Develop essential Squirrels skills through fun practical activities covering nature, camping, teamwork, simple survival skills and outdoor learning.
Being able to follow simple directions is an important outdoor skill. Whether you’re walking with your family, taking part in an activity or exploring with a group, you need to be able to listen, understand what you’ve been told and use the information around you to work out where to go next. It doesn’t mean…
There is something special about learning how to do things for yourself outdoors. Knowing how to read a map, put up a shelter, light a fire, recognise a tree, tie a useful knot or simply work out which way to go gives children more than another skill to add to a list. It helps them…
Survival skills do not have to be complicated to be useful. For Squirrels, simple outdoor activities can introduce important skills while keeping learning fun and age appropriate. At this age, the aim should not be to teach children how to deal with extreme survival situations. Instead, Squirrels can learn simple skills that help them become…
Nature skills help Squirrels become more confident exploring the outdoors and noticing the world around them. Simple activities such as identifying leaves, listening for birds, spotting animal signs and learning about trees can turn an ordinary walk into an exciting nature adventure. What You’ll Learn Squirrels can learn how to: Equipment You can keep this…
Cooking is a brilliant way for Squirrels to learn practical skills while having fun. They can practise measuring, mixing, preparing ingredients and working together, while also learning about food, hygiene and staying safe around cooking equipment. You don’t need complicated recipes. For Squirrels, the best activities are usually simple enough that they can get involved…
Navigation doesn’t have to start with a compass and a complicated map. For Squirrels, it’s about developing the basic skills that help them understand where they are, where they’re going and how to recognise their surroundings. Simple games can introduce direction, observation and following routes without making the subject feel like a lesson. A campsite,…
Getting Squirrels interested in nature doesn’t need to involve complicated equipment or long walks. Young children are naturally curious about the world around them. A strange-looking leaf, an unusual insect or an interesting bird can be enough to start a conversation. Nature activities give Squirrels the chance to explore that curiosity while developing observation, teamwork…
First aid doesn’t have to be a serious or complicated subject for Squirrels. At this age, the most useful lessons are often very simple: Stay calm. Keep yourself safe. Get an adult. Know how to call for help. Don’t make an injury worse. Games and role-play can help make these ideas memorable without asking young…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Camping activities for Squirrels should always be properly planned, risk assessed and supervised by suitable adults. Follow the current guidance from your Scout organisation and the rules of the campsite or venue. Take particular care around water, fire, cooking equipment, roads, uneven ground, weather and unfamiliar areas. Keep appropriate first-aid equipment available…
🌰 SAFETY & AGE-APPROPRIATENESS NOTE Squirrels are 4–6 years old, so activities should always be appropriate for their age, abilities and individual needs. Squirrels should be supported and supervised by appropriately responsible adults, particularly during outdoor activities, cooking, tool use, water activities and anything involving fire. The aim isn’t simply to complete as many badges…
