Greater Manchester West Scouts

Cardboard Canoe 2026
2026-06-20 | Trafford Water Sport Centre, Rifle Road, Sale, Greater Manchester, M33 2LX, United Kingdom
The Scout & Explorer Cardboard Canoe Challenge returns for 2026!
Join us on Saturday 20 June 2026 at Trafford Waterpark (Sale Water Park) for a brilliant day of creativity, teamwork and laughter. Scouts and Explorers are invited to design and build their very own cardboard canoes before taking to the water to race against the clock. Whether you’re aiming for speed or style, there’s plenty to compete for, with awards for fastest time and most creative design. Entry is £20 per canoe, payable to Greater Manchester West – so gather your team, grab the cardboard, and get ready for a fun-filled challenge!

To register your team, please click here.
Entry and payment must be made by Friday 5th June 2026.

Beaver and Cub Adventure Challenge Badge Day
2026-05-16 | TBC
More information to follow.

Volunteer Learning Opportunities
2026-05-08 - 2026-05-10 | Bispham Hall Scout Estate, Crank Road, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN5 7DT, United Kingdom
We have a wide range of learning opportunities, please select below.
People are welcome to stay over but do not need to. Only people staying over will be catered for.
If you are only here for the day please bring a packed lunch with you and a reusable hot drinks cup and water bottle. We will provide tea, coffee and biscuits throughout the day and there is plenty of water on tap.
Limited spaces available. Please book your space now to avoid missing out.
FAQs

Not sure if you need to complete this learning? This learning needs to be completed by all Section Team volunteers, Group Lead Volunteers, and 14-24 Team Leaders. For more information about First Response and other Growing Roots learning for your role, please click here.
Does this learning need to be renewed? Yes, if your role requires the learning you must complete the course every three years.

Online Inclusion Support Workshop - Positive Behaviour Strategies
2026-03-30 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Microsoft Teams
This online 90 minute workshop is aimed to support volunteers with positive behaviour strategies.
The workshop will look at some of the strategies, resources to promote positive behaviour support with your sections.
Click here to reigster for this workshop.

Group Lead Volunteer Support Day - POSTPONED
2026-03-28 | TBC
This event has been postponed until further notice.

Online Inclusion Support Workshop - Sensory Needs
2026-02-25 19:00 - 20:30 | Microsoft Teams
This online 90 minute workshop is aimed to support volunteers in creating an inclusive environment for young people with sensory needs.
This workshop will look at the 8 senses, how this might impact on scouting activities, some reasonable adjustments that can be made.
Click here to register for this workshop.

Celebrate 2026 - Volunteers and King's Scouts
2026-01-17
This event is to recognise adult volunteers from across Greater Manchester West who’ve been recongised for thier service with a Silver Acorn, Bar to the Silver Acorn or Silver Wolf. We also take this opportunity to recognise adult volunteers who been awarded National Honours.
We are also recognising young people who’ve achieved their King’s Scout Award, the highest award a youth member can achieve in Scouts.
By invitation only – more details to follow.

Achieve 2026 - Young People
2026-01-17
We’re excited to launch our new-format event, ‘Achieve’, celebrating young people from across Greater Manchester West who’ve earned the Top Award in their section from 1st May 2023 to 31st October 2025,
Top Awards include: Chief Scout Acorn, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond Award, Young Leader Award, Explorer Belt and Scouts of the World Award
📅 Date: Saturday 17th January 2026
📍 Venue: CorpAcq Stadium
Each young person will be invited to attend with a parent or carer. Please note that Section Teams are not required to attend.
The invite certificate with the registration link will be sent to Section Team Leaders and Members in the November 2025 Member Update.
It’s the parent/carer’s responsibility to register their child for the event.
Every young person attending will receive a certificate of achievement and a commemorative woggle, presented by one of our special guests.
🗓️ Registration closes on Sunday 30th November 2025 at 8pm.

Online Inclusion Support Workshop – Christmas Survival
2025-12-04 19:00 - 19:30 | Microsoft Teams
This online 30 minute workshop is aimed to support volunteers in creating an inclusive environment for young people at Christmas time.
This workshop will cover some issues that may impact on children and young people, some considerations for Christmas activities.
Click here to register for this workshop.

