2026 marks the 5th birthday of Squirrels and the 40th birthday of Beavers with celebrations taking place up and down the country. Here in the High Peak, we don’t want to miss out, so we are celebrating with a birthday camp exclusive for Squirrels and Beavers! Tucked away at the breath-taking Gradbach Scout Camp, the Squirrels and Beavers will have the opportunity to complete a range of camp-craft and “outdoorsy” activities before spending the night outdoors under canvas.
Countdown to the Squirrel and Beaver Birthday Bash
Key Information
When – Saturday 4th July till Sunday 5th July 2026
Where – Gradbach Scout Camp
Cost – £15
This camp is open to Squirrels and Beavers from the High Peak District only.
Please be aware that this camp is not open to those wanting to visit for the day only.
Activities
The camp activities are all subject to change, but you should expect to find:
- Orienteering
- Fire-lighting
- Craft
- Leather stamping
- Campfire songs and stories
- Outdoor cooking
- and much more…
Sign Up
We only have 20 places for Squirrels and 40 places for Beavers on this camp, so we expect it will fill up quickly.
Bookings are now open via the website Ticket Source. Click on the button below for event tickets.
Please read the ‘Parent/Guardian Information’ document linked below. This has more information about the event and booking process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who will supervise my child?
We have an amazing team of leaders who will look after your child throughout the whole of the event. All adults have undergone enhanced background checks and have received the relevant safeguarding training. In addition, your child will be placed in a group with a designated leader who they can go to at all times. Each camping area will be supervised by a leader with a Nights Away permit.
The expected ratio of adults to children is 1:3.
What is the menu?
Saturday
Lunch
Your child will need to bring their own packed lunch. This must not contain nuts.
Tea
Pasta with a choice of sauces and garlic bread
Jelly
Sunday
Breakfast
A choice of cereals with a croissant or pain au chocolat
Throughout both Saturday and Sunday, your child will have access to fresh fruit as a snack.
If your child has any allergies or dietary requirements, please make sure these are detailed on the Health and Consent Form. Please do get in touch if you have any questions about this menu.
What activties are there?
There’ll be lots to keep your child busy over the course of the weekend. Activities will include:
- Leather stamping
- Gold panning
- Fire lighting
- Outdoor cooking
- Orienteering
- Crafts
- Campfire songs and stories
- Team games
A timetable will be published closer to the event.
Will my child be sharing a tent?
Yes. There will be 3 or 4 children in each tent, depending on its size. Your child will be able to choose who they wish to share a tent with. It might be useful to find out if they have any friends attending the camp who they could share with. Please note, Squirrels and Beavers will be on separate camping sites so will not be able to share tents.
Does my child need to be dry at night?
No. We know this can be a barrier for some children wanting to attend a camp, but there’s no need to worry. Everyone will be reminded to go to the toilet before bed and we’ll have spare sleeping bags and roll mats, just in case. Please let us know if your child wears a pull up at night so we can give them further support such as reminders and a more private place to change.
What support is available from leaders in the night?
Leaders will be on hand overnight to help your child with anything they need. Each camping area will have a designated leader in charge who holds a Nights Away permit.
Beavers
In the Beavers camping area, leader’s tents will be pointed out before bed time and will be easily identifiable by glow sticks or fairy lights. If your child needs anything in the night, they can wake any leader who will help them.
Squirrels
In the Squirrels camping area, a leader will be awake throughout the night to help your child should they need it.
What happens if my child gets ill or homesick?
The event will have a dedicated Camp First Aider who will deal with any illnesses or injuries.
If your child becomes homesick, we’ll start by comforting and reassuring them before phoning their emergency contact to decide the best course of action.
Are parents allowed to stay or sleep over?
Parents are more than welcome to come along and help at the camp, but must arrange this in advance. Please be aware that you may not be with your child during activities. Everyone staying on site must have a valid Scouts disclosure (DBS). If you do not have one but would like to come, get in touch and we can organise this for you. They are free and can be used in all areas of Scouting. You will not be able to sleep in the same tent as your child due to Scout regulations.
How can I keep up to date with information and ask any questions?
We’ve set up a private Facebook group for parents and carers of children attending the camp. To request access to the group, you’ll need to answer the joining questions. Information will also be sent by email from beavers@highpeakscouting.org.uk . Please make sure you have this address marked as trusted to avoid any emails entering your spam folder.
If you have any questions, you can speak to your section leader who will pass them on, or contact us using the link below.
