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 scout leaders, we just want to know if it's going to work when we need it most!What's covered in this review:-Scout Leader Perspective: Is it practical for camp life? (Spoiler: I'm not bothered by weight as a car camper, but you might be!)-Durability & Build: Does it feel cheap, or is it built to last the rigors of camp?-Eco-Friendly Bonus: Learn about the recycled aluminum in its construction.-Real-World Testing: This isn't just an unboxing! I've used this torch on 4-5 scout camps.-User Experience: Button feel, beam adjustments (wide to pencil point), and how it handles with gloves.-Rechargeable Power: Modern convenience with a micro C charger – easily power up at home or with a power bank on camp.-My Recommendation: Would I, a seasoned scout leader, recommend the LED Lenser P6R Core for your kit?-Head Torch vs. Handheld: My personal preference and why this torch still earns a spot in my essential gear.Whether you're upgrading your current kit or just starting out as a scout leader, this review will help you decide if the LED Lenser P6R Core is the right addition to your scout leader arsenal.What torch do YOU use on camp? Let me know in the comments below!

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 for advice. Would you have done the same? How do you balance being a leader and a parent at camp?Drop your thoughts in the comments — I’d love to hear your experiences!👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to Big Man in the Woods for more honest Scout leader stories, tips, and camp reflections.#ScoutCamp #ScoutLeaderLife #ParentingAndScouting #CubScouts #ScoutVlog

👉 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 struggle with first Cub camp anxiety-The Internal battle of being both a parent and a leader-Practical strategies for helping anxious Cubs and Scouts-How leaders can balance comfort, independence, and growthWhether you’re a Scout Leader, parent, or both, this video will give you real-life insight into handling camping nerves with compassion and flexibility.👉 Have you faced a similar situation with your Scouts? What would you do? Share your thoughts in the comments!#Scouts #CubCamp #ScoutingTips

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 reasons that many of us face but don't always talk about, including:✅ Family First: The challenge of balancing precious family holiday time with a week away in a field.✅ Annual Leave: How much of your own work holiday are you expected to use for Scouting?✅ The Logistics: The nightmare of finding a week where enough of your Scouts (and leaders!) are actually available.✅ The "Dad Guilt": The personal struggle of being the Scout Leader vs. being a parent.This isn't a video knocking summer camps – they create incredible memories! It's a frank discussion about the personal sacrifices involved and a reminder that every leader's situation is unique.I want to hear from YOU in the comments!Do you run a summer camp? What are your reasons for doing it, or for not doing it? Let's get a proper discussion going.🔔 If you're a Scout Leader looking for tips, tricks, and honest chats like this, please help the channel grow:👍 LIKE this video so more leaders can find it.🔴 SUBSCRIBE to Big Man in the Woods for more content.🔗 SHARE it with another leader in your Group or District!Cheers,Mark#Scouts #ScoutLeader #SummerCamp #Scouting #Volunteer #UKScouts #BigManInTheWoods

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 experience kayaking (yes, my first time!) and the powerful lesson I learned about shaking up the programme, trying new things, and rediscovering my own passion for adventure.

If you've ever felt stuck in your programme or put off an activity you really want to do, this one's for you.👇 What's the one activity YOU have been putting off with your Scouts? Let me know in the comments!

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 Scouting face-to-face. Today, the path to becoming a "Team Volunteer" looks very different.In this Podcast, I explore:🔹 My experience earning the Wood Badge the "old school" way.🔹 The shift from practical skills weekends to online Zoom modules.🔹 My frustration with the new "Team Volunteer" title.🔹 Why the Wood Badge feels like it's losing its meaning and prestige.🔹 The big question: Would I do the training again today? (The answer might surprise you).This is a conversation I want to have with YOU, the volunteers on the ground. Has the tradition been lost, or is this just progress? Let me know your honest thoughts in the comments below.JOIN THE CONVERSATION:💬 Would you do your Wood Badge training again in the new system?💬 Should the Wood Badge be scrapped altogether?👇 Comment below! Let's keep the discussion respectful.WATCH NEXT: The REAL Meaning Behind The Wood Beads ► https://youtu.be/EIeS-H-cIWw?si=AZ3uwu4pvZY5h6Bm#UKScouts #ScoutLeader #WoodBadge #ScoutingUK #ScoutTraining #SkillsForLife

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 it's just a one-day event, hardly any parents step up? Is it just me? Are you facing the same issue?If you’ve found a way to get better backing from parents in your group, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let's figure this out together and stop great events from getting cancelled.👉 Drop a comment below or message me—how do YOU get parents involved?

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—from a survival knife and a multi-tool to a vegetable peeler, a corkscrew, and even a tent peg. The challenge for the Scouts isn't just to sort them, but to discuss why an item might be legal or illegal to carry.This simple exercise brilliantly introduces the single most important word when carrying any tool: CONTEXT.This video will walk you through:How to set up this simple and powerful activity in minutes.Which items to choose to spark the best, most thought-provoking discussion.Why focusing on "context" and "good reason" is more effective than trying to memorize complex laws.How to facilitate a discussion that gets your Scouts thinking critically about their actions and choices.If you want a proven method to cover a vital topic in a way your Scouts will remember, this is it.--- IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ---This video is for educational and illustrative purposes ONLY and is NOT legal advice. Knife laws are complex, vary significantly by country, state, and city, and are subject to change. Always research and comply with your specific local laws before carrying any knife or tool. The purpose of this activity is to promote discussion and critical thinking.Like this idea? Give this video a thumbs-up and subscribe for more practical tips and program ideas for Scout Leaders!