5 Classic Scout Games from Scouting for Boys That Still Work Today

Scout Leaders… let’s be honest for a moment. If you’ve found yourself halfway through a Scout night thinking, “Are we really playing this same game again?” you’re not alone.And if your Scouts are looking at you saying, “Can we play something new?” this one’s for you. Welcome to Flashback ...

7 No-Prep Scout Games Every Leader Needs Up Their Sleeve

We've all been there: you've planned the perfect Scout meeting, but something goes awry. Maybe you've forgotten essential equipment, or your planned activity falls through. That's when having a repertoire of no-prep games becomes absolutely invaluable. These are the games that require minimal to no equipment and ...

7 No‑Prep Scout Games Every Leader Needs Up Their Sleeve

Ever had that Scout meeting?The one where the plan falls apart, the kit’s gone missing, or your brain’s just… empty 😅 Don’t panic. I’ve just dropped a new vlog:🎯 7 No-Prep Scout Games Every Leader Needs Up Their Sleeve These are games you can run right now: No prep No equipment Any ...

Christmas Eve: A Time to Step Back (And What That Means for Everyone)

As a Scout Leader, I spend countless hours throughout the year planning meetings, organizing camps, mentoring young people, and building our scouting community. It's rewarding, meaningful work that fills my calendar and my heart. But Christmas time is a different period. My last Scout meeting of the year is always ...

Celebrating You: International Volunteer Day 2025

Today, December 5th, marks International Volunteer Day, and there’s no better moment to pause and recognize the extraordinary contribution you make as Scout Leaders across the world. The Ripple Effect of Your Service Did you know that globally, over 400 million young people have been impacted by Scouting since ...

Forget Amazon… Scout Leaders Make Better Christmas Gifts

If you’re scratching your head over what to get the Scout Leader or outdoorsy type in your life this Christmas, this new vlog is packed with proper, meaningful ideas — none of the usual socks or novelty mugs. I’m sharing some brilliant Scout-made gifts I’ve personally used and loved, from cosy campfire ponchos and ...

Hope on the Trail: Beginning Advent in Scouting

Today marks the first day of Advent, and as we light that first purple candle representing hope, I’ve been thinking about how naturally this theme connects to what we do in Scouting. The prophets of old looked forward with hope to something they couldn’t yet see but trusted was coming. Sound familiar? It’s a ...

But it

It’s the response every Scout Leader has heard when mentioning any parade inparticular The Remembrance Sunday Parade. And if we’re honest with ourselves, our young people have a point. Standing in formation doesn’t quite match the adrenaline of abseiling down a rock face, the adventure of paddling a kayak down the ...

Scout Hall Spotting in Bath

This half term we took a short family city break to Bath. I’ve never visited before and honestly, it’s a stunning place. The whole city just has this beautiful character to it, I’d highly recommend visiting the area if you get the chance. Now, here’s where my Scout leader instincts kicked in. I ...

A Heartfelt Appreciation for Beaver Bushcraft

There are certain craftspeople whose work transcends mere functionality and enters the realm of art. Mark and Helen from Beaver Bushcraft are undoubtedly among these artisans, and I’ve been privileged to admire and collect their exceptional pieces for many, many years. I first discovered Mark’s work through ...

Why Doesn

Nestled in the heart of Poole Harbour, Dorset, lies a small island with an outsized influence on Scouting history. Brownsea Island might appear to be just another nature reserve, but beneath its peaceful woodland walks and red squirrel sanctuary lies the birthplace of the worldwide Scouting movement, a legacy that ...

Three Years in the Making: My First Kayaking Adventure on the River Thames

Last night marked a milestone I never thought I’d reach. After 15 years as a Scout Leader, I finally took my first plunge into water sports – quite literally – when I joined 20 of our scouts at London Kayak School in Brentford for an evening on the River Thames. The Long Journey to the Water It all ...

The Power of Doing Nothing: Why Downtime is Your Camp

A reflection from the field at our recent District Camp Picture this: You're halfway through your meticulously planned Scout camp. Every hour is accounted for. Activity follows activity in perfect succession. Your program looks impressive on paper – but something feels off. The young people seem frazzled. ...

Feather Sticks: A Skill Worth Mastering

As Scout Leaders, one of our greatest joys is passing on skills to our young people, nurturing their abilities, and watching them grow in confidence. But Scouting isn’t just about teaching—it’s also about learning. Whether it’s picking up new outdoor techniques, honing leadership strategies, or experimenting with ...

The REAL Problem with Scout Waiting Lists: Where Are the Adult Volunteers?

