Scouting in Congleton has made an exciting comeback after a two-year break.

The great English tradition, hampered the coronavirus pandemic, welcomed the return of an action-packed camp and activity weekend at Barnswood Campsite on Leek Old Road, Macclesfield.

The busy Macclesfield and Congleton District 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

 the benefits that scouting has to offer. 

Adventurous youngsters in Congleton share their scouting group with those from Macclesfield. The group have a premesis on 32 West Bond Street, Macclesfield.

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. 

Macclesfield's MP, David Rutley, visited to give his thanks to the organisers and see the wide range of 

activities on offer. 

Mike Brown, District Commissioner for Macclesfield and Congleton Scouts explained to the guests of honour, 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, but will be a message that will continue in the future.

The event was made possible thanks to the time and dedication of close to 100 adult volunteers from the Macclesfield and Congleton area. 

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. 

Those who want to get involved can contact the Macclesfield & Congleton District Scout by calling 01625 423338.

The need for more adult volunteers become more acute as we emerge from the 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 Congleton residents who are interested in learning more about volunteering opportunities them can also contact Mr Brown at [email protected].

Conservative MP David Rutley added: "This was a much anticipated event."

"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." 

Macclesfield and Congleton District Scouts covers 21 groups, and has a membership of 1,589 people.

The non-profit is entirely ran by volunteers. Find more about them here.

Fiona Bruce MP did not attend, but is a 'keen supporter' of the Scouts. (Image - CC 3.0 Unchanged Richard Townshend bit.ly/3ytAafI)

Congleton's MP - Fiona Bruce - did not attend. But she did visit a scouting group elsewhere in the Congleton constituency.

"I have attended similar gatherings in previous years", she said.

"And whilst it was not possible for me to do [attend Congleton's] so this year, I am highly supportive of Brownies, Guides and Scouts.

"Indeed only last week on May 5, I spent a full and enjoyable evening with the Guides at Alsager in my constituency, talking to them about my role as a Member of Parliament and listening to their views on a range of topics."

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