The Squirrels Scouts opened as a new section for bright-eyed and bushy-tailed young people in September 2021 to help them gain skills for life at a time when it matters most and where it is most needed.
The 29th Southampton Scout Group, based in Portswood, were the first to officially open the 100th Squirrels ‘Drey’ (as referred to by members within the movement) within the county – the first county within the UK to reach this milestone.
And this moment was marked at Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre, in Brockenhurst, surrounded by hundreds of others engaged in a day of outdoor activities such as climbing, archery, bushcraft, bouncy castles and more.
Russell Andrews, Lead Volunteer at the 29th Southampton, said their group are the talk of the community as people are recognising the good work taking place.
“We are excited to open the 100th Squirrels Drey in Hampshire, and that cannot be repeated, which is quite a special moment. There are quite a few people keen to pop in and see what Squirrels is all about, which is lovely to see.
“We deliver many outdoor and adventurous activities, as well as indoor team building and new skills sessions for our young people to enjoy, so there’s quite a bit of a buzz going around, which is good to see.”
Russell Andrews, Lead Volunteer, 29th Southampton
Across the UK, The Scouts has been on a positive growth trajectory within its youngest section for youth members.
There were 3,348 Squirrels Scouts in January 2022, followed by 10,586 in January 2023, and most this year an impressive 16,691 in January 2024.
Eva Moreno, who witnessed her daughter being invested in the Scout movement, praised the work of volunteers, saying:
“I think the work of Scouts is really exciting. The Scouts is much bigger than I thought, and I really think this is a great opportunity for my daughter to build her confidence.
“It is lovely to see the young people enjoying activities in nature and gaining skills, so I am very happy that my daughter is involved. I love the community feel here and hope in the future; my son, who is very little, can be a part of that.”
Eva Moreno, parent
Amanda Wallace, who leads on Squirrels Scouts for Hampshire, said:
“It’s amazing to see the 29th Southampton Scout Group opening the 100th Drey within Hampshire. It has been an absolute huge success, and I’m really proud that we have come to this.
“The work our volunteers do across the county is really important, especially because of lockdown. So many children have so much time indoors, so it’s great to regularly be out in the open and engage with all the fun and friendship that’s on offer."
Amanda Wallace, Lead volunteer for Squirrels, Hampshire Scouts
Volunteer today and help Squirrels grow across Hampshire at scouts.org.uk/volunteer.
Text: Sam Poole.