Not long ago, I attended a county Scouting event. It was fantastic—meeting new Leaders, catching up with old friends, and sharing ideas. But there was one big topic that kept coming up: the young people’s waiting list. We’ve all heard it before: "There are too many young people waiting to join ...

Embracing Learning Through Teaching: Insights from the New Leaders Skills Weekend

Reflecting on an incredible weekend at Pacaar Scout Camp during the GLMW New Leaders Skills weekend, I can't help but share how the Inferior Fire Striker made quite an impression! It was a hit with Scout Leaders who had never seen it in action before. This tool is perfect for teaching others about fire steels and really ...

Scout Leaders are you Looking for fun and engaging campfire games to keep your Scouts entertained? In this video, I’ll share four must-play campfire games that will have your Scouts laughing, thinking, and working together. These games are perfect for Scout camps, youth groups, and campfire gatherings. https://youtu...

I can't do Scouts tonight!

Can Parent Helpers Bring Their Own Children to Scouts? What You Need to Know

As a Scout Leader, you've probably received a message or two like this: "Can I bring my little one with me while I help out at Scouts? My partner is stuck at work, and I have no other choice." It’s a common dilemma, and understanding the rules surrounding parent helpers and their non-Scout children is crucial. ...

Are You a Badge Glue Lover? The Sticky Truth for Scout Leaders

Are you a glue lover or not? Today, we’re diving into the sticky world of badge attachment for scout blankets. No, not wood glue, but badge glue. Yes, it’s a thing. You may have seen the recent email from the Scout Store, where they’re surveying leaders on their preferred methods for attaching badges. The big ...

Staying Current as a Scout Leader: Embracing Refreshment for Growth

As Scout Leaders, it's essential to stay up-to-date with the ever-evolving world of scouting. From new badges to updated resources, it can be challenging to keep track of everything amidst the constant influx of emails and newsletters from other organisations , work and in particular emails and newsletters from my own kids ...

Are Scouts Now Walking Advertisement Boards?

On a recent live vlog, I discussed badges, particularly sponsored badges, and posed the question to Scout Leaders around the world: Do you think the number of sponsored badges is turning our young people into walking advertisement boards? So, let’s dive into the vlog from a few weeks ago where I talked about sponsored ...

School Term or Half Term: When

Hey Scout Leaders! It's a peculiar half term for me, as I find myself at home rather than leading my Scout Troop on another thrilling adventure in the great outdoors. This unexpected turn of events got me pondering a question: Is it alright to embark on a camping trip during school term instead of the usual half term ...

The Ultimate Camping Hack: The "No-Pee Panic" Solution

Hey there Scout Leaders! Today, I've got a tip that's equal parts useful and amusing. You know those moments when you're snug as a bug in your sleeping bag, only to be rudely awakened by nature's call? Yeah, we've all been there. But fear not, because I've stumbled upon a game-changing solution - and no, it's not a fancy ...

Shake Up Your Scout Meetings with These Fun New Games

Scout Leaders are you tired of playing the same old games week after week with your Scouts? Do you find yourself stuck in a rut, endlessly organizing games of Dodgeball and Tag? Well, fret not! I'm here to inject some excitement and variety into your Scout meetings with five brand new games that require minimal ...

Starting Your Squirrel Drey Adventures: A Guide for UK Scout Leaders

Hello Squirrel Scout Leaders! As you prepare to embark on a new and exciting journey with your Squirrel Drey this September, I understand that the beginning of your sessions sets the tone for the entire experience. Just like building a beaver dam, creating a strong foundation for your Squirrel Drey activities is essent...

Mastering Scout Camp Etiquette: Unwritten Rules, Hilarious Tales, and Enduring Camaraderie

Fellow Scout Leaders! Gather 'round as we delve into the unspoken codes that guide us through the thrilling world of Scout camp. Join me in exploring the unwritten rules that weave our camp experiences into memorable adventures. From morning brews to campfire selfies, these unspoken codes lead us toward unity, laughter, and ...

Scout Leaders, Don

Today, I want to delve into a fascinating topic that recently caught my attention on social media. It's a question that might have slipped under your radar, just as it did mine until now: What's the minimum number of camping nights we should be taking our young Scouts away? Join me as we unravel this query and gain some ...

10 things you didn

UK Scouts have just celebrated one year of the Squirrels Scout section. Here's 10 facts about Squirrels you probably didn't know. If you've not heard about the Squirrel section, it's a new section here in UK scouting for young people aged four to six. The UK Scout Sections are now Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, ...

What's the difference between Scouts & Girl Guides?

Do you know the difference between scouts & Guides? well thats a question that I was recently emailed to answer.   So here is the Difference between UK Girl Guides & Scouts UK