New section for young kids
A Scout group has launched a new section aimed at kids aged four and five.
The Burnside 113th Scout Group hope the Squirrels will provide plenty of fun for their youngest members.
The 113th’s newest section are now meeting on Fridays from 5pm to 6pm in the Scout hall on Crawfurd Road.
The Scouts carried out pilot studies nationally and built up a wealth of evidence about the benefits of delivering an early years programme as part of non-formal education, along with the huge benefits that accrue for adult volunteers too, only for the Covid-19 pandemic to delay the roll-out of the Squirrels.
However, quick out of the drey was new Squirrel Scout leader, Michelle Mackenzie, who gathered a planning team together and got the group underway last month.
At their first meeting the Squirrels, some of them already in their bright red jumpers, made and decorated wooden squirrels which they will hang on the oak tree each time they come in. The hour passed quickly with games, crafts and finished with a story about new hero of the week, Sam Squirrel.
Each week, Michelle will be helped by a couple of adult volunteers, and two young leaders, Brendan and Sam, both aged 14, while many parents will stay each week and help their young ones progress through a series of programme challenges and activity badges including ‘exciting experiments,’ ‘feel good,’ ‘go wild’ and ‘explore outdoors’.
Group Scout Leader Graeme Hamilton said: “We have been keen for a long time to reach out to communities close to our hall where young people don’t often get the chance to join in with the fun, adventure and informal learning that organisations like scouts offers.
“Being affordable and accessible to all, and now open for young people aged from four to 25 we are already seeing huge demand from locals wanting to get involved. I’m sure there will be more squirrel dreys opening up all in the next couple of years. “
To cope with demand, the 113th have also opened a second Beaver colony for six- to eight-year-olds on Thursdays from 6pm to 7pm. They will meet in the Scout hall in Crawfurd Road from after Easter.
Volunteers are always welcome, whether to help with the programme or in other tasks on committee or around the hall.
Email Graeme at graeme. hamilton1@ntlworld.com for further details on getting involved.