Scouting in Macclesfield and Congleton

Our District

We have 20 Scout Groups located throughout the District, 5 groups with Squirrel Drays (4-6 yrs), almost all having at least one Beaver Scout Colony (6-8 yrs), Cub Scout Pack (8-10.5 yrs), and Scout Troop (10.5-14 yrs).
We also have 7 Explorer Scout Units (14-18 yrs), a Local Scout Network (18-25 yrs) and one Active Support Units (18+ yrs). At the last count in January 2022 we had 1,190 Youth Members. Add to that 400 Leaders and other volunteers  – that’s total membership of nearly 1,600 people.

For details of all our Scout groups, including addresses and websites and a list of Explorer Units and where they are hosted, click on the button below.

Peaks and Plains and 63 Acres of Woodland to camp in

We are fortunate that the District is right on the edge of the Peak District National Park with excellent opportunities for walking, climbing, pot holing as well as weaselling for the younger age groups. We are also local to opportunities to explore the old copper mines at Alderley Edge as well as the wider Cheshire Plains – where the annual Cheshire Hike is competed over.

Local visitor attractions include Jodrell Bank, Lyme Park, Macclesfield Forest, Buxton as well as Manchester and all its attractions.

However, probably our greatest asset is the Barnswood District Campsite set in 63 acres of ancient woodland at Rushton Spencer, north of Leek. The site was gifted to the District in 1963 and consists of 18 separate campsites ranging in capacity from 20 campers to over 100. There are 3 buildings that are available for hire, all equipped with cooking and sleeping facilities.

District leadership

Leading Scouting in Macclesfield and Congleton is a District Lead Volunteer who is accountable to the District Board of Trustees and leads the District Core Team. Mike Brown was appointed District Lead Volunteer in 2022.

Supporting Mike is a team of District Volunteers who form the core team as well as other volunteers supporting the core team and groups.

The District Board of Trustees, comprising of elected, nominated and co-opted trustees and whose officers consist of the Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary, manage  the administrative affairs of the District which include finances, insurance and compliance to Charity Commission rules and guidance.

In summary, a sizeable team of dedicated volunteers providing professional services to support our Amazing Leaders.

Details of the District Team can be found here

5 Year Plan – #Skills for Life

As a District we have embarked on a new 5-year plan – 2018-2025, to align with the 5-year plan promoted across the UK.

By 2025 we will have prepared more young people with skills for life supported by amazing leaders delivering an inspiring programme. We will be growing, more inclusive, shaped by young people and making a bigger impact in our communities.

The 3 key elements of the District Strategy are:

1. Our License to Operate – that we all comply with the rules in POR with specific attention to three key areas;

• Safeguarding
• Safety
• Financial controls

2. Readiness for the future – we are prepared for growth and focus on;

• People – training, recruitment and retention
• Places – safe, well maintained and operated
• Plans – each Group has a Strategy and plan for the future

3. Relevant to todays’ young people – that we all act as role models for the young people in Scouting and show leadership in three key areas;

• Diversity and Inclusiveness
• Environmental Issues
• Social media