Squirrels Turn 1 in Basingstoke East

31 May 2024

Squirrels across the District are celebrating their first birthday in style.

Over the past year, at the time of writing, I have had the privilege to present more than 15 Squirrels with their Acorn Award. In addition to the programmes created by our Squirrel leaders, nearly all Dreys have completed at least one night away, visited Wellington Farm Park and the majority of Squirrels renewed their Squirrel promise at BEASTLY. This is a huge achievement in such a short time, but how did our Birthday Squirrels celebrate?

1st Chineham held an open evening with various activities for Squirrels, parents, and siblings, including a scavenger hunt and cake decorating. They displayed photos from previous activities and had someone available to talk to parents about becoming a Leader or member of the Trustee Board. This event resulted in two new board members and an occasional leader for Squirrels!

1st Basingstoke hosted a traditional birthday party for Squirrels, parents, and siblings. The DLT also joined the party, and there were many activities and games for the young ones. Seven Acorn Awards were presented to some very excited Squirrels. Of course, there was a rendition of “Happy Birthday,” followed by lots of cake!

In Bramley, the celebrations were more low-key. They revisited an early popular activity from a year ago, building a huge den out of tables and decorating biscuits to resemble a campfire using marshmallow fluff and Mikado sticks. They then retreated to their den to enjoy their creations, sang “Happy Birthday,” and reminisced about their past activities.

As other Dreys in the District approach their first birthday, it’s evident from the diverse celebrations that each Drey is unique, just like every young person. This youngest section in Scouting is on a significant learning curve. Through our programs, they are learning independence, communication, teamwork, and engaging in activities they might never experience outside of Scouting at such a young age, like fire lighting and cooking and for those who went to BEASTLY wall climbing and flying a helicopter simulator!!

Our young Squirrels are showing us time and again they are more capable than we ever thought possible, and they are having fun proving it.

So, whether you have already celebrated or have yet to do so, Happy Birthday Squirrels.

 

Jan Wright

ADC Squirrels

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