Local Scouting Bounces Back

Scouting in Macclesfield and Congleton District made an exciting step forward after a two-year break necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic, with the return of an action-packed camp and activity weekend at Barnswood Campsite over the Early May Bank Holiday

Local MP, David Rutley, visited to give his thanks to the organisers and see the wide range of activities on offer.

The busy event was attended by over 350 Scouts, Cubs and Beavers from among the nearly 1,200 members across an area including: Macclesfield, Congleton, Gawsworth, Rainow, Bollington and Poynton. As the first camp following the pandemic, this was the earliest opportunity that many of the young people present had to experience all that scouting has to offer. As well as traditional scout skills and camping events, those attending had the chance to try their hand at rock climbing and an extensive range of other outdoor activities.

Alongside the Mayor of Macclesfield, Cllr David Edwardes, David was shown around the campsite by Mike Brown, District Commissioner for Macclesfield and Congleton Scouts. Mr Brown explained that an important theme for the weekend was to help the young people attending to appreciate the need to protect the environment and improve awareness of how we can all play our part in tackling climate change. This will support the wider scouting movement’s “Promise to the Planet”, which is running throughout 2022.

The event was made possible thanks to the time and dedication of nearly 100 adult volunteers. This turnout was a great achievement, but Mr Brown emphasised the continued need for more adult volunteers to help maintain the scouting programme in the local area and support more young people to get involved in the movement. This need has only become more acute as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.  Mr Brown said, “It’s a fantastic team to be a part of, and a great way of building skills in teamwork and management, as well as a great way to meet like-minded people to make a difference to young people”.

Any local residents who are interested in learning more about volunteering opportunities near them can contact Mr Brown at:

mike.brown@cheshirescouts.org.uk

Speaking after his visit, David said, “This was a much anticipated event, and it was clear from the high turnout that it lived up to expectations. Scouting has so much to offer, both for the young people who have the chance to make friends, gain confidence and learn key life skills, as well as for the adults who can share and develop their own abilities and make a difference in their community. I would encourage interested local residents to see how they can step forward and support this positive movement in our area.”

Pictured - David Rutley MP on the left, Cllr David Edwardes, Mayor of Macclesfield on the right and local scout leaders.