Some of the best Scout nights don’t tick a single badge requirement.They’re the slightly chaotic ones. The creative ones. The nights where patrols end up arguing about moss, building strange contraptions, or presenting something that technically counts as “food”.In this video I’m sharing 6 Scout activities that don’t neatly fit into a badge, but build exactly the things Scouting is supposed to build — teamwork, leadership, confidence, creativity and a lot of laughter.These are the nights Scouts remember years later.Perfect if you're a Scout Leader planning a programme night and want something fun, energetic, and slightly different from traditional badge work.If you’ve got an activity your Scouts still talk about years later, drop it in the comments, I’m always looking for new ideas.🌲 Big Man in the WoodsSharing ideas, lessons, and honest thoughts from life as a Scout leader.If you enjoy practical ideas for Scout leaders, camping skills, and running better Scout meetings, consider subscribing.

Get ready for game-changing Scout uniform hacks! I'm diving into the budget-friendly alternatives you NEED to see, straight from Scout Leaders themselves. Don't let cost hold back your Scouting Adventure!

This isn’t a rant- It’s a conversation...Being a Scout Leader is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done… but lately, it’s also felt heavier than ever.After a recent district meeting, I logged off feeling drained — and I know I’m not the only one.Compliance expectations.Training piling up.Welcome meetings waiting.The Financial SqueezeLeaders stretched between family, work, and volunteering.None of this is about people not caring. It’s about good volunteers trying to keep up with growing demands across The Scout Association while still showing up for young people every week.In this Podcast, I’m being honest about the pressure many Group Lead Volunteers and Scout Leaders are feeling right now — and how it’s starting to chip away at the joy that brought us into Scouting in the first place.If you’ve felt the weight lately… you’re not alone.👇 I’d really value hearing from other UK leaders:

What’s feeling hardest right now — admin, compliance, recruitment, finances, or something else?

This video comes from a real place of frustration after a tough few weeks at Scouts.

Over-talking while leaders are explaining activities. Scouts belittling each other. Messing around instead of joining in. Choosing to run about or sit chatting rather than learn the skills the rest of the troop are there for.

It’s not fair on the young people who *do* want to be there and make the most of Scouts.

And it raises a bigger conversation we don’t always say out loud as leaders…

We are volunteers.

We don’t get paid.

We give up evenings away from our families and jobs because we believe in what Scouting gives young people.

But when behaviour slips week after week, it makes you stop and ask — is this still the best use of our time and energy?

In this Podcast I talk honestly about:

• what’s been happening

• why behaviour matters more than people think

• the impact on leaders and the wider troop

• what we can actually do about it

This isn’t a rant. It’s a reality check — and hopefully a helpful one for other leaders dealing with the same thing.

If you’re a Scout Leader, volunteer, or parent, I’d really value your thoughts in the comments. How are you handling behaviour at the moment?

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.