[2] Squirrels make a simple promise to suit members' young ages, wear neckerchiefs in group colours, have award badges, have short meetings with early finishing times and are taught moral lessons (The Scout Law) through games and stories.
It launched its pilot after competition from Girlguiding UK's Rainbow Guides which, since 1987, accepted members from age 5 (4 in Northern Ireland).
[11] The pilot programme was a way to increase participation and opportunities for volunteers and initially targeted black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities.
[13] The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom on wellbeing and development of young children, particularly in more deprived communities, influenced the decision to launch the programme.
[15] The choice of name was also influenced by the site of Robert Baden-Powell's 1907 Brownsea Island camp having a thriving colony of red squirrels.
[18][19] The Squirrels programme includes activities, games, exploring nature, visits and residential experiences with a focus on children "having outdoor adventures, making friends and learning".
][20] Children at a Squirrels launch event made "their own campfires using recyclable cups and tissue paper, a scout activity for small people.
Squirrels are attached to local Scout groups, led by a Squirrel leader often supplemented by basically trained assistants, and regular helpers, such as 14 – 18 year old Young Leaders if the Scout group has any available,[22] as well occasional volunteer helpers who may be parents assisting as part of a rota.
The programme aims to begin teaching participants ideals of the Scout Association through informal means such as games and stories.