Earlier this week Squirrels launched at 1st Farnsfield – the first section in Nottinghamshire! Let’s see what they got up to! During the night our new Squirrels first armed themselves with pencils and crayons and got creative with the Squirrels logo for the entrance to the venue, before jumping straight into group games. Next, ear defenders at the ready, it was time to make musical instruments – the Squirrels used recycled materials to make shakers, drums and guitars before a group sing–a–long to test out their new instruments! A few songs later, it was time to say g–o–o–d–b–y–e and close the night.
Joshua, 5, said: “I like Squirrels and I can’t wait to come back next week. I’ve made new friends and learnt how to make a musical instrument to play in the band”
However, it wasn’t just the Squirrels that had enjoyed themselves, some parents were asked to stay during the night, here’s what Kelly and Simon (AKA Evie’s mum and dad) had to say on why they wanted Evie to join…
“We wanted Evie to join to build her confidence, socialise and make new friends, she sometimes needs a bit of a push to make friends but this is a great environment for her to be able to do that. She loves doing activities andit helps her build life skills. She can be nervous sometimes but she’s settled in really well”
New Squirrels will get to learn new skills and meet new friends while pitching a blanket tent, planting seeds or learning how to spend 50p in a local shop. Theprogramme is crafted to help them develop teamwork, communication, creativity, community awareness and other core skills. New badges that Squirrels can earn will include Feel Good, Be Active, Explore Outdoors, Brilliant Builder and Exciting Experiments.
However, it wasn’t just the Squirrels that had enjoyed themselves, some parents were asked to stay during the night, here’s what Kelly and Simon (AKA Evie’s mum and dad) had to say on why they wanted Evie to join…
“We wanted Evie to join to build her confidence, socialise and make new friends, she sometimes needs a bit of a push to make friends but this is a great environment for her to be able to do that. She loves doing activities andit helps her build life skills. She can be nervous sometimes but she’s settled in really well”
New Squirrels will get to learn new skills and meet new friends while pitching a blanket tent, planting seeds or learning how to spend 50p in a local shop. Theprogramme is crafted to help them develop teamwork, communication, creativity, community awareness and other core skills. New badges that Squirrels can earn will include Feel Good, Be Active, Explore Outdoors, Brilliant Builder and Exciting Experiments.
To support the expanded programme, Scouts are calling for grown-up helpers to step forward as part of its #GoodForYou campaign. Scouts want to recruit over 5,000 new volunteers. Volunteering for Scouts not only helps young people but is good for adults too, supporting wellbeing and building skills for employment.
Bear Grylls, Chief Scout said:“I’m so glad that younger children will now have the chance to join our family of Scouts and develop skills for life. We know from our pilot programme that four tofive-year-olds can really benefit from the activities that Squirrels offer. All of us at the Scouts believe that by offering opportunities at this early age, inspiring a sense of wonder, fun and curiosity, we can have a long-lasting, positive impact on young people’s lives.”
Throughout Nottinghamshire, we will be running a small number of trial Drays in the coming months, with the aim to open this up to a greater number of groups next year. If you’re interested in Squirrels or would like to turn your hand to volunteering, please get in contact through our website.
“I like Squirrels and I can’t wait to come back next week. I’ve made new friends and learnt how to make a musical instrument to play in the band”