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!

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 camp: intentionally scheduling unstructured time.We'll cover why this "un-activity" is crucial for:✅ Preventing Leader Burnout: Giving yourself and your team a scheduled break is essential to stay energized and effective.✅ Building Real Friendships: The strongest bonds are often formed when kids are left to their own devices, free to talk, play, and connect.✅ Reducing Stress for Everyone: A packed schedule can be overwhelming. Downtime lowers the pressure and creates a more relaxed atmosphere.✅ Letting Kids Be Kids: It allows for creativity, problem-solving, and the simple joy of playing in a field with friends.If you want to transform your camps from a frantic checklist into a genuine adventure, this video is for you.What's your #1 tip for a new Scout Leader running their first camp? Share your wisdom in the comments below!#Scouting #ScoutLeader #ScoutCamp #CampingTips #LeaderTips #Burnout #YouthLeadership #BigManInTheWoods

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 spacecraft, these are the journeys that show the real, long-term impact of Scouting.In this video, I discuss former Scouts who have pursued their passions to become doctors, aerospace engineers, and globetrotting travel writers. It's a powerful reminder that as leaders, we are planting seeds of confidence, skill, and ambition—seeds that can grow into something truly extraordinary.This is for every volunteer who gives their time and wonders if they're making a difference. You are.What's your proudest "Where Are They Now?" moment?Share your story from your time in Scouting, Guiding, or any youth group in the comments below!Chapters:0:00 - A 15-Year Reflection1:47 - Where Are They Now?2:26 - The Scout Who Became a Doctor3:33 - The Scout Who Became a Rocket Engineer5:07 - The Scout Who Became a Travel Writer9:58 - The Seeds We Plant as LeadersDon't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more Scouting adventures!

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 over to mark@bigmaninthewoods.co.uk. I truly value hearing from you all.

Thanks so much for listening, and as always, happy Scouting!

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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 Podcast, I'm diving deep into this classic Scout Leader dilemma. I'll share insights from a recent, passionate discussion I overheard, where experienced leaders made compelling cases for both sides:The Case for Local Camps: We'll explore how keeping your scout camp local can free up significant budget (think lower transport costs!), allow for more on-site activities, easier parent logistics, and even support your local scouting community.The Allure of Adventure Further Afield: Then, we'll look at the benefits of those longer journeys – the unique experiences of exploring new territories, the "skills for life" gained from the travel itself, and the unforgettable memories created on the road (and in traffic!).A Big Man in the Woods Perspective: I'll also weigh in with my own thoughts and the practical realities I face as a leader balancing scouting with work and family life, and why sometimes the "ideal" camp isn't always feasible.So, which side of the fence do you land on? Is the allure of distant scout camps worth the logistical and financial hurdles, or do you champion the benefits of well-planned local adventures?#ScoutLeader #ScoutCamp #CampingDebate #ScoutingAdventures #CampTravel #BudgetScouting #BigManInTheWoods #SkillsForLife

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 video, discover:The Symbolic Meaning: What does the Union Flag represent in Scouting, and why do we salute it? (Hint: Duty to God and King, and respect for our country).Is it Mandatory?: The surprising truth about whether Flag Break is a requirement in Scouting.The Benefits for Your Scouts:Formally starts the meeting with consistency.Instills discipline and time management.Provides a powerful moment to reinforce the Scout Promise.Teaches respect and offers a moment for quiet reflection.How Different Sections Do It: See examples of how Beavers (Beaver Call), Cubs (Grand Howl), and Scouts conduct their opening ceremonies in Mark's group – remember, every group has its own traditions!Tips for a Meaningful Flag Break: Including the importance of quiet and respect during the ceremony.Whether your group has done Flag Break for generations, or you're considering introducing it, this video offers valuable insights into why this simple ceremony can be a powerful tool for any Scout Leader. It's more than just tradition; it's about building better Scouts!➡️ New to Scouting or want to become a better Scout Leader? SUBSCRIBE to Big Man in the Woods for more helpful tips, skills, and insights!