. Squirrels will get to be active, explore nature and have fun learning with friends, earning badges like all other Scouts.

Janis McCulloch, a volunteer with the 39th Fife Scouts, is looking forward to getting started.

“I can’t wait to start our Squirrel drey in Dunfermline," she said. "My eldest daughter Jess is in the Cubs and it’s been brilliant to see her confidence develop over the last few years. I’m really excited for my 4 year old, Emily to start with the group.

"The programme is built to help four and five year-olds develop teamwork, communication and creativity. It going to be great to get these young people together to have fun, make new friends and earn badges!"

Katie Docherty, Chief Executive of Scouts Scotland, said Squirrels were part of their commitment to help young people, families and communities come back stronger from the pandemic.

"If you’re four, you’ve spent a third of your life in lockdowns," she said. "Our mission at Scouts is to equip young people with skills for life, and we know how important early years is in terms of developing these skills.

"We know this has especially impacted children in communities hardest hit by the pandemic. That’s why we are opening the first Squirrel dreys in those communities that need it most.”

“To scale up this new programme we need support from volunteers, partners and donors to help us reach even more young people.”

The Squirrel programme will start rolling out this month and volunteers are still being sought to help give young children a chance to get involved.

Anyone interested in finding out more should visit the Scouts Scotland website at www.scouts.scot.