Celebrating Squirrel Appreciation Day on the 21st January

Every year on 21 January, we celebrate Squirrel Appreciation Day, which is a perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on Squirrels, from the energetic animals we spot out in nature to the youngest members of the Scout family, it’s a day all about curiosity, fun, and adventure.

For our Squirrel Scouts, this day is a brilliant excuse to celebrate everything that makes the section so special. Whether it’s trying new activities, earning badges, or making new friends, Squirrel Dreys are full of excitement and discovery.

Squirrel Appreciation Day was founded by wildlife rehabilitator Christy Hargrove, who encourages people to celebrate squirrels by learning more about them and, where possible, helping to support them.

Get Involved on the Day 

This day is also a fantastic opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Squirrel Scouts so special. 

Young people can take part in themed activities designed especially for Squirrel Appreciation Day, helping them learn about nature while having fun together. You can find ideas and inspiration using the Scouts activity finder here. 

To mark the occasion, Squirrels can even collect a Squirrels Appreciation Day blanket badge, which is a great way to remember the day and celebrate taking part. 

 

What Squirrels Love About Squirrels

To really capture what makes Squirrels so special, we spoke with the 3rd East Kilbride Scout Group who shared their experiences.

Ella Beth answered some questions about being a Squirrel:

What do you like most about being a Squirrel?
“I love exploring and earning badges for activities especially ones I don’t do anywhere else.”

What’s your favourite Squirrel activity?
“Definitely the sleepover, oh and Drey away day.”

How has joining Squirrels helped your child?
“Helped me become more confident and join in with friends.”

What does your child enjoy most about the Drey?
“Making friends and having super fun.”

Another Squirrel, Max, summed it up perfectly, saying:

“Squirrels is so much fun!”

 

Max’s mum, Celia, also shared her thoughts:

“Max really enjoys playing the imagination games such as pretending to be on an aeroplane and doing all the arts and crafts.

Squirrels has helped my son become more confident and he is really proud of all the badges he has earned. It’s the best club for the variety of activities for all the kids, from learning about first aid to learning about cultures, there’s so much variety and it’s the best for them. I can’t recommend the Squirrels enough. We are so thankful for the opportunity and for all the hard work from all the leaders.”

 

We also spoke with Erin Whyte, Lead for Squirrels to see why Squirrels are so important in Scouting:

“Squirrels is such a special place for our youngest members. It’s amazing to see their confidence grow as they explore, make friends, and try new activities every week. From earning badges to going on adventures they might not experience anywhere else, Squirrels gives young people a fun, supportive place to learn and grow. I’d encourage any family thinking about joining to give it a go because there’s so much fun to be had and so many memories waiting to be made.”

Looking Ahead: More Adventures to Come 

Squirrel Appreciation Day is just one moment in a year packed full of opportunities. 

An exciting event coming up for Squirrels is the Challenge Award Activity Event Days at Fordell Firs in July, offering even more chances to explore, learn, and grow together. Find out more and book here!

We also have the return of our Squirrel Scramble at Fordell Firs! We will be having two scrambles on the 15th and 16th of August.

As we celebrate Squirrel Appreciation Day on 21 January, it’s a wonderful reminder of how much fun, confidence, and friendship Squirrels gain through Scouts. Whether it’s imagination games, outdoor adventures, or proudly earning badges, Squirrels truly are something to appreciate, today and every day. 🐿️✨