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!