Online Inclusion Support Workshop - ADHD and Executive Functioning
2025-11-04 19:00 - 20:30 | Microsoft Teams
This online 90 minute workshop is aimed to support volunteers in creating an inclusive environment for young people with ADHD and executive functioning.
This workshop will cover the key elements of the condition, impact of executive functioning skills and how this might impact on their inclusion in scouting.
Click here to register for this workshop.

First Response
2025-09-28 09:30 - 16:30, 2025-09-27 09:30 - 16:30 | Bispham Hall Scout Estate, Crank Road, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN5 7DT, United Kingdom
This learning opportunity is The Scouts First Response course which covers all the required content to validate your First Response module in My Learning.
The course runs from 9.30am to 4.30pm and will include a mixture of practical activities and discussion. We will provide the resources and equipment required to complete this learning opportunity. We will also validate your module on My Learning after completion.
Please bring a packed lunch with you and a reusable hot drinks cup and water bottle. We will provide tea, coffee and biscuits throughout the day and there is plenty of water on tap.
There are limited spaces available on this First Response course. Please book your space now to avoid missing out.
FAQs

Not sure if you need to complete this learning? This learning needs to be completed by all Section Team volunteers, Group Lead Volunteers, and 14-24 Team Leaders. For more information about First Response and other Growing Roots learning for your role, please click here.
Does this learning need to be renewed? Yes, if your role requires the learning you must complete the course every three years.

Woodbage Learning - Modules 8, 9 and 13
2025-09-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Bispham Hall Scout Estate, Crank Road, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN5 7DT, United Kingdom
This learning opportunity is for volunteers who are working towards their optional Woodbadge and this opportunity provides you with knowledge required for Module 8 Skills of Leadership, Module 9 Working with Adults, and Module 13 Growing the Section.
The course runs from 10.00am to 1.00pm and will include a mixture of practical activities and discussion. We will provide the resources and equipment required to complete this learning opportunity. You will need to validate this learning following the course with your Learning Assessor, if you are unsure who this is, please contact your District Lead Volunteer or Volunteering Development Team Leader.
Please bring with you a reusable hot drinks cup and water bottle. We will provide tea, coffee and biscuits throughout the day and there is plenty of water on tap.
There are limited spaces available on this learning opportunity. Please book your space now to avoid missing out.

Skills for Residential Experiences - Campsite (Nights Away Course)
2025-09-27 09:30 - 2025-09-28 16:30 | Bispham Hall Scout Estate, Crank Road, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN5 7DT, United Kingdom
This learning opportunity gives volunteers the knowledge they need to go away and complete their Nights Away Permit. The course covers the administration related to nights away and the practical elements of running a nights away experience. This course is perfect for those wanting to undertake their Campsite Nights Away Permit, or someone wanting to do an Indoor Nights Away Permit but brush up on some practical skills too.
The course runs from 9.30am to 4.30pm on both days. We will provide the resources and equipment required to complete this learning opportunity. There is the option to stay over, please find below more information about accommodation or you can travel both days from home.
Please bring a packed lunch with you and a reusable hot drinks cup and water bottle. We will provide tea, coffee and biscuits throughout the day and there is plenty of water on tap. A large amount of the course will be outdoors, so please dress appropriately.
There are limited spaces available on this workshop. Please book your space now to avoid missing out.
Here are some useful links relating to this learning opportunity:

The Nights Away Permit Scheme

For volunteers completing learning over both days during this weekend, accommodation is available (indoor or camping, depending on availability). We can provide you with an evening meal on the Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on the Sunday if you are staying over. Please bring a packed lunch for the Saturday. If you would like accommodation/catering, please contact us after you have booked your space on the workshop by emailing, county.office@gmwscouts.org.uk. Please include in the email, your full name and any dietary requirements.

Skills for Residential Experiences - Indoor (Nights Away Course)
2025-09-27 09:30 - 16:30 | Bispham Hall Scout Estate, Crank Road, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN5 7DT, United Kingdom
This learning opportunity gives volunteers the knowledge they need to go away and complete their Nights Away Permit. This part of the course covers the administration related to nights away, and therefore is perfect for those wanting to do an Indoor Permit. If you are also looking to learn some practical skills, please take a look at our two-day Outdoor course.
The course runs from 9.30am to 4.30pm. We will provide the resources and equipment required to complete this learning opportunity.
Please bring a packed lunch with you and a reusable hot drinks cup and water bottle. We will provide tea, coffee and biscuits throughout the day and there is plenty of water on tap. Some of the course will be outdoors, so please dress appropriately.
There are limited spaces available on this workshop. Please book your space now to avoid missing out.
Here are some useful links relating to this learning opportunity:

The Nights Away Permit Scheme

For volunteers completing learning over both days during this weekend, accommodation is available (indoor or camping, depending on availability). We can provide you with an evening meal on the Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on the Sunday if you are staying over. Please bring a packed lunch for the Saturday. If you would like accommodation/catering, please contact us after you have booked your space on the workshop by emailing, county.office@gmwscouts.org.uk. Please include in the email, your full name and any dietary requirements.

