Big Man in the Woods

With the new UK Scout training scheme rolling out, the big question on every leader's mind is: Is earning the Wood Badge still worth it? As a Scout Leader who is incredibly proud of my beads, I'm sharing my honest, and slightly controversial, take on the new system. Fifteen years ago, my training was filled with practical weekends, invaluable networking, and learning the traditions of Scou...

Hey Scout Leaders, I needed to get something off my chest that’s been bugging me all day—parental commitment in Scouts. In this vlog, recorded during my lunch break, I share two recent examples where we had to cancel Scout events due to a lack of help from parents. It's frustrating, disheartening, and sadly, not uncommon. Why is it that we get full support when it's a weekend camp—but when...

Teaching Scouts about knife law can be tricky. How do you make it engaging and understandable without getting bogged down in complex legal jargon? In this video, I share my simple, hands-on, and highly effective method: the 'Legal vs Illegal' table. It's the easy way to teach the crucial lessons of responsibility, safety, and the law. I lay out a variety of everyday and outdoor items—f...

What is the single most important hour of any Scout Camp? The answer might surprise you. It's not the climbing wall, the wide game, or even the campfire. It's the downtime. In a world where young people's lives are scheduled from morning until night, the freedom to just be is one of the greatest gifts we can offer. In this video, I share my #1 tip for running a successful and memorable...

After 15 years as a Scout Leader, you can't help but wonder... what happened to all the young people who passed through the troop? Sometimes, the answer is more incredible than you could ever imagine. Join me, Mark (Big Man in the Woods), as I share some truly amazing "Where Are They Now?" stories. From a regular Scout learning to tie knots at camp, to a literal ROCKET ENGINEER designing spacecraf...

Alright leaders, I'm really curious: which of those 11 AWESOME Scout activities are you itching to bring to your troop? And hey, if you're sitting on a goldmine of other activities that your Scouts have LOVED, don't keep them to yourself! I'd love for you to share your wisdom. You can find me over on Instagram  @bigmaninthewoodsuk  – just search for Big Man in the Woods UK – or send your ideas ove...

Scout Leaders have you ever been stuck in that conversation with fellow Scout Leaders? You know the one: Should we spend the time and money traveling far for a scout camp adventure, or is it better to stay local, save the budget, and pack in more activities closer to home? It's the endless debate, and the question often boils down to: Is the extra camp travel truly worth the cost? In this Podc...

Scout Leaders have you ever wondered about the real point behind the traditional Scout Flag Break? 🤔 While a familiar sight at many Beaver, Cub, and Scout meetings, is it just something we do because we've always done it? Join myself (Mark), your online Scout Leader from Big Man in the Woods, as I dive into the "What's The Point Of...?" behind this time-honored ceremony. In this...

Hey Leaders! Let's talk Scout uniform. We all know it's important for identity and belonging, but does it need to be absolutely perfect every single meeting night? In this video, I'm discussing a potentially "unpopular opinion" on the subject, exploring:How strict uniform policies can impact inclusivity. The balance between upholding standards and focusing on the core Scoutin...

Hey Scout Leaders! Need fresh wide game ideas for your Troop or Pack? This podcast episode shares my top 6 favourite wide games designed to energize your Scouts, featuring Baden-Powell's beloved Capture the Flag! I'll explain how to play each one and offer tips for making them a hit with your youth members. Learn why these games are a fantastic part of Scouting. Subscribe for more Scouting tips an...

Ever feel like managing the Scout Hall is practically a full-time job? You're not alone! In this video, I share my candid thoughts sparked by yet another meeting about our hall (this time with the nursery manager about the rental agreement!). We explore the ongoing debate: Is it better for a Scout Group to own its own HQ or rent somewhere like a school or church hall?-The hidden workload of ow...

I'm just back from a County Scout event, and all the talk was about youth waiting lists. It's great we want more Young People in Scouting, but I couldn't stop thinking... where's the conversation about keeping the Adult Volunteers? We seem to focus heavily on recruitment but overlook volunteer retention. Are long-service badges really the answer when leaders are working full-time,...

As a Scout Leader, finding fresh and engaging programme ideas can be a challenge, especially when you’re looking for new ways to inspire and engage your Scouts. In this video, I’m sharing some of my go-to resources and places where I discover fresh Scout programme ideas—whether it’s websites, social media, or even TV shows! I’ll walk you through some top resources, including Online Scout Manager (...

