The Scouting Stuff Podcast
By The Scouting Stuff Team
The Scouting Stuff PodcastAug 10, 2022
Giant Hogweed
Let’s learn a bit about a particularly hazardous invasive plant to watch out for this summer.
Podcast Topics
Scouter John Kemp of the 5th Brant Troop joins Scouter Ken to discuss giant hogweed, an invasive plant that looks a bit like cow parsnip, and which grows near watercourses. Anyone out exploring in the bush should take care to avoid contact with giant hogweed; the sap damages the skin in a way that causes it to develop a severe burn when exposed to sunlight.
John is also part of a group of volunteers who track growths of giant hogweed, and work with municipal authorities to eliminate it, and this episode is all about how to identify giant hogweed, how to report its presence, and how to be safe around it.
Important giant hogweed resources:
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Music
Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl
The Better Programs Initiative
What is the Better Programs Initiative? Let’s find out!
Podcast Topics
Scouter Ken is joined by Scouter Alicia, who is one of the representatives of Scouts Canada’s new Better Programs Initiative, a knowledge-sharing forum where Scouters can share (and find) ideas on how to run a top-tier Scouting program.
Visit this episode's page at our website to find QR codes for the initiative and the Scouts Canada Network.
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Music
Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl
Transition Planning
If you aren’t already planning for how different roles within your group can transition between people, you need to be.
Podcast Topics
Scouter Ken is joined by Scouter Corey - the outgoing Group Commissioner for the 59th Edmonton Scout Group - to discuss the importance of planning for how to transition people out of (and into!) roles within a Scout Group.
Transition planning takes many forms. Ideally, the outgoing role holder should mentor the incoming member to make sure that there’s a full handover of knowledge and processes. But this needs to be backstopped by a digital infrastructure that allows for data to be easily moved between people as well; email accounts, documents, cloud storage, etc. all need to be able to move from one person to the next as well.
Services and resources mentioned in the episode:
- Carrd (cheap, landing page-style websites)
- TechSoup Canada or TechSoup US (cheap/free software for nonprofits)
- Quip
- WhatsApp Communities
- Scouter Transition Planning (spreadsheet)
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Music
Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl
Youth Scouters
Youth between the ages of 14 and 17 can also volunteer as Scouters, at least in Scouts Canada.
Podcast Topics
In their first in-person sit-down session of the year, Scouter Ken and Scouter Colin discuss Youth Scouters. This is an extension of the volunteer apparatus within Scouts Canada that allows minors (between the ages of 14 and 17) to go through the training and interview process that adult volunteers must complete to become Scouters.
Youth Scouters count toward ratio requirements as long as at least two adult Scouters are also registered with the section (apologies: Ken said one Scouter in the episode; it should be two). Importantly, however, Youth Scouters do not count on the “youth” side of a section’s ratio; they count as Scouters, and so do not have to be interacted with according to the Two-Scouter Rule.
Youth Scouters can be a great way for Venturers to give back to their groups, accruing volunteer hours as they do. And for groups who are strapped for volunteers, Youth Scouters might just be what’s needed to allow a section to run its program for the year.
Shout-Outs
A shout-out to Emily who wrote in regarding Episode 88, which concerned orienteering:
"Just listened to Episode 88, Orienteering (2019). You mentioned don’t get your compass near a big, powerful magnet — guess what? I absent-mindedly put my compass into a zipped breast pocket during a break at land navigation training, RIGHT ON TOP OF MY SMARTPHONE. When I went back out on the course, I was totally baffled: suddenly, I couldn’t orient myself. I’d been doing so well!!! I couldn’t find the objectives or identify drainages, and I couldn’t pass the field exam. Embarrassing!
I was mystified. It took a couple of days for it to dawn on me that I had demagnetized my compass by putting it in my pocket lying atop my smartphone. It was completely useless, and pointed in random directions!! Live and learn."
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Music
Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl
Busy Minds LIVE!
Scouts Canada has partnered with Busy Minds and Little Yogis Academy to help bring mindfulness into program content.
Podcast Topics
Scouter Ken and Scouter Mike are joined by Michelle Faber, the founder of Busy Minds, for a live discussion mindfulness, its importance to mental health, and the ways in which Scouts Canada is partnering with Busy Minds (and Little Yogis) to add mindfulness exercises into group programming.
Learn more:
Mindfulness apps discussed in the episode:
And again: this episode is a recording of a live event that was done on the Scouts Canada Discussion Group on Facebook, and on Workspace/The Network.
