With the ‘Squirrels’ of ScoutsCymru turning five - one young member from Carmarthenshire had something to sing about as she and fellow youngsters met Star Wars and Harry Potter star Warwick Davis during recent birthday celebrations.
Squirrels celebrated their fifth birthday across the UK on September 25 - after the section was officially launched in 2021.
The birthday celebrations also attracted some star power, with actor and Scout Ambassador Warwick joining Squirrels, where he spoke about the importance of giving children opportunities to spend time together, away from screens, getting outdoors and learning through doing.
A former Cub Scout himself, Warwick praised Scouts for helping children interact face-to-face, make friends and develop practical skills – many of the same experiences celebrated through the new Welsh songbook.
Representing Wales at the celebrations was Chloe, a Squirrel from 5th Carmarthen, who joined in the birthday activities and got to experience the celebrations first-hand. And while there was plenty happening throughout the day, Chloe had her own verdict on the day, remarking: “The best part was the cake!”
ScoutsCymru are celebrating with something very special for the youngest Scouts in Wales. For the first time, they’re launching Llyfr Caneuon y Squirrels – The Squirrels Songbook in Welsh, featuring 11 songs for Squirrels to sing, move and have fun to together.
From Squirrels yn Wiglo and Squirrels Bychan to Gwna dy Orau Glas, Y Gân Neidio and Cân Diolch, the songs capture everything that makes being a Squirrel so much fun – making friends, helping others, belonging, playing, exploring and, eventually, moving on to the next adventure with Beavers.
But this project has been about much more than simply translating English words into Welsh. The original words and music were written by Chris James, with Branwen Gwyn creating the new Welsh-language adaptation.
Branwen, an accomplished musician herself, has carefully reworked the songs so that the Welsh is natural, contemporary and age appropriate for Squirrels aged four to six – using language that young children can understand, say and, most importantly, enjoy singing.
Molly Reed, Programme Team Member - Squirrels said: “Singing is such a fun way for Squirrels to learn, join in and feel part of their Drey, so it’s brilliant that we now have these songs in Welsh in language that has been specially adapted for their age.
“We want every Squirrel in Wales to feel that Welsh is something they can enjoy and have fun with, whether they speak it every day or are just beginning to learn. I can’t wait to hear Dreys across Wales singing them – and what better way to celebrate Squirrels turning five!”
Now Squirrels in Wales have 11 more reasons to get singing in Welsh.
ScoutsCymru hope the songbook will bring plenty of fun, music and confidence to Dreys across Wales – whether Welsh is the language the Squirrels use every day or they are just beginning to discover it.
They are encouraging Dreys across Wales to download the songbook and give it a go at: scoutscymru.org.uk
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