Scouting America is testing a program designed specifically for its youngest future members: Chipmunks.
Aimed at children ages 4 and 5, Chipmunks will expand Scouting’s reach and introduce families to the movement earlier while focusing on age-appropriate development, play and connection. Ryan Moon, Scouting America’s director of new programs, says the concept builds on successful models from international Scouting organizations.
UK Scouts, for example, has experienced significant growth with its Squirrels program for 4-to 6-year-olds, now numbering more than 700 groups and 11,000 participants. Squirrels has become UK Scouts’ fastest-growing program and boasts the highest retention. Last fall, Scouts Canada launched its own Chipmunks pilot.
“Now a lot of people are wondering what the difference is between Chipmunks and Cub Scouting,” Moon says. “Is this just going to be another den that we’re going to add to the pack? No. There are some big differences.”
Chipmunk groups, known as “Scurries,” meet weekly in what Moon describes as a playdate-style format.
These gatherings are intentionally simple, creating a welcoming environment for both children and parents who may be new to Scouting. Meetings are led by parents serving as Scurry Coordinators, with support from a district- or council-level volunteer called a Chipmunk Ranger. This structure reinforces family involvement while keeping the program accessible and easy to implement.
The curriculum centers on storytelling, creativity and foundational skills that help children prepare for kindergarten. Unlike Cub Scouting, there are no ranks, badges or formal advancement requirements. Instead, participants engage with a sticker-based recognition system, collecting stickers in a book as they complete activities and participate in weekly themes.
A simple uniform element — a neckerchief and slide — adds a sense of identity.
A feature of the Chipmunks program is its cast of “forest friends,” a group of eight animal characters that guide the experience. These characters, including Sebastian the Skunk, Dawn the Deer and Cyrus the Squirrel, each represent a different program theme, such as friendship, creativity, music and movement. Through storytelling, puppets and interactive activities, these characters help bring lessons to life in a way that resonates with young children.
Moon says this approach reflects what early childhood educators have long recognized: that imaginative play and narrative-based learning are powerful tools for engagement and development at this age.
Another key difference is the program’s intentionally limited scope. Chipmunk participants do not attend district or council events, allowing families to focus on local, manageable gatherings. This simplicity reduces the time commitment and helps ease families into Scouting at their own pace. The program is designed to be a gentle introduction rather than a full immersion, making it especially appealing to families who might be exploring Scouting for the first time.
The rollout of Chipmunks has begun with a testing phase in seven councils: Bay-Lakes, Circle Ten, Gateway, Great Smoky Mountain, Patriots’ Path, Twin Rivers and Western Massachusetts. The first Chipmunks were registered in April.
Feedback from these test programs will play a critical role in refining the curriculum, structure and delivery model before broader expansion, Moon says.
“We think this could reach a new generation of families who want meaningful social and educational programs for their young children,” Moon says. “It’s simple onboarding and a great way to introduce families to Scouting and prepare them for school.”
