Thatcham's first Squirrel Scouts invested over the weekend

A scout group in Thatcham invested its first group of Squirrel Scouts at the weekend.

The 1st Thatcham Cragside Squirrel Drey, named after a location where many wild red squirrels reside, met on Saturday (April 2) for the investiture.

Squirrel Scouting is a new section in UK Scouting for young people aged four and five, where the children can play and learn every weekend.

Cath Forbes was invested as the Squirrel Scout leader by Taceham Hundred District Commissioner Trevor Glue.

The eight children in attendance helped with this investiture and then went on to be invested themselves.

The mayor of Thatcham John Boyd attended the event as the special guest as it was an “important event” for the scouting group – these are the first Squirrel Scouts in Taceham Hundred and the first section based in Thatcham.

Everyone then joined in the fun helping the children build an obstacle course as part of their 'All Together' Challenge badge.

Newly appointed Squirrel Scout leader Ms Forbes said: “Parents and carers also play a big part in Squirrel Scouting as it is not just about the young people, it is about playing and learning as a family.

“Every meeting is themed round a story. Together we share the story, play a game, do craft or outdoor activities related to the story.”

She added: “Squirrel Scouts get the opportunity to master new skills and try new things, have fun and go on adventures, make friends, be curious about the world around them, help others and make a difference, in their own communities and beyond.”