Bored of the same old Scout games? Let’s raid Scouting for Boys and bring the classics back to life.In this Flashback February video, I dive into Scouting for Boys to uncover classic but forgotten games you can bring back to your troop. These activities are fun, engaging, and perfect for keeping your Scouts excited, learning, and active.I’m Big Man in the Woods — sharing fresh ideas inspired by Scouting’s heritage to help you run brilliant, memorable programme nights for your Scouts UK troop.

Why I Stopped Using Kelly Kettles on Scout CampThe Kelly Kettle is one of those classic bits of Scout kit almost every group owns. It looks great, teaches fire-lighting skills, and has a cool vintage vibe. But after more than a decade of using them, I’ve realised they’re not the most practical choice when you just want a quick cuppa on camp.In this video, I’ll share why I prefer a stove for boiling water over the Kelly Kettle, the challenges it brings on busy Scout weekends, and how it’s more of a skills tool than a camp essential. If you’ve got a Kelly Kettle story or strong opinions, drop them in the comments — I want to know if I’m missing something or if you agree!

It is every Group Scout Leader's nightmare: You have a fantastic volunteer who is passionate and reliable, and then suddenly... they vanish. No warning, Scout Hall keys returned, and blocked on WhatsApp.In this Podcast, I share a real email from a GSL facing this exact situation and discuss my own experience of being "ghosted" by one of my best Scout Leaders.As a Group Lead Volunteer (or GSL in old money), dealing with volunteers leaving is part of the job, but it never gets easier—especially when it happens so abruptly. I break down:-How to handle the shock of a sudden departure.-Why you shouldn't chase them (and why it's hard not to).--Looking for the warning signs we might have missed.Advice on how to move forward and support your remaining leadership team.If you are a GSL or Section Leader dealing with volunteer retention or burnout, this video is for you.

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. 🏕️⚜️