Big Man in the Woods

This week’s Scout Shed Live, Mark and Max have an open discussion about the life of being a Scout leader. We talk through a mix of real Scout experiences from the week, including programme ideas that worked (and a few that definitely didn’t go to plan), plus the ongoing reality of trying to keep activities fresh, meaningful, and engaging for young people. The main discussion this week asks a simpl...

⚜️ Sunday Night Scout Shed Catch-Up | Community Service in Scouting This week’s Scout Shed catch-up dives into a question that many of us quietly wrestle with… a re we actually doing enough community service in Scouting and how do we get young people to buy into it ? Mark & Max chat through real experiences from the week, including jumble sale fundraising (the good, the bad, and the “why are w...

In this episode of Big Man in the Woods, I’m joined by fellow Scout Leader Scouty Cathy from the UK Inclusion Team. Cathy is well known on TikTok for her work around inclusion in Scouting, and in this conversation we dig into what that really means in practice — from supporting neurodiversity, to rethinking traditional events like St. George’s Day, to making sure every young person can fully belon...

Summer Time is here, the evenings are lighter, and outdoor programme season is officially ON. But what if, like me, you’re inner‑city and your “outdoor space” is basically a tarmac driveway? In this week’s livestream, I’m joined by Max for a proper Scout Leader catch‑up as we swap ideas, hacks, and realistic ways to get our young people outside each week — even when space is tight, the weather’s u...

Join me in the back garden for a bushcraft fire lighting challenge inspired by Wildly Curious YouTube channel. In this challenge, I’m trying to light a candle using a match prepared as a mini feather stick, ignited with a fire steel. It’s a practical fire lighting test using basic bushcraft skills, focusing on feather sticks, ignition technique, and alternative fire-starting methods with everyday...

Scout Leaders , are you looking for fun ways to use a parachute indoors? 🪂 Whether it’s a rainy day or a hall session, these 5 parachute games will keep your Scouts active, laughing, and working together! From Cat & Mouse 🐱🐭 to Popcorn 🍿, Sharks 🦈, Mushroom & Run 🍄, and even Parachute Volleyball 🏐, there’s something for every group size and energy level. Perfect for Beavers,Cubs, Sc...

This video addresses UK Scout Leaders about new updates to the Scout uniform, a topic sure to spark debate within the scouting community. I discuss the standardization of the Neckerchief color, a significant change for our Uniform Shirt. This is a crucial update for every Scouter and their Uniform

Last weekend I was invited to speak on the Outdoor Theatre Stage at the National Outdoor Expo 2026, giving a talk called Scout Leader Hacks”… not exactly my title choice 😅But inside this talk I share some genuinely useful, real-world tips from my time as a Scout Leader—things that actually make life easier when you’re running sessions, camps, and everything in between. If you were at the show and...

Hey Scout Leaders! I’ve got a fun question for you: what did you absolutely hate doing as a Scout, but now as a Scout Leader, you actually love? For many of us, tasks like washing up or dealing with Elson toilets were once dreadful—but now they’re part of the camping experience we actually embrace. Share your thoughts below—which once-dreaded Scout activities do you secretly enjoy now?

Some of the best Scout nights don’t tick a single badge requirement. They’re the slightly chaotic ones. The creative ones. The nights where patrols end up arguing about moss, building strange contraptions, or presenting something that technically counts as “food”.In this video I’m sharing 6 Scout activities that don’t neatly fit into a badge, but build exactly the things Scouting is supposed to bu...

Get ready for game-changing Scout uniform hacks! I'm diving into the budget-friendly alternatives you NEED to see, straight from Scout Leaders themselves. Don't let cost hold back your Scouting Adventure!

This isn’t a rant- It’s a conversation...Being a Scout Leader is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done… but lately, it’s also felt heavier than ever. After a recent district meeting, I logged off feeling drained — and I know I’m not the only one. Compliance expectations. Training piling up. Welcome meetings waiting. The Financial SqueezeLeaders stretched between family, work, and volunte...

This video comes from a real place of frustration after a tough few weeks at Scouts. Over-talking while leaders are explaining activities. Scouts belittling each other. Messing around instead of joining in. Choosing to run about or sit chatting rather than learn the skills the rest of the troop are there for. It’s not fair on the young people who *do* want to be there and make the most of Scouts....