Introducing the Dry Robe-Inspired Coat for Scout Leaders marks a significant advancement in our commitment to providing practical and comfortable apparel for our leadership community. Designed to meet the dynamic needs of Scout leaders, this coat offers a blend of functionality and comfort.​Key Features:Enhanced Comfort: Crafted from high-quality materials, the coat ensures ease of movement and co...

🎭 I’ve Written a Musical About Scouts—Here’s the Soundtrack! 🎶Yes, you read that right—I’ve written a Scout-themed musical! In this video, I’m sharing the soundtrack, giving you a sneak peek at the songs that bring the adventure, fun, and spirit of Scouting to life. Whether you're a Scout leader, a Scout yourself, or just love a good musical, this is something you won’t want to miss!🔥 Expec...

Scout Leaders are you Looking for fun and engaging campfire games to keep your Scouts entertained? In this video, I’ll share four must-play campfire games that will have your Scouts laughing, thinking, and working together. These games are perfect for Scout camps, youth groups, and campfire gatherings. 🏕️ Games featured in this video: 1️⃣ I Went to the Shop – A memory and word association game wit...

This debate comes up time and time again in Scouting. In this video, I break down both sides of the argument, looking at what Scout Leaders are saying online, the financial impact on Scout Groups, and the legal considerations from the Charity Commission and HMRC. Many leaders feel they should pay like any other parent, while others believe a discount is a fair reward for their volunteering. But do...

🔥 **Scouting isn’t just about leaders in uniform!** In this episode, I chat with fellow Scout Leader and author **James Wood** about his new book, *An Hour a Week*. We dive into why he wrote it and the many different ways people can volunteer to keep a Scout group running—**from leaders on the front line to the behind-the-scenes heroes who make it all possible.** 📖 **In this episode, we cover:**...

Scout Leaders, I'm sure we've all been there—those days when work drains every ounce of energy, and the thought of leading Scouts feels like climbing a mountain. In this video, I share my honest experience of one of those tough nights: from battling exhaustion to facing a hyper Scout group. Despite it all, there's a heartfelt reminder from a fellow leader that helped me push through. W...

-Can parent helpers bring their own children to Scouts? In this video, I explore what Scouts UK's POR and insurance say about non-Scout kids attending meetings. Plus, practical tips for leaders! Being a Scout leader comes with lots of questions, and this one pops up often: Are parent helpers allowed to bring their own non-Scout children to meetings? I'll break down everything you need to k...

One of the toughest challenges as a Scout leader is dealing with parents who suddenly stop responding. What do you do when a Scout vanishes without notice, and emails, texts, and calls are left unanswered? In this video, I explore the frustrations of being ghosted by parents and share practical advice for handling these tricky situations. You'll learn about my "three-week rule" for managing non-re...

In this inspiring interview, I'm joined in the Scouting Shed with Leigh Porter, a dedicated Scout Leader from Fulham, who shares his passion for supporting Scouts with Special Educational Needs (SEN). As someone with ADHD, Leigh understands the challenges SEN children face and has made it his mission to help Scout leaders create more inclusive and engaging experiences for all. Leigh offers practic...

Join me for an insightful live stream with renowned Scout historian Colin Walker as we delve deep into the life and legacy of Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting. Who was the man behind the movement that changed the lives of millions worldwide? Together, we explore the truths, myths, and fascinating stories about BP, uncovering the history and values that continue to inspire Scouts today....

Companies urged to support volunteers by UK Chief Scout Dwayne Fields. Discover how dedicating annual leave for volunteering can boost happiness, productivity, and community impact. In this video, I chat about Dwayne Fields' call for 35 hours of volunteering leave per year, highlighting the benefits for individuals and organizations. However, I also discuss the negative effects for volunteers who...

🎄🎅 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Scout Leaders! 🎅🎄 Thank you for an incredible year of support here at Big Man in the Woods. Whether you've watched my videos, read my blogs, or just stopped by to say hello, your encouragement means the world to me. If you're new here, welcome! I'm Mark, a Scout leader in London, sharing tips, tricks, advice, and gear reviews to help you become the best...