Ages 4-5
Weekly Scurries
Parent Involvement
Play • Learn • Grow
What are Chipmunks?
Chipmunks is Scouting America’s new program designed especially for children ages 4 and 5. It gives young children and their families a fun, welcoming introduction to Scouting through play, stories, creativity, friendship, and age-appropriate adventures.
Chipmunks gather in small groups called Scurries for simple, playdate-style meetings where children learn and explore alongside their families. Activities are guided by a cast of friendly woodland characters who introduce themes such as friendship, creativity, music, movement, and personal growth.
Unlike Cub Scouts, Chipmunks does not use ranks, badges, or traditional advancement. Instead, children receive stickers and recognition for participating, trying new things, and growing along the way. The program is intentionally simple, family-focused, and designed to help young children develop confidence, social skills, curiosity, and foundational skills that can help prepare them for kindergarten—and eventually for their next Scouting adventure.
In short: Chipmunks is where a child’s Scouting adventure can begin—through play, discovery, friendship, and fun.
What Happens at a Scurry?
A Scurry is a Chipmunks gathering designed to feel more like an exciting playdate than a traditional meeting. Children and their families come together for a short, fun, and engaging experience built around play, exploration, creativity, movement, and friendship.
Each Scurry features simple, age-appropriate activities inspired by the Chipmunks characters and their adventures. Children might hear a story, make something creative, play a game, sing or move to music, explore the outdoors, or try a new skill. Activities are designed to keep young children active and involved while encouraging curiosity, confidence, cooperation, and learning.
Parents and caregivers participate alongside their Chipmunk, making every Scurry a shared family experience.
There are no tests, complicated requirements, or pressure to perform. Chipmunks learn by doing, playing, trying, and having fun together.
What Chipmunks Is - and Isn't
Chipmunks is a fun, family-centered introduction to Scouting created especially for young children. It uses play, stories, games, creativity, movement, and exploration to help children build confidence, friendships, curiosity, and important early-life skills—all while spending meaningful time with a parent or caregiver.
Chipmunks isn’t simply a younger version of Cub Scouts. There are no ranks to complete, traditional advancement requirements, or pressure to master Scout skills. Activities are intentionally designed around the developmental needs and attention spans of 4- and 5-year-olds.
Most importantly, Chipmunks isn’t about preparing children to “perform.” It’s about giving them a place to belong, explore, try new things, and have fun with their families.
Think of Chipmunks as Scouting’s front porch—a welcoming place for families to experience the friendship, adventure, and values of Scouting before taking their next step into Cub Scouts.
FAQs
What ages can participate in Chipmunks?
Chipmunks is designed for children ages 4 and 5, providing an age-appropriate introduction to the fun and adventure of Scouting.
What is the cost to join Chipmunks?
The Chipmunks Program uses a modified membership model designed for year-round, flexible participation. There is a one-time $50 joining fee that is required at the time of enrollment. There will be a $10 monthly subscription fee, that is paid as part of program participation. The Chipmunks program concludes at the end of July, when youth either age out or begins kindergarten, at which point they can join Cub Scouting. Youth who join the Chipmunks program at age 4 may remain in the program for a second program year, as long as they have not yet entered kindergarten.
Does my child need to be in kindergarten?
No. Chipmunks is designed to introduce children to Scouting before they begin Cub Scouts.
What is a Scurry?
A Scurry is a local group of Chipmunks and their families. Scurries gather for short, playdate-style experiences featuring stories, games, creativity, movement, exploration, and fun.
Do parents or caregivers participate?
Yes! Chipmunks is a family-centered program, and a parent or caregiver participates alongside their child.
Do Chipmunks earn badges or ranks?
No. Chipmunks does not use traditional ranks or advancement. The focus is on participation, discovery, growth, and having fun together.
Does my child need a uniform?
Chipmunks has its own program identity and apparel. Your local Scurry will provide information about what your child should wear and anything they may need to participate.
Can my child eventually become a Cub Scout?
Absolutely! Chipmunks provides a great introduction to Scouting. When children become eligible for Cub Scouts, families can choose to continue their Scouting adventure with a local Cub Scout Pack.
How do I find my local Scurry?
Because Chipmunks is a brand-new program, Scurries are being formed throughout the council. Simply contact our Council Chipmunk Advisor Adam Riedel, and we’ll help you find the closest Scurry—or let you know when one is forming near you. No Scurry nearby yet? Let us know you’re interested! Your family’s interest may help us identify the next community where a new Scurry should be started.
What if I want to cancel my subscription?
You may cancel your Chipmunks subscription at any time before the next billing cycle. Contact your local Chipmunks Ranger for more details.
