As children aged 4-6 have been significantly impacted by covid lockdowns, there have been gaps in their development due to closure of schools.

Therefore Squirrels, a new section to the Scouting family, has arrived at the 9th Dartford Scout group. This new social and learning group benefits both parents and children; running for 1 hour on Mondays it allows children to socialise, learn and have fun.

Set up only a month ago it has been growing rapidly reaching its maximum capacity of sixteen, with hopes to increase to twenty-four after Easter. Due to the young ages of these children, the ratio of children to leaders must be 4:1. Therefore more volunteers are needed. They currently consist of existing scouting members, young scout leaders, adult leaders and parents.  

Activities include parachute games, outdoor games, Northeast Southwest and badge work activities. Recently the children have taken part in themed nights including St Patricks night and the welcome night. These include badges or activities centring around a theme for example on Mother’s Day, children crafted cards. As craft and handwriting skills were practised, fine motor skills were developed. In alignment with the Early Years Support scheme, an activity game and story time session, are included during each session.

Over the course of a few weeks, a strong family community has been set up through a WhatsApp group chat, making parents feel they can ask questions or communicate with each other. These have included progress reports on activities such as the growing of sunflower plants.

A toy squirrel has been sent home with a chosen child each week. They can take pictures with with the toy and write a message this is great as the children can share their weekly experiences with the group.

“It’s really great as it increases her group of friends outside of class” says Sam Steer mother to Lacey aged 5.