FAQ's about opening a Squirrels Drey

Is the expression of interest form still valid or was that only when Squirrels first started? 

We are still using the expression of interest form as we can then ensure support is offered to to new Dreys that are opening. If you complete the form this will go direct to your District Lead Volunteer to approve.

Is there a maximum number of Dreys that can open in any area, county or district?

There are no limit on the number of Dreys that can open in any area, district or county. Just like Beavers, Cubs or Scouts, Squirrels can open anywhere and there is no limit on the number of Dreys.

How often expression of interests rejected?

Do squirrels volunteers need to have early years experience?

Absolutely not! Where it can be helpful this is not needed. Many of our volunteers are not early years trained or have experience in this field. Many are parents with that experience being what they know.

Do Squirrels volunteers need to be full status?

Young Leaders - Can they assist in the Drey?

Absolutely, its actually encouraged to have at least one young leader in each Drey. Scouts can start Young Leader training at 13.5 years of age and can attend Squirrel sessions as young leaders counting towards their award from that age. However, many groups from across the country have Beavers, Cubs and Scouts who also attend to help out. These young people just need factoring into your numbers but are welcome to help, many have younger siblings in Squirrels and it can benefit all the young people.

What is the maximum numbers for a Drey? 

Currently POR recommends a maximum number of 24 Squirrels in a Drey. Which would mean 5 adults present, 1 with a full role in Scouting. However, we would recommend starting with 12 so you can limit the number of adults needed to 3 (4 if going off site) and get to know this new section better.

What is the best time of the day for Squirrels meetings to take place? 

This varies incredibly from anytime between 4pm - 6.30pm. But the best time and day is what works for your group! Ask the parents and adults currently in your group and find out when your volunteers are available.

What is recommended as the best number of Squirrels in each nest?

We don't give a recommended size as it will depend on the size of your Drey. But this could be anything from 3-6 Squirrels per nest. For those reading this unsure of what a Squirrel Nest is, it's the unofficial name of smaller groups of Squirrels within a Drey.

Please can you tell me what the ratio is if there are Beavers, Cubs or even Scouts not part of the young leader programme are helping at Squirrels?

When it comes to other young people who would be at the session such as Beavers, Cubs or Scouts, the usual ratio considerations need to be taken into account for these young people as well. To find out the ratios for the older sections please check it out here.

Are their any time restrictions on overnight outings?

You risk assess your section the same as every other section on a Nights away experience. Squirrels is fortunate that no restrictions have been put in place for where they have an overnight stay or even how long. So you decide the best length and location for your residentials based on what your group can do and what is best for you and your Squirrels.

How much grant money is available for a new Drey and what does this need to be spent on?

There is a £500 start up grant for Dreys in IMD 1-5 - this can be spent on anything that supports your Drey to open and the young people to attend.

Our hut is located within an IMD 5 area; however local "feeder" schools are in a lower IMD area. Is this taken into consideration? When is the Grant application form issued & is this issued to the GSL or Squirrel Section Leader? 

We're considering if/when we open a Drey to limit children joining to just those from our immediate local area. Does anyone have experience of this, how you worded it, and if you had any push back from other interested families?

Many groups across the UK do limit their catchment area as its often called. This can be for many reasons ranging from targeting their community area, other Scout groups sharing the area or other longstanding reasons (some groups at schools only take from the schools for example). As long as you can explain why your catchment area is for that area then volunteers can choose to do this if they wish. Most families will understand this based on experiences with schools. Something to bear in mind is you may get more enquiries outside these areas for Squirrels though as there is not as many sections open such as the number of Beaver colonies or Cub Packs.

Can a Squirrel Drey be setup as the first section for a new group or does it have to be part of an existing group?

It can be set up as the first section, it can start up just like Beavers have started before other sections. So long as you have all other elements to support the group.

Can children with SEND needs attend? What adjustments would need to be in place for this?

Of course they can - the adjustments would be entirely down to the needs of that Squirrel and how you could support them to attend safely. There is more information here.

What can be done if there is resistance from the Group Lead Volunteer in setting up a Drey?

Get them to come to a Thinking about Squirrels session, talk to your District Lead Volunteer or get them to connect with the Growth Support Team if they aren't certain.