Bored of the same old Scout games? Let’s raid Scouting for Boys and bring the classics back to life. In this Flashback February video, I dive into Scouting for Boys to uncover classic but forgotten games you can bring back to your troop. These activities are fun, engaging, and perfect for keeping your Scouts excited, learning, and active. I’m Big Man in the Woods — sharing fresh ideas inspired by...

Why I Stopped Using Kelly Kettles on Scout CampThe Kelly Kettle is one of those classic bits of Scout kit almost every group owns. It looks great, teaches fire-lighting skills, and has a cool vintage vibe. But after more than a decade of using them, I’ve realised they’re not the most practical choice when you just want a quick cuppa on camp. In this video, I’ll share why I prefer a stove for boili...

It is every Group Scout Leader's nightmare: You have a fantastic volunteer who is passionate and reliable, and then suddenly... they vanish. No warning, Scout Hall keys returned, and blocked on WhatsApp. In this Podcast, I share a real email from a GSL facing this exact situation and discuss my own experience of being "ghosted" by one of my best Scout Leaders. As a Group Lead Volunte...

The programme isn’t about ticking off badge criteria week by week. It’s about building skills, confidence, and independence. If you are a new Scout Leader feeling overwhelmed by the blank spreadsheet,this podcast is for you. I’ve collated the best advice from experienced Leaders on how to plan a term without the stress. I cover:✅ Why you should stop chasing badges✅ How to plan a whole term in 3...

I gave you a scenario: It’s a Scouts night, your Young Leaders haven't turned up, and you have zero prep. You only have a rope and a few balls. What do you do? The answers you guys gave absolutely blew me away! It just proves how creative Scout Leaders can be on the spot.👇 READ THE GAME IDEAS FROM THE POST HERE 👇https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1468046111989364&set=a.217029233757731If...

Ever had that Scout meeting — the one where your plan falls apart, the equipment your needing is missing, or you’ve simply forgotten everything? Don’t panic. In this video, I’m sharing 7 brilliant no‑prep Scout games you can run instantly with any section: Explorers, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, or Squirrels. These games come straight from real Scout Leaders across the UK (and my own Big Man in the Wood...

After 15 years as a Scout Leader, I genuinely thought I’d seen every campfire tradition… until this one stopped me in my tracks. Late one night, while scrolling, I came across a photo of an empty chair placed beside a campfire — and apparently, it’s a tradition “every true Scouter” should know. Except… I’d never even heard of it!!!In this video, I dive into the story behind the mysterious empty ch...

You really are the best Scout Patrol ever. In this Scout Leader Year in Review for 2025, I’m looking back at what we’ve built together at Big Man in the Woods. From weekly vlogs and podcasts to blog posts, shorts, and countless conversations with Scout Leaders across the world, this year has been about one thing: helping you deliver better, more meaningful Scouting. In this video, I reflect on:The...

Join me, Big Man in the Woods, as I look back on 2025 .A big year for Scouts UK. It’s been full of wins, a few challenges, and plenty of lessons, especially across our youth programme. I chat about the rapid rise of our Squirrel section, the must-have Scout badge of the year, and the difference great leadership really makes. So grab a brew, settle in, and let’s reflect on the year gone by and pull...

As a Group Scout Leader, one of my biggest challenges has been getting all our leaders together regularly. Between busy schedules, family commitments, and the demands of running our sections, it's tough to find time to connect as a leadership team. In this video, I share my honest thoughts on why this matters and, more importantly, my practical ideas for changing things in the year ahead. I&#3...

Christmas is coming, and if you’re stuck for ideas for the Scout Leader (or outdoors lover) in your life, this video’s for you. Forget the usual socks and mugs — these gifts are handmade by Scout Leaders, crafted with passion, skill, and that unmistakable Scouting spirit. From cosy campfire ponchos and repurposed tents turned into clever gear, to hand-carved wooden woggles and beautifully scented...

In this video, I’ll show you 7 unique necker-rolling techniques from around the world—including styles from the UK, India, and beyond. Whether you’re a new leader or a seasoned Scouter, these tips will help you roll your necker perfectly every time and add some global flair to your Scouting skills. You’ll also discover some fun and unusual methods (yes, even teeth and feet!) and learn why rolling...