Big Man in the Woods

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...

Ready to run the most talked-about Scout camp of the year? This isn't just a theme—it's the ultimate theme. Bring the suspense, drama, and deception of the hit TV show The Traitors to your Scouts with this complete weekend programme plan! This is more than just a camp; it's an immersive adventure that will test teamwork, strategy, and integrity in a way your Scouts have never experienc...

Scouts, Scouting history, and famous Scout Halls – did you know some of the biggest music legends like The Beatles, George Michael, and Eric Clapton got their start in Scout Halls? It’s a reminder that any Scout today could be one of the future celebrities of the rock world! Dive into Scouting’s connection to rock history and imagine the possibilities. Join the conversation:Has your Scout Hall hos...

Looking for fresh ways to Fundraising Ideas for your Scout group? This video shares some unique and effective fundraising ideas to help you stand out. It's time to move beyond the usual bake sales and explore exciting new Scout Fundaising ideas. Boost community engagement and generate the funds your scouts need with these tips!

Coats on Remembrance Parade? Every November, this debate kicks off. Some say full uniform is non-negotiable. Others say keep the kids warm. Here's my take (and yes, I got a bit ranty about it): [LINK] What does your group do? 👇

Being a Scout Leader isn’t all about paperwork, POR, and planning camps — sometimes it’s about those hilarious moments that remind us why we do it! 😄In this Podcast, I share a few unforgettable stories from the world of Scouting — from a Brownie who wanted to be “Cinnamon” to a Scout performing “Morse Code Dancing”! These are the moments that make us laugh until our sides hurt and remind us that...

Hey Scout Leaders! Another camp weekend, another battle with my back after manually pumping up my Decathlon 4.1 AirBeam tent, bed, and mattress. My back was absolutely broken! I had a brainwave after seeing a tiny electric pump making waves on social media, promising to be a camp setup game-changer and a true back-saver. I ordered it, eager for a solution to those exhausting inflation sessions......

Hey Scout Leaders! Are you on the hunt for the perfect torch for your scout camps? With thousands of options out there, from tiny mini-torches to lighthouse-bright beams, finding the right one can be a challenge. In this LED Lenser P6R Core Review (Scout Leader Edition), I share my honest, real-world experience using this torch on multiple scout camps. Forget the confusing specs and watts – as sco...

Being a Scout Leader is one thing… being a parent at camp? That’s a whole different challenge. 😅On this weekend’s camp, my son Thomas struggled to sleep away from home. After a week of disrupted sleep and panic, I had to make a tough call: let him stay with his friends, or let him sleep in my tent. In this Podcast, I share how the weekend went, the lessons I learned, and ask fellow Scout Leaders...

👉 We’ve all supported nervous Cubs before—but what happens when it’s your own child who doesn’t want to camp? As a Scout Leader, I’ve supported countless young people through their first-time camp anxieties. But when my son asked to stay in my tent instead of with his Cub pack at our district camp, I suddenly found myself facing a dilemma I never expected. In this Podcast, I share:-My son’s strug...

Scout Leaders, Have you ever felt the pressure to run a week-long Scout summer camp? It's often seen as the biggest event of the year, but the reality for many volunteer leaders is a lot more complicated. In this honest chat, I'm opening up about why I, as a Scout Leader with a young family in London, have never organised or run a summer camp for my Troop. We'll dive into the real-life...

For 3 years, I told myself I'd get my Scouts on the water. And for 3 years, I made excuses. As a Scout Leader for 15 years, I was stuck in a rut, and I didn't even realize how much it was holding back my programme—and me. This is the story of the mistake I kept making and how it took a new leader and a big push to finally get me out of my comfort zone. In this video, I share my first-ever experien...