Early Years Trial - Otters – Making a Splash Across Ireland!

Our Otters are off to a fantastic start, with nine Scout Groups across Ireland currently taking part in the first phase of the Early Years Trial! It has been wonderful to hear about the experiences of our youngest Scouts as they begin their Scouting adventures, make new friends and discover what it means to be part of their very own Otter Raft.

Play, Explore and Belong are at the heart of the Otters programme, and we are already seeing these three themes come to life in such meaningful ways.

Belonging is really shining through as children build friendships, develop connections with their fellow Otters and Scouters, and begin to feel that wonderful sense of being part of something special.

Play is bringing so much joy and learning to the groups. Our Scouters have been doing a fantastic job of adapting, extending and enhancing activities, responding to the children's interests and finding creative ways to make each meeting engaging, inclusive and fun.

Exploration is taking Otters on all sorts of adventures! From hikes and outdoor discoveries to campfires and s'mores, children are exploring the world around them, building confidence, trying new experiences and discovering Scouting in ways that are playful and meaningful to them.

One of the most encouraging aspects of the trial so far has been hearing about the different approaches our Scouters are taking, sharing their ideas and bringing the Otters programme to life in ways that reflect their own groups and the children within them.

A huge thank you to our nine trial groups and their dedicated Scouters for embracing this new adventure with such enthusiasm, creativity and care.

If you or your group is interested in joining the trial or team, you can find links to the Expression of Interest Forms below:

- Group Notice of Interest - Early Years Trial: Fill out form

- Join the Early Years Project Team: Expression of Interest Form