Scouting advice is broken because Scout Leaders are making it boring. I am banning three specific practices in 2026 to fix the program.This Podcast is for Scout Leaders who want to revitalize their sections and stop the common mistakes that drive members away. If you feel like your meetings have become stale or repetitive, this breakdown offers a direct look at the outdated methods that need to be retired immediately. I examine why traditional leadership approaches often kill the fun and how you can shift your strategy to keep engagement high.By cutting these three unnecessary constraints, you can focus on what actually matters for scout troop management. Implementing these Scout Leader tips will help you regain control and create a more dynamic environment for your scouts.

I've been a scout leader for over 15 years and in this video, I'm getting honest about the anxiety that comes with leading young people. From surprising challenges to the moments that really test your patience (yes, Squirrel Scouts, I'm looking at you), this is the emotional side of volunteering nobody talks about.

🎙️ Scout Group Traditions We Still Do TodayEvery Scout Group has them, those little traditions that quietly define who we are, shape our young people, and keep the Scouting spirit alive.In this episode, Mark, Max and Colin share the unique traditions still happening in their own Scout Groups, from ceremonies and rituals to those slightly quirky moments that somehow just stick year after year.We talk about:⚜️ Mark’s “Seal of Approval” during investitures⚜️ Cubs climbing to touch the Union Flag at the Scout Hall⚜️ Scouts ringing a brass bell at the end of the night🎲 And we share 3 Scout games you can use straight away in your programmeIt’s a relaxed, honest conversation between Scout Leaders about what makes each Group different and why these traditions still matter more than ever.💬 We’d love to hear yours, what traditions does your Scout Group still do?Drop them in the comments and join the conversation.🎙️ Big Man in the Woods PodcastThe weekly hangout for Scout Leaders who swap stories, share ideas, and keep the Scouting spirit alive.

Stuck for game ideas at the last minute? Don’t panic! All you need is a roll of duct tape. In this video, I dive into 6 incredibly simple, low-prep, and high-energy games that are perfect for Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs Scouts and Explorers.What we cover in this video: 🎯 Tape Tag: A sticky twist on a classic. 🕸️ The Spider Web: A team-building challenge that requires focus. 🏃 Line Jump: High speed, zero cost. ...and 3 more games your group will love!These games are perfect for rainy days in the hut or quick fillers during camp. No expensive gear, no long setup, just pure Scouting fun.Which one was your favourite? Drop a comment below and let me know if you have your own "Duct Tape Masterpiece" game!#Scouts #ScoutGames #DuctTapeHacks #ScoutLeader #BigManInTheWoods #LowPrepGames

On this week’s Scout Shed Live Catch-Up, we talked about how Scout Leaders can handle disagreements among Leaders without things escalating.We shared thoughts, experiences, and practical ideas for dealing with conflict while still keeping meetings positive, fun, and safe for everyone involved.We also discussed some games to play at Scouts this week, including:* Dragon’s Tail* Smelly Santa* The Keys Game…and why I personally don’t enjoy playing Kim’s Game!Catch the replay now before it becomes a Members Only video.#Scouting #ScoutLeader #Scouts #ScoutGames #ScoutLeaders #UKScouting

I'm helping my son, who’s a Cub, develop his fire lighting skills using a FireSteel — but being left-handed has made it a bit more of a challenge for him.Then I remembered I’ve got the PolyStriker XL in my kit, and it’s actually really well suited to left-handed users like Thomas.This firesteel has a unique design that I’m hoping will make fire lighting a little easier for him. While it’s not my usual go-to fire steel, it’s been part of my camping gear for years and has always intrigued me.In this video, I take a closer look at how effective it really is — especially for left-handed people who struggle with a traditional fire steel.#Scouting #CubScouts #FireLighting #Bushcraft #CampingGear #ScoutLeader #OutdoorSkills #SurvivalGear #FireSteel #BushcraftUK #Camping #Scouts #AdventureSkills #PolyStrikerXL #LeftHanded

As Scout volunteers, do we take on too many roles?It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. I honestly don’t know many leaders who only have one role in Scouting anymore. Quite often we’re helping in our Group, taking on District responsibilities, maybe even County roles too.And while it’s brilliant that so many volunteers are willing to step up and help… is it always a good thing?Are we spreading ourselves too thin?Can we really give 100% to every role we take on?And what impact does that have on us, our sections, and the young people we support?In this video I share some honest thoughts and experiences around volunteer overload in Scouting, the pressure to say yes, and whether we sometimes need to protect our time and energy a little more.I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments, how many roles do you currently hold, and do you think it’s sustainable?#Scouting #ScoutLeader #Volunteering #Scouts #ScoutVolunteer #Leadership #BigManInTheWoods

Are Jumble Sales actually worth the effort? In this video, I chat to fellow Scout Leader Max about the reality of running a Jumble Sale for a Scout Group.We dive into the big questions: Do they make enough money to justify the stress? How do you organize a successful sale? And is it still a viable fundraising method for charities and nonprofits in 2026?In this video, we cover:-How much profit a Scout Group can actually expect.-The "hidden" workload most leaders forget about.-Tips for getting the best donations.-Max’s top advice for his upcoming sale.If you're looking for fundraising ideas for Scouts or small charities, this honest look at Jumble Sales is for you.Subscribe for more Scouting tips and Leader interviews!#Scouts #Fundraising #JumbleSale #ScoutingUK

Join me in the Scout Shed with fellow Scout Leaders Max and Colin for another relaxed live catch-up, talking through the real ups and downs of running a Scout Group.This week we dig into the balance between experienced Leaders and new volunteers joining the team. There’s a real mix of value in both — fresh ideas, different perspectives, and years of hard-earned Scouting knowledge. The challenge is making sure we actually use it all well, not just stick to what we’ve always done.We also explore the pro's and cons of running a Group Family Camp, from the brilliant moments of shared Scouting experiences to the practical headaches that come with organising it all.And somewhere in the middle of it all, Colin stumbles across a new Cub Pack evening idea that might just be too good not to use.Grab a brew and join us in the Scout Shed for the conversation.#Scouting #ScoutLeader #CubScouts #ScoutsUK #ScoutShed #Volunteer #Camping #ScoutCamp

Is your Scout Group a "Movement" or just a "Club"?In this Podcast, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to the late 90s to look at the rise and fall of the iconic search engine, Ask Jeeves. You might be wondering: “Mark, what on earth does a digital butler have to do with running a Scout Troop in 2026?”The answer lies in the one word Robert Baden-Powell used to describe Scouting from the very beginning: A MOVEMENT.Whether you are a new Section Leader or a seasoned GSL, the "Jeeves Trap" is something we all face. If we stop moving, we stop growing.