Shout-Outs
A big thank you to Scouts Canada and Mike Eybel for facilitating this episode, and to Kate Larkin for being the inaugural guest!
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Music
Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl
Sasquatch Seekers LIVE!
The first ever LIVE episode of Scouting Stuff, and an introduction to Scouts Canada’s “Sasquatch Seekers” event.
Podcast Topics
In the first of what will become a series of LIVE episodes, Scouter Ken is joined by Kate Larkin - the Director of Program & Volunteer Services for Scouts Canada - to discuss the Sasquatch Seekers challenge. This is a series of four weekly challenges for Scout Groups across Canada to complete, exploring a variety of activities and skills all themed around the hunt for Canada’s most elusive megafauna.
(There’s also a leaderboard, by the way. With prizes.)
Mike Eybel - the Associate Director of Communications for Scouts Canada, and an occasional guest of the podcast - also makes an appearance or two.
And again: this episode is a recording of a live event that was done on the Scouts Canada Discussion Group on Facebook.
Shout-Outs
A big thank you to Scouts Canada and Mike Eybel for facilitating this episode, and to Kate Larkin for being the inaugural guest!
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Music
Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl
#Beavers50
Beaver Scouts (at least in Canada) is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024.
Podcast Topics
Scouter Ken and Scouter Colin - finally, only two months into 2024! - sit down (virtually) to discuss Beaver Scouts. Despite a popular Canadian legend that the program for “younger than Cub Scout” youth was developed in Canada and exported to the world, the actual history of it goes back a bit further...to Northern Ireland, in fact.
But half a century ago, Scouts Canada officially launched its Beaver Scouts section, and is planning on celebrating that this summer. Is your group ready? Is your council?
By the way, if you want to see what different Scouting NSOs call their sections, here’s a lengthy list.
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Music
Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl
A Tale of Two Commissioners
Two brothers - twins, at that! - discuss their introduction to Scouts Canada and the roles they’ve served in therewith.
Podcast Topics
Scouter Shayne and Scouter Sheldon rejoin the podcast for another episode, this time to discuss their respective Scouting journeys with Scouter Ken. Though they came to the organization in different ways (and at different times), they both ended up serving as Group Commissioners for two different Ontario Scout Groups at the same time.
Also: camp cooking. We talk about camp cooking.
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Music
Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl
The Rangemaster
What is the rangemaster role within Scouting, and how do you become one?
Podcast Topics
Scouter Ken is joined by Scouter Sheldon, the program director for Camp Everton in Ontario (and, coincidentally, the brother of Scouter Shayne from Episode 144).
Much of the discussion in this episode focuses on the role of the rangemaster, which within Scouts Canada is a specifically-trained person who can run archery, pelletry, and even axe/tomahawk-throwing.
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Music
Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl
Scouts Lead Stuff
Where can youth find leadership opportunities? Funny you should ask!
Podcast Topics
Scouter Ken is joined by Scouter Shayne from Ontario for this episode. Among many other roles, Scouter Shayne has served as a Group Commissioner, a Section Scouter, and a Contact Scouter, and has also been with the Canadian Forces for three decades.
The discussion ranges over a few topics, including the similarities and differences between Scouting and the military, why girls being part of Scouting is still a surprise to some people to this day, and the leadership opportunities that Scouting affords young people.
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Music
Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl
Scouting Five - Week of December 11, 2023
Scouts across Africa help the vulnerable, Scouts in Canada sell trees...and Scouts were even at COP28.
News Stories
Advancing Gender Equality through Scouting in Ethiopia
Reintegrating Vulnerable Young People through Ticket to Life Initiative in Africa
4th World Scout Education Congress Shaping the Future of Education in Scouting
World Scouting Brings Youth Voices to COP28 Climate Talks
Transcona Scouts Hall receives funding for renos
Scouts tree lot is now open in Okotoks
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Music
Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl
TV News Logo, by moodmode
Scouting Five - Week of Nov. 20, 2023
Scouts help with hurricane relief, JOTA-JOTI breaks records...and Hungarian Scouts camp on a river.
News Stories
Scouts de Mexico Extend a Helping Hand in Hurricane Aftermath
A Record JOTA-JOTI! Digital Meets In Person for an Epic Jamboree
No need to fear… the Boy Scouts are here!
River Scout Camp: A Journey Through Time with Hungarian Scouts
Scouts fees rise to fund new safeguarding team
Swindon Gang Show returns: Scouts and Guides light up stage
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Music
Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl
La CyclOdyssée
Two of the three French Scouters who traveled by bicycle to WSJ 2023 tell us all about their adventure!
