Squirrels
Squirrels is where it all begins — our youngest section, for 4 to 6 year olds. Through stories, games and hands-on adventures, little ones make their first friends, try brand-new things and take their very first steps in Scouting. It's playful, welcoming and full of wonder — the perfect first nest before they hop up to Beavers.
Starting soon
We're opening a brand-new Squirrel Drey
A "Drey" is what a Squirrel group is called — and ours will be the first in the 144th's history. We're building the team and working through the official steps now, and we want to launch as soon as we can. Spaces will be limited (a Drey holds a maximum of 24), so register your interest early to be part of the very first intake.
What Squirrels do
A Squirrels session is a short, joyful burst of stories, games, crafts and getting outdoors — around 45 minutes to an hour, once a week during term time. Within the Drey, Squirrels play and learn in small groups called nests, with plenty of adult hands to help.
Stories & imaginative play
Every session starts from a story — sparking imaginations and setting up the night’s adventure.
Games & getting active
Lots of active games to burn off energy, learn to take turns and play as part of a team.
Their very first badges
Squirrels earn their own activity badges and Challenge Awards on the way to the Chief Scout’s Acorn Award.
Exploring outdoors & nature
Digging, planting, bug hunts and getting muddy — discovering the outdoors right on our doorstep.
Making friends & celebrating
First friendships, little celebrations and a warm, welcoming nest to belong to.
What an evening looks like
- Opening ceremony A warm welcome, the opening song and an active game to burn off some energy.
- Story time A story sets up the night’s theme — stories and books are at the heart of Squirrels.
- The main activity Around 20–30 minutes of crafting, a game, a simple experiment, getting outdoors or helping the community.
- Closing ceremony Sharing what everyone did, any notices for grown-ups, and the goodbye song — often with a little take-home activity.
Top award
Chief Scout's Acorn Award
The Acorn Award is the top award a Squirrel can earn — completing all four Challenge Awards (All About Me, All Around Us, All Together and All About Adventure) plus any two activity badges. If it isn't quite finished in time, it can even be completed in their first term of Beavers.
We need you
Squirrels can't launch without leaders
It takes a small team of adults to open a Drey — and this is a rare chance to build something brand new in Baillieston from day one. One short session a week, no experience needed, free training, and PVG checks covered.
See the Squirrels volunteer roles →The Squirrel Promise
When they're ready, every Squirrel makes their Promise: "I promise to do my best, to be kind and helpful and to love our world." It's their very first big Scouting moment — and one families are warmly invited to share.
Scouting is open to people of all faiths and of none. Everyone makes a version of the Promise that is meaningful to them, no matter their background or belief.
I promise to do my best, to be kind and helpful and to love our world.
I promise to do my best, to be kind and helpful and to love God.
I promise to do my best, to be kind and helpful and to love Allah.
I promise to do my best, to be kind and helpful and to love God.
I promise to do my best, to be kind and helpful and to love the world.
I promise to do my best, to be kind and helpful and to act with love towards everyone.
I promise to do my best, to be kind and helpful and to love Waheguru.