County AGM
2025-09-24 19:30 - 21:30 | Trafford MV RFCC, Finney Bank Road, Sale, Greater Manchester, M33 6LR, United Kingdom
Graham Barrick, County Chair, cordially invites you to attend the Annual General Meeting of Greater Manchester West County Scout Council
On Wednesday 24th September 2025
Arrival from 7.00pm for prompt 7.30pm start
At Trafford MV RFCC, Finny Bank Rd, Sale, M33 6LR
RSVP by Wednesday 17th September 2025 by completing this form.
If you wish to send your apologies or have any questions relating to the Annual Report and Accounts, please email county.office@gmwscouts.org.uk by no later than Wednesday 17th September 2025.

Online Inclusion Support Workshop - Neurodiversity
2025-09-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Microsoft Teams
This online 90 minute workshop is aimed to support volunteers in creating an inclusive environment for young people with Neurodiversity (e.g. Autism, ADHD).
The workshop will include top tips for making some reasonable adjustments to your programme which could really help.
Click here to reigster for this workshop.

BST Adventure 2025
2025-09-20 | Rivington Barn, Hall Lane, Bolton, Greater Manchester, BL6 7SB, United Kingdom
BST Adventure is back! This is our County Hiking Competition for Scouts and Explorers, with a new addition in recent years to include a themed adventure for Cubs too.
For more information about this event and to register your team, please click here.

Practical Activities to promote Positive Behaviour
2025-06-29 13:30 - 15:30 | Dunham Park Scout Camp, Farm Walk, Altrincham, Greater Manchester, WA14 4SP, United Kingdom
This workshop gives volunteers the opportunity to learn how to deploy some very quick and low-plan activities to support you, your young people and their programme. Start a tool kit of engaging ideas to use in a day-to-day basis with your own section. Suited to both indoors and outdoors. Leave with positive behaviour management ideas too.

The course runs from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. We will provide the resources and equipment required to complete this learning opportunity.
Please bring a packed lunch with you and a reusable hot drinks cup and water bottle. We will provide tea, coffee and biscuits throughout the day and there is plenty of water on tap.
There are limited spaces available on this workshop. Please book your space now to avoid missing out.
For volunteers completing learning over both days during this weekend, camping is available. We can provide you with an evening meal on the Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on the Sunday if you are staying over. Please bring a packed lunch for the Saturday. If you would like accommodation/catering, please contact us after you have booked your space on the workshop by emailing, county.office@gmwscouts.org.uk. Please include in the email, your full name and any dietary requirements.

First Response
2025-06-29 09:30 - 16:30, 2025-06-28 09:30 - 16:30 | Dunham Park Scout Camp, Farm Walk, Altrincham, Greater Manchester, WA14 4SP, United Kingdom

Practical Skills Workshop - Knife, Axe and Saw
2025-06-29 09:30 - 12:30 | Dunham Park Scout Camp, Farm Walk, Altrincham, Greater Manchester, WA14 4SP, United Kingdom
This workshop gives volunteers the opportunity to learn how to confidently and safely teach young people skills with knives, axes and saws. Make a gadget to take away and demonstrate your skills.
The course runs from 9.30am to 12.30pm. We will provide the resources and equipment required to complete this learning opportunity.
Please bring a packed lunch with you and a reusable hot drinks cup and water bottle. We will provide tea, coffee and biscuits throughout the day and there is plenty of water on tap.
There are limited spaces available on this workshop. Please book your space now to avoid missing out.
For volunteers completing learning over both days during this weekend, camping is available. We can provide you with an evening meal on the Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on the Sunday if you are staying over. Please bring a packed lunch for the Saturday. If you would like accommodation/catering, please contact us after you have booked your space on the workshop by emailing, county.office@gmwscouts.org.uk. Please include in the email, your full name and any dietary requirements.