Podcast Topics
Scouter Ken is joined by Florian and Antonin – two of the three French Scouters who comprise La CyclOdyssée, who we mentioned briefly in the January 16 episode of Scouting Five – to discuss their 7-month journey to the World Scout Jamboree in Korea.
Because rather than fly from France to get there, they opted instead to ride their bicycles, covering over 15,000 kilometers in 7 months.
You can find links to all of La CyclOdyssée’s social media profiles at their LinkTree. In particular, their Instagram page is well worth a look.
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Music
Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl
Scouting Five - Week of October 16, 2023
Are you taking part in JOTA-JOTI this year?
News Stories
Sadly, there won’t be any Scouting Stuff neckers or crests at this time; orders for both items didn’t meet the production thresholds. If you placed an order, it’ll be cancelled and you’ll get a refund.
Stickers are still available, however!
The Biggest Annual Scouting Event is On: It’s JOTA-JOTI 2023!
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Music
Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl
Transatlantic Council
A bit more information about how Scouts BSA' Transatlantic Council is structured, and the role Kandersteg plays in it.
Podcast Topics
Scouter Will, from Scouts BSA’s Transatlantic Council, joins the podcast to discuss the Council and its role in allowing the children of deployed soldiers and diplomats to continue participating in Scouting even when they’re nowhere near the United States.
And as it turns out, Kandersteg International Scout Centre – which they call Camp Alpine – is an integral component of the Council, and their main meeting place for camps.
Also discussed:
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Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl
Scouting Five - Week of October 2, 2023
A successful musical fundraiser, Scouts Canada apologizes...and Scouts in Brazil get crafty with plastic waste.
News Stories
- Aberdeen Explorer Scouts invited to Scottish Parliament to mark fundraising efforts
- Scouts Canada issues apology for role in ‘historical harm’ on Indigenous Peoples
- The Girl Scouts are discontinuing a cult-favorite cookie
- Moment cub scouts as young as seven dodge traffic on dark country lane after getting lost on map reading exercise that was only supposed to be one mile
- MUTECO from Trash to Treasure: How Scouts Turned Plastic into Change
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Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl
Battleship
Scouter Paul from the Hudson Explorers explains a fun game his unit plays with paper boats...and fire.
Podcast Topics
Whilst at Kander100, Scouter Ken met up with Scouter Paul from the Hudson Explorers, an Explorer Scout unit based in Sutton Coldfield, just outside of Birmingham. Some of the unit are regular listeners of the podcast, and that little meet & greet turned into an invitation to join them - and a few other contingents from various countries - in a game they called “Battleship”.
“Battleship” begins with the Scouts breaking into teams and folding 20 origami boats. While they’re busy with this, the Scouter set up a rectangular or square area outdoors, which the Scouts spread their boats around once they’ve got them made.
Each team then gets a metal garden spade, a flint & steel, and fifty cotton balls. The rest is fairly self-explanatory: they light each cotton ball in turn with the flint & steel, then use the spade to fling the fireball at an opposing team’s boat.
The team with the most undamaged boats left wins!
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Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl
Scouting Five - Week of September 18, 2023
Scouts respond to disasters, another Scout Group loses gear to theft...and you can now get a podcast necker or badge!
News Stories
Scouting Stuff Merchandise Pre-Orders
Ride the Waves Not the Waste with Scouts of Trinidad & Tobago
Libyan Scouts' Heroic Response to Devastating Floods
Morocco’s Scouts unite to launch relief efforts after deadly earthquake
Moncton, N.B. scout troop loses $8,000 worth of camping equipment in theft
Scouts celebrate 70 years in Rossland
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Music
Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl
Jamboree Debrief
The Kander100 Jamboree was a huge success. World Jamboree 2023...not so much.
Podcast Topics
Ken and Colin discuss the challenges - to put it mildly - faced by those who attended the 25th World Scout Jamboree in Korea this summer, as well as the response of WOSM and various national contingents to the heat wave and other issues that emerged at the site.
And then the conversation shifts to Kander100 and the experience of the Canadian Contingent thereat, as well as how Ken and his family enjoyed their Swiss vacation.
Also: check out the Scouting Stuff Stuff page! You can order stickers there at the moment...and soon, neckerchiefs and badges will be available as well. Watch our social media for more details!
Shout-Outs
- Samuel Ip was a member of the Hong Kong contingent at Kander100. While his campsite was right next to the Canadians’, he and Scouter Ken didn’t end up crossing paths...but he reached out to say hello and ask for some stickers.
