Big Man in the Woods

Navigating this common scenario in our scouting journey: the Scout Leader, originally set to lead the meeting, is either under the weather or caught up with work commitments. Left with all the prepared resources for the evening, it's time to put on our thinking caps and come up with a fresh, impromptu plan. Join me as I share strategies and ideas for those unexpected moments in scouting leadership!

I think I can't take it anymore! I'm feeling burnt out from volunteering with Scouts and sacrificing time with my family! Join me as I share my struggles and how I'm finding my way back to the joy of helping young people.

Are you looking for ways to make your life as a Scout leader easier? If so, you're in the right place! In this Podcast, I'm going to share with you some ideas on how you can use technology to make your life as a Scout leader easier. From tracking your Scout's Badge progress to tracking them on a hike, there are many apps and software you can use as a Scout leader to make your life easier. So, in this Podcast, I'm going to share with you some of the apps and software that I use as a Scout leader!

Looking for some weird Scout Leader camping hacks? Check out this Podcast to see for yourself! In this funny video, I explore some of the strangest and most bizarre Scout Leader camping hacks. From putting washing up liquid on pots to collecting belly button fluff, these hacks are sure to make your camping trips a little more exciting. Nobody knows the outdoors like a Scout Leader, and this video is a fun exploration of some of their quirks. From weird camping hacks to amazing Outdoor Training tips, this podcast is sure to entertain and educate!

On a recent Live Stream, A Scout messaged to ask for tips about their Scout Investiture. I talk about how to deal with worries about being invested and share some tips about how to overcome these worries. If you're a Scout about to get Invested, then you might be feeling a lot of anxiety about the prospect of being investment. This video is for you! I'll talk about how to deal with worries about being invested, and give some tips on how to overcome your fears and Investing!

Scouts The Musical is coming to London, and I'm going to make sure you're there to see it! In this Podcast, I chat to one of the Shows Writers to find out what Scouts the Musical is all about. Scouts The Musical is going to be one of the most popular shows in London this Spring! In this Podcast, We find out what the show is all about and I also play 2 songs from the show to get you into the mood and I’ll also show you how to get tickets and a nice discount code!. After listening to this Podcast, you'll be ready to join me in singing the Skills for Life song!

In this Podcast, I interview the CEO of Scouts UK, Matt Hyde. We discuss everything from the amazing things about Scouting to the current challenges faced by the organisation, to the not so nice side of Scouts. If you're interested in Scouting UK or just want to learn more about the organisation, this Podcast is a great place to start. By the end of this Podcast, you'll have a lot of insights about what Scouting UK is all about!

In this Podcast, I interview the CEO of Scouts UK, Matt Hyde. We discuss everything from the amazing things about Scouting to the current challenges faced by the organisation, to the not so nice side of Scouts. If you're interested in Scouting UK or just want to learn more about the organisation, this Podcast is a great place to start. By the end of this Podcast, you'll have a lot of insights about what Scouting UK is all about!

In this Podcast, I'm going to explore the importance of Scouts Own and what you need to know in order to have the most fun and enrich your Scouting experience. Scouts Own is one of the most unique aspects of Scouting and it's something that you should take advantage of at Scout camp. I'll explore the benefits of Scouts Own and explain why it's so important for your Scouting experience. After listening to this Podcast, you'll be better equipped to have a great Scouting experience!

In this Podcast, I'm sharing my story about how I reacted when I received a complaint email from a scout parent. As a leader in the Scouting community, it's important for me to be able to handle complaints calmly and diplomatically. I hope this Podcast can help you in the same situation!

If you're finding it difficult to get more Scouts into your section, here's a great way to increase your members and get new young people into your section! In this Podcast, I'll show you how to create a fun and engaging attraction for your Scouts that will get them coming back time and time again.

As Scout leaders, are you noticing a decreased number of Scout Gateways when you go camping? On a recent trip to Pacaar Scout Campsite it left me wondering... are gateways fading away?

Scouting is such a great way to spend summer camp, but sometimes it can be hard to remember all of the great experiences. That's where a camping journal comes in!  Writing down your scouting adventures in a camping journal can help you to remember all of the great memories you have from your camping trips. Not only will a camping journal keep you organised and help

Scouting is such a great way to spend summer camp, but sometimes it can be hard to remember all of the great experiences. That's where a camping journal comes in!  

Writing down your scouting adventures in a camping journal can help you to remember all of the great memories you have from your camping trips. Not only will a camping journal keep you organised and help you to stay in touch with your scouting journey, but it can also help to make memories that you'll cherish for a long time. Give it a try and see how a camping journal can change your life!

Scouting is such a great way to spend summer camp, but sometimes it can be hard to remember all of the great experiences. That's where a camping journal comes in!  

Writing down your scouting adventures in a camping journal can help you to remember all of the great memories you have from your camping trips. Not only will a camping journal keep you organised and help you to stay in touch with your scouting journey, but it can also help to make memories that you'll cherish for a long time. Give it a try and see how a camping journal can change your life!

In this Podcast, I'm going to answer the Top 10 questions about scouts that everyone is Google searching. From What is the Fleur De Lis  to The Vatician City to the Late Great Queen Elisabeth II, these are the questions that are on everyone's mind!  I've collected some of the most popular questions about scouts and we're going to answer them in this Podcast.

So don't wait any longer, take a look at the top 10 questions about scouts and learn everything you need to know!

In this Podcast, I'll take a closer look at the difference between The Boys Brigade and Scouts, two of the UK's most popular youth organizations.  

I'll explain what each organization does, and explore the benefits of joining one over the other. By the end of this Podcast, you'll have a better understanding of what each organization has to offer, and which is the right fit for you.

