District Camp 2026- Important update

 At the District Camp planning meeting last week, we analysed the information received from groups about the proposed district camp in May 2026  and after a major re-think, we have now updated our plans for 2026 and 2027

The objectives that drove our revised plans are as follows

• For all Groups, and all sections, in the District to join the District Camp
• To celebrate the 120th year of Scouting in 2027
• To celebrate the birthdays for Squirrels – 5, Beavers – 40 and Cubs – 110 with special events in 2026
• To remove the clash in 2026, and for future years, between M&C District Camp and Chamboree, alleviating pressure on leaders time, helping the spread of costs for families, and helping to manage the use of Group resources
• To provide an opportunity for M&C District to all Camp together in 2026, should they choose, especially thinking of Groups that are not attending Chamboree
• To provide a District camping plan that builds towards the opportunity for an International Camp in 2028
• To build cross District relationships and a sense of belonging.
• To take part in new and old activities, and build skills for life.
• For everyone in District to have fun.

We have therefore taken the following decisions

• To move District Camp from May 2026 to May 2027
• To keep the Squirrels & Beavers Fun Day for 4th July, but to include their 5th & 40th birthday celebrations within the event
• To run a special Cubs 110 years Birthday event, date to be confirmed, but probably in the final quarter of 2026
• To hold a Joti camp in October 2026

The District Camp planning team would like to thank you for the feedback, as this really informed our decision making, and has enabled us to consider all of your concerns, and to make plans for an even bigger and better Horrible Histories themed Macclesfield and Congleton District Camp in 2027.

Please add the dates of 14th to 16th May 2027 for the District Camp in your Group’s calendars, including Saturday 15th May 2027 for your Beaver and Squirrel sections to attend for the day.

Joti Camp in 2026 will be run from 16th – 18th October, registration details will be sent out once the Joti planning team is formed and agrees the plan.

The District Camp planning team are excited to continue our planning activities, and will be meeting throughout 2026 to build on our initial thoughts, and to continue to build on the Horrible Histories theme for you to share across your sections, to build excitement throughout 2026, for what promises to be the biggest and best District Camp that Macclesfield and Congleton District has ever held.

The plan is to keep with the theme of Horrible Histories, and to run this alongside the 120th Birthday of Scouting celebrations. The camp will be delivered across three mixed activity zones, each including  9+ varied adventurous, creative, scouting skills and health & wellbeing type activities, with more external provision than in previous years, but please note that leaders from Groups will be asked to help supervise some of the activities. The more Groups that attend, the bigger and better the activities can be.

We will communicate again in the New Year with any revised views on costs for the 2027 District Camp, and as in previous years Groups will maintain responsibility for their own catering related costs.

Please note that the District Cub team will run Senior Cub camp as normal in 2026, but we are we are very aware that it will be a special birthday year, with Squirrels now 5, Beavers 40, and Cubs 110. On the 4th July fun day already in the plan, District will now run a joint Squirrel and Beaver fun day with the 5 and 40 birthday celebrations being a key part of the day. There will also be a separate Cubs fun day, to celebrate their 110th birthday, later in the year – details to follow.

Running the Joti camp for what will be a second consecutive year in 2026, provides us with the opportunity to get the major District camp cycles back in sync with Chamboree, and with moving District Camp back to 2027, it also provides the opportunity for the whole District to camp together in 2026, and particularly those Groups that do not have any plans to attend Chamboree. This then also works for all years going forward.

We will be preparing and sharing dedicated communications on each of the specific events in the New Year, and very much look forward to working with every Group in District to help achieve the objectives set out for District Camp 2027, and with your support to making the biggest and best camp District has ever run