- Scouter Nathalie also reached out to ask for some stickers, and followed up to say she enjoyed listening to the recent Pinkies episode...which happened to feature her daughter!
- And Simon left a five-star review on the website!
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Music
Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl
Scouting Five - Week of September 4, 2023
Jamborees around the world, a new WOSM member organization...and a disturbing documentary.
News Stories
Scouts Honor: The disturbing true story behind Netflix documentary
Former Scouts Canada employee sentenced to 4 years for sex crimes
Proposed settlement reached in Ralph Rowe lawsuit
A wave of transformation: 80,000 Scouts spark change in Algeria
Saudi Girls in Scouting Volunteer in Large Numbers During Pilgrim Service
43,000 Scouts unite for 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea
WOSM Statements from the 25th World Scout Jamboree
Closing ceremony of the 25th World Scout Jamboree reunites Scouts at Seoul World Cup Stadium
Scoutisme Congolais joins global Scout Movement as 174th Member Organization
Scouts Plant Seeds of Hope in Senegal
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Music
Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl
Pinkies
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a volunteer at Kandersteg International Scout Centre?
Podcast Topics
Scouter Ken chats with Sam (from Canada) and Laura (from the United States), two “Pinkies” (read: seasonal volunteers) at the Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC).
Sam and Laura explain what it’s like to be a Pinkie, as well as how to apply for the role. Pinkies serve three-month terms roughly corresponding to the four seasons, and the application process includes a motivation letter, a CV, a picture, and a video explaining why you’d love to volunteer at KISC.
Shout-Outs
A big “thank you” to – who else? – Sam and Laura for agreeing to this interview, to Sam for reaching out to Scouter Ken ahead of Kander100, and to Laura for being a listener to the podcast as well!
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Music
Slow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod
Interview with Jack Higgins
An interview with Jack Higgins, the director of the Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC).
Podcast Topics
Scouter Ken was at Kander100 (also called KISC100), the large(r) jamboree held to celebrate the centenary of the “permanent mini-jamboree” that the Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC) in Switzerland was founded to be.
As it happened, some of the media staff at KISC had heard Episode 137, and asked Scouter Ken if he’d be interested in doing an interview with Jack Higgins, the director of KISC.
Shout-Outs
Many thanks to the Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC), the media team thereat (especially Myles and Luis) for setting everything up and providing recording gear, and of course Jack Higgins for taking the time to do this interview.
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Music
Drive Acoustic Rock, by ArtMusic
Kandersteg Update
Scouting Five - Week of July 17, 2023
Scouts help refugees, a king is crowned...and what SHOULD you expect at a Jamboree?
News Stories
From Fundraisers to Advocates: Norwegian Guides and Scouts Transform Lives of Young Refugees
Scout Camp in a Refugee Camp: How Scouting is Helping in Malawi
Arab Parajamboree sets the bar for hosting inclusive Scout events
Scouts support King Charles III’s Coronation at Westminster Abbey
Scouts design TransLink’s first-ever scout badge
Westfield Scouts live motto “Be Prepared” at Memorial Day Ceremony
100 YEARS AND COUNTING: 1st Port Perry Scouts to mark century milestone in June
8 things to know before the World Scout Jamboree
And if you’d like a shiny new Scouting Stuff sticker, make sure to hit up any of the contact options below to ask for one!
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Music
Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl
Jamboree Cultural Day
Some brief thoughts on how to prepare your Group (or Contingent) for Cultural Day at whatever Jamboree you’re attending.
Podcast Topics
Cultural Day has become a staple of Jamborees, and it’s important to be prepared for it. As Scout.org notes:
"In the middle of Sunday, each unit puts on a demonstration illustrating the culture of their country, region, or locality. The camp is closed to visitors. This is your opportunity to cook, sing, dance, or offer an experience from your country that will make a memory for your guests.
I remember watching Scouts getting henna tattoos at the India camp, eating amazing kimchi with the Koreans, sampling hákari with Icelanders (think twice about this!), and vegemite with the Australians.
Have your unit throw a party that your guests will remember. Take turns staffing your unit party by wandering around the sub-camp."
Ken and Colin discuss Ken’s own preparations for the Cultural Day taking place at Kander100, including food ideas, games, music, and various other representations of what Canada is like!
Shout-Outs
Firstly, a shout-out to the Mannofield Explorer Scouts; we wish you all the best with your musical fundraiser!
We’d also like to give a shout-out to Andrew Obee and Liam Burns, the latter of whom we will have to arrange to bring on the podcast at some point!
