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 steps✅ Why "planning in the pub" is a valid Scouting method✅ How to get the Scouts to plan the meetings for youDon't forget to like and subscribe for more Scouting tips!

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 you are brand new to Scouting in 2026 or just need some fresh ideas, check out the "Games" playlist on my channel. I've got loads of resources for indoor, park, and wide games to help you out.#Scouts #ScoutLeader #Scouting #BigManInTheWoods #YouthWork #Scouting2026

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 Woods patrol), and they’re perfect for Scout hall nights, rainy evenings, or those “help, I need a game NOW” moments.🎮 What’s Inside the VideoHead It, Catch It – a fast‑thinking ball game with a twistKeeper of the Keys – stealth, suspense, and lots of gigglesNortheast Southwest – a classic compass‑point dashSplat – explained by Cub Thomas himselfThe Teapot Game – finger‑snatching chaosNewspaper Delivery Boy – pure unpredictable funThe 20p Game – teamwork, bluffing, and controlled chaosBonus Suggestions 💬 Tell Me in the CommentsWhat’s YOUR favourite no‑prep Scout game?Share the ones you keep up your sleeve for when meetings go sideways — I’d love to feature more in future videos.

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 chair, explore its connection to Baden‑Powell’s legacy, and ask the big question:👉 Do YOU do this campfire tradition in your group?Whether you’ve known this for years or you’re discovering it for the first time like me, I’d love to hear your experiences. Share your traditions, variations, and campfire customs in the comments — let’s see how widespread this really is across the UK and beyond.

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 content created throughout 2025 and what it took to keep showing upThe Top Scout videos you watched and shared mostThe blog posts that helped leaders plan stronger programmesThe podcast episode that sparked the biggest conversationsAnd the global Scout Patrol that’s grown around this channelWhether you’re running a troop in the UK, Canada, the USA, Australia, or beyond, this channel exists to support real Scout Leaders dealing with real challenges — wet Monday nights, high-energy arrivals, tight programmes, and the responsibility of shaping young people’s futures.This isn’t a stats video.It’s a thank you.A reflection.And a reminder of why we keep turning up for Scouting.Thank you for watching, commenting, sharing your ideas, and putting these activities into practice with your Scouts. Big Man in the Woods wouldn’t exist without you.Here’s to another year of practical tips, honest conversations, and making Scouting awesome together in 2026.👉 Subscribe for weekly Scout Leader tips👉 Drop a comment with your highlight from 2025👉 Share this with another Scout Leader who needs a boostSee you in the next one. 🏕️⚜️

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 out some ideas to help every leader step into 2026 feeling confident and inspired.

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'm planning everything from casual "bring a dish" nights to fun music quizzes – events that help us build stronger relationships while actually enjoying each other's company.If you're a Group Scout Leader struggling with the same challenge, or if you're just curious about what goes on behind the scenes in Scouting, I hope this gives you some useful ideas (or at least lets you know you're not alone!).What works for your group? Drop your ideas in the comments – I'd love to hear what's helped bring your leadership team together.

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 candles, I’ve personally used and loved every single one of these Scout-made treasures. These aren’t just gifts — they’re pieces of the outdoors, made by people who live and breathe Scouting.I’ll also share where you can find these amazing makers and how their work supports our community of volunteers who know what really counts at camp.If you want to give something meaningful this Christmas, hit play and get inspired!00:00 Intro01:16 Stuff it Outdoors03:03 Old Tents04:26 Posling Scents05:28 Bolden Batches06:28 Sam Hawk Designs07:06 OldMan Woodcraft08:45 BurntStuff.com10:00 Forest LogosGot your own Scout Leader-made gift recommendations? Drop them in the comments — let’s support each other and keep the Scouting spirit

www.stuffitoutdoors.com/collections/blanket-ponchoshttps:

www.oldtents.co.uk

www.instagram.com/posling_scentswww.instagram.com/boldensbatcheshttps

www.instagram.com/sam_hawk.designhttps

www.instagram.com/oldmanwoodcraft

www.burntstuff.com

www.facebook.com/AngForestLogos