County Down

Are you considering enrolling your Young Person in Scouts, or perhaps you’re thinking about volunteering yourself? One of our Scout Districts should be your first point of contact – read on to find out about our Districts, and how you can get in touch.

Scouting in County Down provides Skills for Life and adventurous activities to 2,600 members across its three districts of North Down, South Down, and Strangford.

Through 35 different Scout Groups and numerous Explorer Scout Units, Scouting in County Down provides a vibrant and balanced programme of personal development, exciting adventure, and life-shaping experiences.

You can keep up to date with everything going on in County Down by following us on Facebook.

The County Team

With the assistance of the County Executive, Scouting in County Down is overseen by the County Commissioner – Rodney Watson:  downcc@scoutsni.org

Rodney is assisted by a team of Assistant County Commissioners and our Youth Commissioner:

The County Team is here to help, so you’re encouraged to make contact with the relevant team member if you’d like support within their respective areas.

Our Districts

No matter where you live in County Down, there will be a Scouting provision near you within one of our three Districts:

North Down

North Down District covers the areas of Bangor and Holywood, and is overseen by its District Commissioner, Pamela Dunseath.

Within North Down District is the North Down Scout Centre, at 6 Balloo Avenue in Bangor. This multipurpose facility is available for use, and enquiries can be made through the District Secretary’s email provided below.

Key District contacts in North Down are:

South Down

South Down District covers the areas of Dromore, Banbridge, Newry and Magherally, Gilford, Rathfriland and Poyntzpass, and is currently overseen by the County Commissioner.

Key District contacts in South Down are:

Strangford

Strangford District covers the areas of Donaghadee, Newtownards, Comber, Monereagh, Kircubbin, Portavogie, Inch, Ballynahinch, Saintfield, Newcastle and Moneyreagh, and is overseen by its District Commissioner, Danielle Markwell.

Key District contacts in Strangford are:

Put your phone down and what are you left with? Just teamwork, courage and the skills to succeed.’
Bear Grylls, Chief Scout Bear Grylls