And finally, a big “thank you!” to Joe Vantour, Andrew Waddington, Robert Kelly, Andrew Rice, and Leah Marie for their interest in our new stickers. Leah, especially, was instrumental in finalizing the design of them!
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Music
Drive Acoustic Rock, by ArtMusic
Scouting Five - Week of June 26, 2023
Explorer Scouts fundraise with an album, and Scouts Canada launches a helpline.
News Stories
Scouts Canada launches free helpline for all your camping calamities
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Music
Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl
Cuborama
What happens when you let a bunch of Venturer Scouts run a Cub camp?
Podcast Topics
Scouter Andrew returns with another recorded interview, this time with members of the 1st Bow Valley Venturers and Rovers, who recently hosted a Cuborama in southern Alberta.
Shout-Outs
A big shout-out to the 1st Bow Valley Venturers and Rovers for agreeing to this interview, and for putting on what sounds like a fantastic Cuborama.
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Music
Drive Acoustic Rock, by ArtMusic
Kander100
The trials and pitfalls of being a Jamboree Contingent Lead.
Podcast Topics
Ken and Colin discuss the upcoming Kander100 Jamboree, taking place at the Kandersteg International Scout Centre in (where else?) Kandersteg, Switzerland, this summer.
Actually, this episode is mostly a banter/catch-up session, but there is a fun and (potentially) challenging meeting idea for Scouts to be found near the end.
Shout-Outs
First, Scouter George from the 1st Cobble Hill Scout Group wrote in with some follow-up on a podcast review that was discussed previously:
"Thank you for your support of Scouts and Scouters across Canada with your podcast. I hope you get a chance to have Liam join, maybe after his cross-country listening tour?"
If Liam is interested in coming on an episode of the podcast, we’d be happy to have him! It’s always nice to add guest voices.
Additionally, speaking of reviews, Scouter Chris from the UK left us one a while ago:
"Recently discovered your podcast. I am a Scout Leader in the UK and am enjoying listening to you guys. From listening to just a few episodes, already spotted a few differences in Canadian and UK Scouting but also a lot we do the same. Scouting rocks no mater where we roam!"
Thanks for the kind words, Chris!
And finally, a big “thank you” to Tim Blair for allowing his recorded session on registration waitlists to be used as an episode!
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Music
Drive Acoustic Rock, by ArtMusic
Saying "Yes" To Your Waitlist
A presentation given on Scouts Canada’s Workplace site, detailing how to say yes to youth waiting to join your Scout Group.
Podcast Topics
This week’s episode comes from a presentation given on Scouts Canada’s new Workplace site (Workplace is Meta’s business product, essentially Facebook for work teams) by Tim Blair of the 11th Seymour Scout Group.
The title of the presentation is "Can you say yes to your waitlist?", and deals with strategies for bringing more youth into your Scout Group even when your registration rolls are currently full.
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Music
Slow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod
Group Committee Transition
How do you handle turnover in your Group Committee?
Podcast Topics
Ken and Colin discuss how to carry out an effective Group Committee transition. It’s not as easy as just electing a new treasurer or group commissioner; a Group should make sure to have all of the infrastructure in place ahead of time to ensure an orderly handover of documents, email accounts, and other pertinent information and materials.
If a Group has gone through the process of getting itself online, organizations like TechSoup (or TechSoup Canada) can help a Group expand from just having a registered domain into having a full-fledged team and document management solution (e.g. Google Workspace, Microsoft 365)...often for free, or for a vastly reduced non-profit-friendly price. Getting set up with solutions like these can facilitate both easier sharing and storing of important documents and records, but also smoother handovers of same between individuals.
Shout-Outs
Liam, from the 2nd Airdrie Scout Group, left us a review online:
"As a scout this is interesting to listen to."
Thanks for the kind words, Liam! We love getting reviews, especially 5-star reviews...and we’re glad that you’re finding the podcast interesting.
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Music
Slow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod
Scouting Five - Week of April 24, 2023
The Girl Scout cookie crumbled this year. Here’s what happened
Scouts coming together in Maple Ridge for rally day
Squamish Scouts presented with the Duke of Edinburgh gold award
Scout makes 3D printer prosthetic limbs in Mexico
Young People Called to Innovate as the first Africa Rover Moot Opens
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MusicUnexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle
Scouting Five - Week of April 10, 2023
Jamborees and Moots, Religious Symposiums...and Emergency Response.
