Welcome to 1st Ely Squirrels

Every week, our Ely Squirrels gather to grow and learn their way through lots of different games and activities. We believe Squirrels can achieve anything they set their minds to—and they have lots of fun along the way!

Our one-hour sessions are a brilliant opportunity for young people in the Ely area to take their first step into being part of the Scouts family, and they’ll help everyone get ready for the adventure of school, too.

Sessions are packed with activities, fun, games, badges, laughter, and so much more to help our youngest members learn the skills they need for life. Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of the amazing 1st Ely volunteer leaders who plan and deliver such an inspiring programme.

The Programme

We’re really excited to share the Squirrels programme with you!

Each badge is packed with wow and wonder, perfect for anyone who’s ever asked ‘Why?’ (or ‘Why not?’). You’ll tell stories, play games, get active, and explore the outdoors right here in Ely. Whether they are becoming a brilliant builder or a super chef, there’s something for everyone—and that means there’s something for your child.

The national Squirrel Scouts badges and activities were specially designed to provide:

• An age-appropriate programme.
• An approach that meets the Theory of Change and is respected by Early Years practitioners.
• A framework that upholds our core Scout values. ​
• Experiences that encourage community and home learning.​
• An inclusive environment that works for diverse communities and backgrounds.

To ensure this, the national Scout Association wrote, tested, and updated the programme proposal with nearly 400 people to create badges full of adventure, fun, and, of course, skills.

Inclusion in Our Community

Inclusion is at the heart of our Squirrels story. Here at 1st Ely Scouts, we are proudly open to people of all genders, backgrounds, and faiths (including people of no faith). We’re committed to reaching out to new families across Ely and the surrounding villages, welcoming young people who have never tried Scouts before.

We want to offer young people skills for life when and where they need them most, and we are dedicated to ensuring our group represents the diverse and vibrant community we live in.

As part of this commitment to inclusion, the cost of the uniform (a single Squirrels jumper) is kept low. All of the resources, including the badges themselves, have been rigorously tested for accessibility, as well as religious and cultural suitability, to make sure absolutely everyone feels at home here at 1st Ely.