In this video, I'll show you how to use Young Leaders to unlock their potential and get the best out of them for   the Leaders and your Section.  By engaging and working with Young Leaders, you can develop the skills and knowledge needed to be an effective leader in the future. I'll share with you the key ways to get started and how to make the most of this valuable resource. So what are you waiting for? Start using Young Leaders to reach your maximum potential today!

In this Podcast, I'm discussing the importance of THINKING about your Photos or Posts before you post them online.

There are a LOT of keyboard warriors online, and these are fellow Scout Leaders who don't mind publically ripping into your innocent Post about asking what you thought was a sensible Question.   

I really want Scout Leaders to be more kind and respectfull to each other, before typing those sarcastic replies back.... just think about what consequences it could have on the Leader.

In this Podcast, I'll show you how to welcome new Young people into your section without making a huge deal out of it. By following these simple steps, you'll make sure that everyone is comfortable and having a good time.  

This is an important Podcast to listen to if you're responsible for welcoming new Young people into your section. By following these steps, you'll make sure that everyone is comfortable and having a good time. I hope you find the video helpful!

Do we need to update our classic campfire songs using modern tunes? In this Podcast, I'll take a look at some of the popular TikTok songs that could be used to update old campfire songs.  

If you're looking for some new campfire songs to enjoy with your Scout Group, then check out this Podcast! I'll bring you some of the best modern tunes that could be used to update some of your favorite campfire songs. Whether you're a fan of classic rock or modern pop, these tunes will get you singing and dancing around the fire!

Here's 15 Facts about Lord Robert Baden Powell  

Such as did you know there was a Rumour going around during World War 1 that BP was a SPY ....James Bond!!!

Reunion is an event that happens every year on the first full weekend in September (the Friday must be in September).  

It was established to mark the occasion of the first Wood Badge course in 1919, enabling Wood Badge holders from across the world to come together as the 1st Gilwell Park Scout Group.   

The event is now in its 89th year and has run since 1921 every year (except for four years during the Second World War) and is a gathering of around 2,000 adults within Scouting. In recent years the event has opened up to all adults within Scouting, from the UK and around the world.   

It's an opportunity for adults in Scouting to experience an active, educational weekend and to meet up with friends old and new from across the globe. It's a great opportunity to learn more about projects and programme activities, share knowledge, network and have fun!   On the Friday night in the Lid bar and disco, and the Queen's Squiffy Woggle Pub on Essex Chase with real ales and good music.   

On Sunday, is the annual Scouts Own taking place on the Training Ground. This reflection session will be brought to you by young people from a number of faiths and beliefs. It's an opportunity for everyone to come together to reflect on the past year.

n the early days of the Scout Movement in Great Britain, the Scout scarf used to be tied in a loose knot at the neck and naturally became very creased.   

However, it was known that the Americans were experimenting by using a ring made from bone, rope or wood to keep their scarves together.  

Bill Shankley, the one of two permanent camp site employees at Gilwell Park, found out about the American rings and decided to try and go one better. After various attempts, he finally made a Turks Head knot from thin sewing machine leather which was duly approved by the Camp Chief and, no doubt the Chief Scout.   

The American rings were called “Boon Doggles”, most probably because they were made of bone and the name was a skit on “dog bones.” To rhyme with this, Shankley called his creation a ‘woggle’.   

An article in The Scout on June 9th, 1923 by Cilcraft called “Wear a scarf woggle” made reference to the idea having become very popular among Scouts who had been quick to imitate the fashion set by the 1st Gilwell Park Scout Troop (that is, Wood Badge holders).   

The word “woggle” was used by Baden-Powell in the 14th edition of Scouting for boys, in 1929…..”it (the scarf) may be fastened at the throat by a knot or woggle, which is some form of ring made of cord, metal or bone, or anything you like.” Previous editions refer only to a ring.

Why Do we have a Scout Law? 

We say it every week at the Scout Hall but why do we say it?  

Whats the meaning and purpose of it?   

Do you remember it off by heart?  

Well , I'm going to explain it to you in this Podcast

You might have noticed these wooden beads worn around a Scout Leaders neck on a piece of Leather.

But what are they? What do they represent? is there a meaning to them? Well, in this Podcast, I’m going to explain to you What’s the point in these Wooden beads?

It does look weird when Scouts shake hands with their left hand, the 1st few times its rather awkward to remember to shake using your left hand.   

So, what’s the point of the Left-Handed Handshake?  

In this Podcast, I'll tell you a brief story about the origin and the purpose of the left handshake.

Why do Scouts make a Scout Salute with 3 fingers?

Arrowhead or fleur-de-lis, the origins of one of the worlds best known icons can be confusing.  The Scout symbol is one of the best known global “brands”.  As Scouting spread around the world so did the story of the iconic badges development.  Its name changes depending on the country with some preferring the name arrowhead to fleur-de-lis with its traditional royal connections; others call it the fleur-de-lis due to the arrowheads military connections.  Whatever it is called it brings Scouts together in a sense of unity and friendship.  

As Scouting spread around the world countries created their own versions of the Scout symbol sometimes adding to the design to make it unique to their country. In 1972 the World Membership Badge was introduced for all national Scout organisations which belonged to WOSM the World Organisation of the Scout Movement. In the UK it is presented to new members when they join Scouting.

A question I get asked from time to time from people who are  not in Scouting  and thats Whats the point of Scouts wearing Scarfs or a Necker?  

In this Podcast, I'll tel you a brief story about the origin and the purpose of the Scout Scarf.

We call the Cub Leader Akela & The Scout Leader Skip, but who is Akela and Skip?   

More to the point WHY?!   

Why don’t we just call Scout Leader's by the real names? In this vlog, I tell you the reasons why and the stories behide these traditional Scouting Names.