News Stories
1st Africa Rover Moot, Kenya 2023
Interreligious Symposium Unites Scouting in the Central African Republic
Scouts Mobilise to Support Cyclone Freddy Emergency Response
How Anna realised that happiness can be found even in the darkest of times
10,000+ Scouts Gather for 32nd Asia-Pacific and 11th National Scout Jamboree in Bangladesh
Two hospitalised as scout group caught out by Storm Noa in Wicklow Mountains
Boy Scouts' record $2.46 bln sex abuse settlement upheld by judge
10th Welland Scouts pound the pavement to help neighbours
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Music
Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle
Cross-Country Big Opportunity
Scouter Andrew from the 4th Elks Triwood Scout Group (based in Calgary, Alberta) is back this week with another group discussion.
In mid-March, Scouters from across Canada met in Ottawa for a weekend workshop about The Big Opportunity, the grassroots volunteer recruitment and encouragement initiative that the podcast has been covering over the last few episodes. After this workshop, Andrew sat down with a few Scouters he met there – Emma, Alicia, and Anna – for another discussion of The Big Opportunity and how to make it work.
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MusicSlow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod
Map Makers and Barrier Breakers (The Big Opportunity)
Scouter Andrew with the 4th Elks Triwood Scout Group (based in Calgary, Alberta) sat down with a number of his fellow Scouters for a lengthy discussion of Scouts Canada’s Big Opportunity, how it applies to their Group, and how they’re already making some of its aims a reality. The entire conversation was recorded, and Andrew generously provided the discussion to serve as an episode of the podcast.
So if, after Episode 130, you find you have some questions about how The Big Opportunity can apply to your Group, or what it even looks like to be implemented at a Group level, the discussion that forms the core of this episode might offer some insight...and some ideas.
Shout-OutsScouters Andrew, David, Stacey, Lindsey, and Peter of the 4th Elks Triwood Scout Group for the insightful discussion and their agreeing to share it with the wider Scouting world.
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MusicSlow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod
Scouting Five - Week of February 20, 2023
Scouts Founder’s Day 2023: History, significance and all you need to know
International Scouts Day observed
Scouts' tree-planting initiative aids wildfire recovery from Croatia to North Macedonia
How Czech Scouts transformed two hotels into safe havens for refugees in five days
World Scouting supports relief efforts after deadly Türkiye and Syria earthquakes
Scouts Canada celebrates flag raising in Bracebridge
Our Community: Scout Museum set to open, PNE selling score clock
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MusicUnexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle
A Big Opportunity
Ken flies solo this week, and discusses Scouts Canada’s new volunteer-focused initiative, which they’re calling the Big Opportunity.
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MusicSlow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod
Scouting Five - Week of January 16, 2023
Fundraiser launched to re-open 100-year-old Camp Byng amidst ongoing legal dispute | Coast Reporter
15,000 kilometers by bike to join the World Scout Jamboree 2023 | Scout.org
ZHP is awarded the EESC Civil Society Prize 2022 | Scout.org
Scouts in Europe cross countries to receive and spread a light of peace | Scout.org
9 New Year’s resolution ideas for Scouts | Scout.org
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MusicUnexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle
More of What We Already Do
Ken and Colin close out the year with some reflections on the concept of doing a good turn, and how Scouts Canada -- in its efforts to find new ways to reach out to prospective members — might well have everything it needs already. Is it a question of pivoting the movement in some way, or is it a question of re-emphasising the values the movement already seeks to inculcate in its members?
Shout-OutsWe’d like to give a shout-out to One Movement Media, formerly Scouting Radio. We’re not sure if they’re still re-broadcasting our episodes, but even if not, they’re doing great work bringing Scouting to their internet audience.
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MusicSlow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod
Scouting Five - Week of November 28, 2022
Scout Leaders meet in Ciudad del Este to make decisions for the future | WOSM
Girl Scout cookie season is in danger. Again | SFChronicle
Local scouts selling Christmas trees once again | OkotoksOnline
Local Boy Scouts selling Christmas trees at Graber’s | Harvey County Now
Yellowknife Scouts kicks off annual Christmas tree sale | NNSL
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MusicUnexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle
Scouting Five - Week of November 21, 2022
Antigua & Barbuda Scout Association becomes 173rd WOSM Member | WOSM
Scouts help Cianjur’s earthquake victims | WOSM
Scouts’ youth-led response supports over 800,000 Ukrainian children and families with humanitarian assistance | WOSM
Romanian Scouts rush to borders, offering immediate relief and support to refugees from Ukraine | UNICEF Europe and Central Asia
Scouts step up to cook Thanksgiving meals for their community | WPBN
Sunshine Coast Scouts Camp Byng closed 'until further notice' | Coast Reporter
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MusicUnexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle
Volunteers, Redux
Ken is joined by Scouter Jonathan for this episode, to revisit a topic that was discussed as recently as Episode 121: how do you find volunteers for your Scout Group? And once you’ve done so...how do you retain them?
