ScoutsCymru believes you’re never too young to know that your opinion matters – which is why we’re thrilled to announce that Squirrels in Wales can now earn our popular ScoutsCymru Democracy Engagement Badge.
ScoutsCymru has worked with the Electoral Commission Wales to create a fun and engaging new badge which helps Squirrels, the Scouting section for four to six year olds, learn that everyone has a voice.
You can find out what your Squirrels need to do to earn the badge here.
Squirrel leaders are also invited to join a free online training session which will equip leaders of all sections with the skills, knowledge and resources to deliver the badge to young people.
ScoutsCymru has worked in partnership with The Politics Project to develop a 90-minute online information session which will be filled with practical advice and activity ideas suitable for leaders of all sections, from Squirrels to Explorers.
The training will help leaders become more confident in delivering the badge activities, as well as discussing politics and democracy with young people of all ages.
Taking place from 7pm-8.30pm on Tuesday 26 November 2024, Wednesday 29 January and Thursday 13 March 2025, you can find out more about the course and book online here.
Squirrels at 1st Gwydyr Scout Group in Betws-y-Coed recently piloted the new Democracy Challenge badge for Squirrels with leader Kate Reeves saying: “Offering your opinion, or even having an opinion, comes with age and confidence for a lot of children, so the badge is a great way of starting to introduce the idea that you can have your own opinion, and it’s not wrong or right, whilst also encouraging children to listen to other opinions and views.”
The Squirrels put forward suggestions of activities they would like to do as a group, with all members voting on which one they should do. The winning activity was to make rope coasters, something the Squirrels had enjoyed doing at a previous visit to their local mountain rescue centre.
Kate added that the badge had helped them see how they could integrate democracy into their regular meetings. She said: “We’ll certainly use voting more than we already do for games at the beginning of the session as well as for choices of where we go and visit.”
Ella Downing of The Electoral Commission said: “We’re pleased to work with ScoutsCymru to expand this badge to include Squirrels. Our research has consistently shown that those who engage in the democratic process early on are more likely to become active and lifelong voters and this badge will help to inform and engage the next generation of voters in Wales.”
