Squirrels Scouts Wales: Five Years Since First Drey Opened 2026

Key Points

• 1st Sirhowy Valley was the first Scout Group in Wales to introduce the Squirrel Drey programme in 2021.
• After five years of development, the original Drey has provided experiences for 84 young people, granting 35 Chief Scout’s Acorn Award, which is the top accolade in the section.
• The popularity has prompted an expansion to two fully enrolled Dreys – Conkers and Acorns, each consisting of 14 Squirrels and on a waiting list.
• In total across Wales, the number of Dreys has risen from one to 75, engaging over 900 children, aged four and five.
• The volunteers have been recognized as the key drivers behind the development by opening new Dreys and operating weekly activities.
• On September 25th, Wales will celebrate by publishing the first Welsh Squirrels Songbook, after the UK-wide celebration marking the fifth birthday on 24th September.
• Chief Volunteer for Wales at ScoutsCymru, Jon Williams, has emphasized the progress and the importance of making friends, boosting self-confidence and developing skills within each Drey.
• “Dale “Flint” Morgan, a leader of Squirrel Drey at 1st Sirhowy Valley, admired the resilience of the children and gave examples of the best moments, such as skiing lessons on a dry ski slope and taking

Wales (Wales Times) September 05, 2026 — Wales’ youngest Scouts are marking a five-year milestone as the Squirrels section celebrates since the country’s first Drey opened in 2021. As reported by Dale Spridgeon of Herald.Wales, the anniversary underscores rapid growth from a single pioneering group to a nationwide network serving hundreds of young children. According to coverage by the South Wales Argus, 1st Sirhowy Valley made history in 2021 by launching Wales’ first Squirrel Drey, welcoming four and five-year-olds into the movement for the first time.

Nation.Cymru reported that the original Drey remains active and has since invested 84 young people while presenting 35 Chief Scout’s Acorn Awards, the highest award available to Squirrels. The Tenby Today added that demand is so strong the group now operates two Dreys, Conkers and Acorns, each with 14 Squirrels and a waiting list of children hoping to join.

How many Squirrels are there in Wales now?

The expansion has been substantial. Reporting by Nation.Cymru stated that there are now 75 Dreys and more than 900 Squirrels across Wales, up from the single Drey at 1st Sirhowy Valley in 2021. The Tenby Today noted that this growth reflects a remarkable five years for the section, giving thousands of four and five-year-olds the chance to make friends, learn new skills and begin their Scouting adventure. The South Wales Argus highlighted that two of the original Squirrels from 2021 remain within the wider Scouting group and are now reaching the Scouts section, illustrating progression through Beavers and Cubs.

Who are the volunteers behind the growth?

Volunteers have been central to the rollout. As reported by Nation.Cymru, the organisation credited volunteers who embraced Squirrels over the past five years, opening new Dreys and giving weekly time to ensure four and five-year-olds across Wales can experience Scouts. Dale “Flint” Morgan, a Squirrel leader at 1st Sirhowy Valley since July 2023, leads the section alongside Cathy “Purple” McElligott, who has been part of the Drey since the beginning, according to Nation.Cymru. As reported by Dale Morgan of 1st Sirhowy Valley via the South Wales Argus, he said:

“Since becoming a Squirrel leader, I am constantly amazed by the intrigue, inquisitiveness and resilience the young people show, whatever task we put in front of them. Sometimes they might not work things out quite the way we expected – but that’s all part of the fun.”

He added:

“It is great to reflect on the journey our Squirrels have been on while they are with us and to see their development as they move on to Beavers and beyond.”

What have Squirrels achieved at 1st Sirhowy Valley?

The Sirhowy Valley group has recorded notable milestones. According to the South Wales Argus, in five years the group has invested 84 young Squirrels and awarded 35 Chief Scout’s Acorn Awards. Nation.Cymru reported that demand remains high, with two Dreys running at full capacity and a waiting list in place. Dale Morgan, speaking via Nation.Cymru, described highlights including a dry ski slope lesson during a sleepover and Squirrels leading a local Remembrance Day parade, noting patience and good behaviour on display. He said: “My proudest moment was seeing our Squirrels leading the Remembrance Day Parade at a local ceremony. They were all so patient and well behaved.”

What is happening during the fifth birthday celebrations?

September events mark the anniversary nationally. As reported by the Tenby Today, September will see the launch of the first Welsh Squirrels Songbook, bringing together songs for Squirrels to sing and enjoy in Welsh. Nation.Cymru stated that the Songbook will officially launch on Friday 25 September, following UK-wide fifth birthday celebrations the previous day. The Tenby Today added that the book aims to celebrate how far the section has come in five years, as well as its distinctly Welsh identity and the opportunities being created for young people to experience Scouting through the Welsh language.

What have senior volunteers said about the milestone?

Senior figures have emphasised both scale and impact. As reported by Jon Williams of ScoutsCymru via Nation.Cymru, he said: “Five years ago, the very first Squirrels in Wales began their adventure at 1st Sirhowy Valley. Today, more than 900 four and five-year-olds are enjoying Squirrels across Wales.” He continued:

“That is an incredible story of growth, but what really matters is what happens within every Drey – young people making friends, trying something new, gaining confidence and discovering just how much they are capable of.”

According to the South Wales Argus, Williams added:

“This September gives us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything that has happened over those five years, while also looking to the future.”

As reported by Jon Williams of ScoutsCymru via Nation.Cymru, he described the Welsh Squirrels Songbook launch on 25 September as “a particularly fitting way to mark such a special birthday.”

Background of the particular development

The Squirrels section was introduced to extend Scouting to younger children, with 1st Sirhowy Valley becoming the first group in Wales to open a Drey in 2021, according to the South Wales Argus. The Tenby Today reported that the section targets four and five-year-olds, offering age-appropriate activities focused on friendship, skills and early outdoor experiences. Nation.Cymru noted that the Chief Scout’s Acorn Award is the highest accolade within Squirrels, and that 35 such awards have been presented at Sirhowy Valley over five years. The growth to 75 Dreys and more than 900 participants reflects sustained volunteer recruitment and community demand, as outlined by multiple outlets including Nation.Cymru and the Tenby Today.

Prediction: How this development can affect young children and families in Wales

The continued expansion of Squirrels in Wales is likely to increase access to structured, volunteer-led activities for four and five-year-olds, particularly in communities where early-years provision is limited. As reported by Nation.Cymru, the emphasis on making friends, trying new tasks and building confidence suggests potential benefits for social development and school readiness among participants. With two Dreys already at capacity at 1st Sirhowy Valley and a waiting list in place, further growth could ease pressure on local groups and provide more places for families seeking early Scouting experiences, according to the South Wales Argus.

The introduction of the Welsh Squirrels Songbook may also strengthen language engagement and cultural identity for Welsh-speaking families, as noted by the Tenby Today. If volunteer capacity keeps pace, the trajectory from one Drey to 75 could support sustained participation as children progress to Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, reinforcing long-term retention within the movement, as highlighted by statements from Jon Williams of ScoutsCymru via Nation.Cymru.