Practical Skills Workshop - Knots and Ropework
2025-06-28 14:00 - 16:30 | Dunham Park Scout Camp, Farm Walk, Altrincham, Greater Manchester, WA14 4SP, United Kingdom
Accommodation (Optional)This workshop gives volunteers the opportunity to learn a variety of simple and useful knots that not only you can use but also teach your young people how to use. Make a woggle to demonstrate your skills and enjoy some pioneering skills too.

The course runs from 2.00pm to 4.30pm. We will provide the resources and equipment required to complete this learning opportunity.
Please bring a packed lunch with you and a reusable hot drinks cup and water bottle. We will provide tea, coffee and biscuits throughout the day and there is plenty of water on tap.
There are limited spaces available on this workshop. Please book your space now to avoid missing out.
For volunteers completing learning over both days during this weekend, camping is available. We can provide you with an evening meal on the Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on the Sunday if you are staying over. Please bring a packed lunch for the Saturday. If you would like accommodation/catering, please contact us after you have booked your space on the workshop by emailing, county.office@gmwscouts.org.uk. Please include in the email, your full name and any dietary requirements.

Practical Skills Workshop - Backwoods Cooking
2025-06-28 13:30 - 16:30 | Dunham Park Scout Camp, Farm Walk, Altrincham, Greater Manchester, WA14 4SP, United Kingdom
This workshop gives volunteers the opportunity to learn a variety of different recipes to easily engage and progress your young people. Learn the skills to cook on an open fire using only nature’s resources as well as more tradition methods using tin foil and forks.
The course runs from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. We will provide the resources and equipment required to complete this learning opportunity.
Please bring a packed lunch with you and a reusable hot drinks cup and water bottle. We will provide tea, coffee and biscuits throughout the day and there is plenty of water on tap.
There are limited spaces available on this workshop. Please book your space now to avoid missing out.
For volunteers completing learning over both days during this weekend, camping is available. We can provide you with an evening meal on the Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on the Sunday if you are staying over. Please bring a packed lunch for the Saturday. If you would like accommodation/catering, please contact us after you have booked your space on the workshop by emailing, county.office@gmwscouts.org.uk. Please include in the email, your full name and any dietary requirements.

Practical Skills Workshop - Firelighting
2025-06-28 09:30 - 12:30 | Dunham Park Scout Camp, Farm Walk, Altrincham, Greater Manchester, WA14 4SP, United Kingdom
This workshop gives volunteers the opportunity to learn a variety different methods to light fires, how to fuel them, where to find and access your resources. Learning how to teach your young people to light and manage their own fires in a variety of different settings.
The course runs from 9.30am to 12.30pm. We will provide the resources and equipment required to complete this learning opportunity.
Please bring a packed lunch with you and a reusable hot drinks cup and water bottle. We will provide tea, coffee and biscuits throughout the day and there is plenty of water on tap.
There are limited spaces available on this workshop. Please book your space now to avoid missing out.
For volunteers completing learning over both days during this weekend, camping is available. We can provide you with an evening meal on the Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on the Sunday if you are staying over. Please bring a packed lunch for the Saturday. If you would like accommodation/catering, please contact us after you have booked your space on the workshop by emailing, county.office@gmwscouts.org.uk. Please include in the email, your full name and any dietary requirements.

Online Learning Drop In
2025-06-27 19:30 - 21:30 | Dunham Park Scout Camp, Farm Walk, Altrincham, Greater Manchester, WA14 4SP, United Kingdom
We understand not everyone is able to access online learning and the new membership system in the same way. This drop in provides volunteers with the opportunity to drop in and be supported to complete their learning with a member of the Volunteering Development Team.
There is no need to register, please drop in with your laptop or tablet and we can support you with your learning. If you don’t have access to a laptop or tablet, please get in touch by emailing, county.office@gmwscouts.org.uk and we will look to have a device available for you to complete your learning with our support.

Goodwood Weekender 2025
2025-05-02 18:00 - 2025-05-05 13:00
Goodwood Weekender is an annual three night activity camp for Explorers this year held over the early May bank holiday weekend Friday 2nd to Monday 5th May 2025. Tickets are only £45 for the full weekend. (Leaders only pay £20). There’s even full catering available on site at the reasonably priced Goodwood Grill, so you won’t even need to cook!
We also welcome Scouts on Saturday 3rd May to take part in activities and fun on a day pass. The day pass is priced at £19.
For more info and bookings please click here.