As you might well imagine, there’s no one-size-fits-all, cut-and-dried solution. It’s generally not a winning strategy to try and force the issue by way of ultimatums, though at times it may be necessary to trade someone’s commitment to train up as a Scouter for a “reserved” spot in the program for their child.
But once you’ve got those volunteers, how do you retain them? How do you keep them coming back? In part, this will depend on running a great program; parental engagement will follow youth engagement, in most cases. And in part, this will also depend on giving each Scouter the chance to shine in the role, to bring their knowledge and talents into the program for the benefit of the youth.
But perhaps the most important thing is to foster a sense of community and friendship between Scouters. It’s one thing to show up every week for meetings; it’s quite another to be able to meet up, have fun, and support each other outside of meetings too.
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MusicSlow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod
Scouting Five - Week of October 31, 2022
Scouts Worldwide Connect in Digital and Radio Jamboree | WOSM
World Scouting launches first green NFT badge at JOTA-JOTI | WOSM
Get the green NFT badge! | WOSM
Announcing: Winners of Project for the Planet | WOSM
Giving my Scout promise miles away from home | WOSM
N.B. scout group waiting for WestJet reimbursement months after flight - New Brunswick | Global News
Local Boy Scouts hosting annual Scouting for Food to benefit Feeding the Gulf Coast | Fox10 TV
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MusicUnexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle
Scouting Five - Week of September 19, 2022
Scout Movement honours the life and legacy of Her Majesty The Queen | WOSM
Queen's funeral: 'I camped out as my final duty to the Queen' | BBC News
Queen Elizabeth II: Devon scouts honour passing of patron | BBC News
Queen Elizabeth II: The Scouts sweet shop worker helping in London | BBC News
The Queen's funeral: TV adventurer Bear Grylls represented the Scouts at service | The Scotsman
Omar Lugo awarded Bronze Wolf for championing World events and Regional growth | WOSM
Scout helps combat deadly waterborne diseases in rural communities | WOSM
Boy Scouts downsize under strain from sex abuse suits | CTV News
Bethel Park Boy Scout troop celebrates its centennial | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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MusicGod Save the Queen by The Band of the Grenadier Guards
Rule, Britannia by The Band of the Grenadier Guards
PSA - Kander100 Announcement
Scouter Ken has been selected as the Contingent Lead for the Scouts Canada delegation that will be attending Kander100, the mini-jamboree being held to celebrate the centenary of Kandersteg International Scout Centre. Thirty Scouts and Scouters (in total!) from Canada will be attending the event.
If you’re curious, the Canadian Contingent website is here: KANDER100 JAMBOREE
And yes, this likely means that there’ll be an episode or two recorded at (and published from) Kandersteg next year.
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MusicBaltic Levity by Kevin MacLeod
Scouting Five - Week of August 29, 2022
Algerian Scout champions youth empowerment and rights | WOSM
Leaders from National Scout Organizations Convene in Nairobi for the 18th Africa Scout Conference | WOSM
Appleton Boy Scouts receive Heroes Award for aiding after Amtrak crash | CBS 3Duluth
County to buy Girl Scouts camp, create park, save Rocklands | Miami Today
70 Scout Groups win big adventures with funding from Hydro One and Scouts Canada's Grizzly Den | Cision
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MusicUnexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle
Meet the Parents II
Ken and Colin revisit a topic from almost half the podcast ago — Episode 67, published in September of 2018, specifically — and offer some thoughts on how to hold a successful parent meeting.
You can find some interesting blog articles about what needs to be communicated to parents, and how, and exactly how you go about it with the parents of youth in your Group will depend on all sorts of factors. But in summary, here’s the gist of what a successful parent meeting should include:
- Meetings, rather than one meeting. The 59th, at least, has had better success by ditching the “one big meeting” in favour of having the Group Commissioner come out to the first or second meetings for each Section.
- Set fundraising expectations early.
- Make the pitch for volunteers, both parent helpers and Scouters.
- Explain the badge program.
- Explain the uniform.
- Explain the Code of Conduct and set expectations for youth behaviour.
- Food isn’t necessary, but it isn’t unwelcome.
