Big Man in the Woods

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...

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...