Scouts Canada’s Early Years Pilot
Chipmunks is a new, story-based pilot program designed for children ages four to five, created to help Scouts Canada explore what meaningful Early Years Scouting can look like. Developed through thoughtful collaboration across our teams, this pilot offers a gentle and engaging first step into the world of Scouting. Chipmunks gives young children the chance to discover, create, and build early skills through hands-on activities that spark curiosity, confidence, and connection. While the program introduces foundations of Scouting, it also supports broader early childhood development in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.
Who Are Chipmunks?
Chipmunks are curious, creative and full of imagination. They love to explore with their friends, move their bodies, listen to stories, and discover new ways to play together. Children in this age group learn best through freedom, movement and connection, and Chipmunks embraces that energy by offering cultural games, short nature walks, crafts, songs and story-rich activities that meet them where they are. A Chipmunk Section is called a Scurry, and because the program is designed to be flexible and inclusive, each Scurry shapes its own rhythm based on the needs and interests of its young learners. With the motto “Having fun together,” Chipmunks celebrates joyful play, belonging and the shared adventures that help children feel confident and connected.
What Little Chipmunks Do!
Like all Scouts Canada programs, learning by doing is at the heart of the Chipmunks pilot. Children take part in a wide range of hands-on activities, both outdoors and indoors, that encourage exploration, creativity and early skill-building. Chipmunks enjoy short hikes, nature walks, simple outdoor adventures and opportunities to listen to, observe and connect with the natural world. They also dive into indoor activities such as crafts, building, painting and imaginative play. Cultural stories, games and creative projects introduce children to diverse traditions in fun, age-appropriate ways. Friendship and community are woven through every session, with an emphasis on making friends, helping one another and learning to care for their space together. Through all of this, Chipmunks learn, grow and discover their world with joy and confidence.
What types of adventures do Chipmunks do?
- Story Circles
- Nature walks
- Crafts
- Campfires
- Preparing simple snack and meals
- Cultural games and stories
- Exploring Local Places
For more information, check out the Scouts Canada Chipmunk FAQ.
Meeting: Thursday 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Location: Pleasant Park Public School 564 Pleasant Park Rd, Ottawa, ON K1H 5N1