Scouter Eric from the Northern Lights Medical Venturers reached out to us to let us know that the MedVents are once again accepting membership applications. If you’re interested in Vocational Scouting and your home group is in NLC, consider submitting your name.
As always, a big thank you to the folks at Scouting Radio for rebroadcasting Scouting Stuff episodes to their worldwide Scouting audience. If you're listening to us on Scouting Radio right now, let us know; reach out and get in touch. We'd love to hear from you.
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MusicSlow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod
Scouting Five - Week of August 8, 2022
Say hello to the new scout.org! | WOSM
Scouts in Vietnam to install solar lights for ethnic community | WOSM
Scout highlights Messengers of Peace work during Dalai Lama visit in India | WOSM
Scarf Day for scouts | Whanganui Chronicle News - NZ Herald
Romanian Scouts rush to borders, offering immediate relief and support to refugees from Ukraine | WOSM
Kenyan Scout supports teens through pregnancy, motherhood | WOSM
New development could displace historic totem pole at Ottawa's Scouts Canada headquarters | CTV News
Resolute works with Scouts | TBNewsWatch.com
Scouts Canada declares Jasper as Canada’s ‘most epic’ camping destination – Jasper's source for news, sports, arts, culture, and more | The Fitzhugh
Boy Scouts Ruling Threatens $250 Million Abuse Deal With Mormons | BNN Bloomberg
Ambassador Kennedy thanked Solomon Scouts who saved her father | Solomon Star News
Tunisian National Olympic Committee set for Scouts collaboration | InsideTheGames
Popular Boy Scouts camp in Mass. forced to close | WWLP
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MusicUnexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle
Travel Woes
Whoa...where did June go?
After too-long a hiatus, Ken and Colin sit down for another catch-up discussion, and also take a look at two recent stories that have come out concerning Scout Groups whose travel plan disruptions have made the national news.
The first story is that of a Scout Group who ended up stuck in Zurich due to incomplete data in the ArriveCAN mobile app. The second is that of a different Scout Group who ended up camping out in the Vancouver airport after their planned flight from there to Whitehorse was cancelled.
Two very different stories, but both illustrate the challenges that Scout Groups will likely be facing for a while yet as they plan and carry out adventures...especially the sorts of adventures that require air travel!
As always, a big thank you to the folks at Scouting Radio for rebroadcasting Scouting Stuff episodes to their worldwide Scouting audience. If you're listening to us on Scouting Radio right now, let us know; reach out and get in touch. We'd love to hear from you.
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MusicSlow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod
Encore Presentation: So, You're Going Camping...
A discussion of packing lists: what to include on them, and why they're important.
Podcast TopicsParker rejoins the podcast and chats with Ken about packing lists. Because while it's nice to think that Scouts might be mature enough to know what to bring along on a trip, and while it might be tempting to test one's Scouts by making them suffer through the consequences of forgetting some key piece of gear, the truth of the matter is that just about everyone — even adults! — can and will benefit from having a list to refer to when the time comes to put together all the gear one will need for an adventure.
Scouts BSA has published some excellent, if generalized, warm weather and cool weather packing lists; Ken's own Group has also developed a list that it maintains internally and periodically updates.
Important Note: By all means, make use of the above-linked documents...but only use them as templates. Always pack according to your troop's needs, and your individual needs as well.
As always, a big thank you to the folks at Scouting Radio for rebroadcasting Scouting Stuff episodes to their worldwide Scouting audience. If you're listening to us on Scouting Radio right now, let us know; reach out and get in touch. We'd love to hear from you.
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MusicSlow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod
Scouting Five - Week of May 30, 2022
Scouts from Fort Benning and St. Luke add a badge for broadcast media | WRBL
Boy, 12, Bitten by Black Bear During Boy Scout Camping Trip | PEOPLE.com
Scouts and others honor veterans, place flags at gravesites | Local News | pressofatlanticcity.com
World Scout Jamboree: Falkirk Scouts host Platinum Jubilee afternoon tea in Laurieston | Falkirk Herald
Muslim and Christian Scouts from Palestine help during Ramadan | World Scouting
Africa Scout Region Targets 10,000 Leaders with Safe from Harm Learning | World Scouting
Special Olympicas signs agreement with Scouts of Venezuela | World Scouting
Singapore's Chay Hong Leng awarded Bronze Wolf for outstanding contributions to Scouting | World Scouting
UK’s Craig Turpie, a champion of youth involvement, honoured with the prestigious Bronze Wolf Award | World Scouting
After more than 3,000 posts and countless memories, I’m starting a new chapter (scoutingmagazine.org)
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MusicUnexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle