The Scouting Stuff Podcast

Finding opportunities to meet Scouts from around the world. Podcast Topics Scouter Ken is joined by Ethan Coudenys, a Scouter and Rover from Paris, Ontario, and the Head of Contingent for the Scouts Canada group heading to the 17th World Scout Moot, which will take place in Portugal in mid-2025. In addition to discussing the Moot and other larger international events, though, Ken and Ethan discuss how to do international Scouting at a more personal level, both online and when traveling abroad. (Bring extra neckers!) Links 17th World Scout Moot Canadian Contingent Expression of Interest Form Scouts Canada International Events Shout-Outs Not so much shout-outs as apologies to Zane, Ryder, and Si...all of whom put in requests for stickers. They’re in the mail! Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar | Scouting Stuff Stuff Be Our Guest Register as a Guest Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Telegram | Leave Us a Review Music Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

WOSM Secretary General steps down, Scouts react after disasters...and JOTA-JOTI brings Scouts together over the air & Internet. News Stories Scouts unite for urgent disaster relief around the world Libya Hosts Arab Scout Moot: A Celebration of Discovery and Rich Heritage for Arab Youth Alhendawi announces decision to depart as Secretary General of World Scouting following a transformational tenure Scouts lead actions to protect beaches and promote responsible tourism Over 60 Representatives from European Scout Organizations Gather in Greece for the 2nd European Sustainability Forum Local Scouts return from World Brotherhood Camporee by land, sea JOTA-JOTI Blackburn Scouts asking for more volunteers to help explorer Girl Scouts USA hikes up its membership prices in an attempt to save its programs and services Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar | Scouting Stuff Stuff Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Telegram | Leave Us a Review Music Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

Scouts Canada CEO Liam Burns offers his thoughts on “Youth Led”, the Canadian Path, badges, and more. Podcast Topics Scouts Canada CEO Liam Burns joins Scouter Ken for a discussion about...well, a number of things. Although it was Liam’s blog post about Scouts Canada’s badge program – which rightly called out some of the shortcomings of the new badge program ushered in under the Canadian Path initiative – that precipitated this meetup, the actual conversation ranges over a variety of topics. From Squirrel Scouts to the concept of “youth led”, badges to program frameworks, and keeping Scouting going through the pandemic, it’s a wide-ranging conversation! Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar | Scouting Stuff Stuff Be Our Guest Register as a Guest Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Telegram | Leave Us a Review Music Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

Long-time Scouter and author James B Wood joins us to discuss his new book for current and prospective Scouting volunteers. Podcast Topics Scouter Ken is joined by James B Wood, a Scouter from the UK Scout Association. Having been “in the trenches” as a volunteer for many years, he took it upon himself to write a book - now out and available in print or on Kindle - for current and prospective Scouters alike, to offer them guidance on what to expect and how to navigate the challenges of leading Scouts. The book is called It’s Only an Hour a Week. Because we all know it is never just an hour a week, don’t we? About James Wood You can find out more about Scouter James on his website. He’s also on Twitter, Threads, Instagram, and Facebook. It's Only an Hour a Week is, again, available in print⁠ or on ⁠Kindle. Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar | Scouting Stuff Stuff Be Our Guest Register as a Guest Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Telegram | Leave Us a Review Music Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

Albania (re)joins WOSM, the UK gets a new Chief Scout...and the World Scout Conference happened. News Stories Scouting in Albania joins as the 176th Member Organization of World Scouting 2,000 Scouts gather for the opening of the 43rd World Scout Conference in Cairo 84 people join Scouting every hour: A decade of remarkable growth Scouts of China to host the 17th World Scout Moot in 2029 Denmark to host the 27th World Scout Jamboree in 2031 Boy Scouts explore sale of 500 acres of Sand Hill camp in Brooksville Local scout trailer stolen for the third time, parents and scouts disappointed Enniscorthy scouts to revive group after more than 30 years Scouts coffee cart earns £1.5k weekend profit Adventurer Dwayne Fields becomes new UK Chief Scout Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar | Scouting Stuff Stuff Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Telegram | Leave Us a Review Music Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

Why do Scouts wear neckerchiefs? Podcast Topics After far too long, Ken and Colin sit down for another chat, this time about neckerchiefs...arguably one of the most universal symbols of the Scouting movement. Scouts from around the world sport neckers – a short name they’re affectionately known by – at all manner of events, and trading neckers is a common sign of friendship at Scouting events. Shout-Outs Jon left us a tip, and some encouraging words, at Buy Me a Coffee. "Thanks for the podcast. I hope you can find a way to produce more of them." Thanks, Jon! Hopefully you’ve been enjoying the latest episodes. Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar | Scouting Stuff Stuff Be Our Guest Register as a Guest Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Telegram | Leave Us a Review Music Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

Philippine Scouts respond after a typhoon, Scouts Canada launches a helpline...and Italian Scouts take Vespas to Norway. News Stories Hope After the Storm: The Philippine Scouts' Relief for Typhoon Survivors Hope After the Storm: Donate Solidarity on Wheels: Italian Scouts' Vespa Expedition to Norway A Scouts Canada day camp is back in action and introducing a whole new group of kids to outdoor activities Scouts Canada Launches the Camptastic Helpline Just In Time For Camping Season Province investing $52,000 to support restoration of critically endangered Oak Savanna Boy Scouts Help Save a Man’s Life When He Goes Into Cardiac Arrest Mid-Flight After fleeing Jasper wildfire, Ottawa scout group now home safe Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar | Scouting Stuff Stuff Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Telegram | Leave Us a Review Music Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

Kenyan Scouts double membership...and Scout jamborees take place in Canada, Iceland, and Norway. News Stories 5,500 Scouts and Guides Gather for the 7th Roverway 2024 in Norway Kenya Scouts Association doubles membership to 4.4 million Girl Scouts San Diego announces partnership with new baker More than 1,700 Scouts arriving for jamboree near Sooke Scout Jamboree in Sooke welcomes kids from around the world Over 400 Scouts from Canada have embarked on an unforgettable journey to the Landsmót skáta Icelandic Jamboree 2024! Update On Tamaracouta Scout Reserve Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar | Scouting Stuff Stuff Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Telegram | Leave Us a Review Music Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

Scouts need (more) volunteers, Bear Grylls steps down...and Mali joins WOSM. News Stories Scouts Canada sidelines 700 in York Region because volunteer shortage puts children and youth on wait list Volunteers urged to step up for Scouts Canada in Barrie Scouts Canada Seeks Volunteers and Business Support in Kingston Scouts Canada urgently needs volunteers in Burnaby Scouts Canada highlights Prince George as area needing volunteers Scouts Canada says more volunteers needed in 17 B.C. cities, including Kamloops Scouts send SOS over ‘volunteer crisis’ Scouts Canada: Volunteer Information Scouts issue statement after reports Bear Grylls standing down following Russell Brand baptism Bear Grylls history with the Scouts explained amid Russell Brand baptism controversy World Scouting recognised for youth-led humanitarian efforts in UN report on youth, peace, and security Massive flooding in Sri Lanka: Scouts call for relief support Sri Lanka Flood Relief Donation Association des Scouts et Guides du Mali joins as 175th Member of World Scouting Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar | Scouting Stuff Stuff Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Telegram | Leave Us a Review Music Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

Scouts Canada plants trees, Scouts BSA pilots co-ed troops...and UK Beaver Scouts hunt for the Gruffalo. News Stories Launching the Canadian Climate Challenge Applications for the Scouts Canada Scholarship Program are now open! Combined Troop Pilot Scouts honor veterans by placing flags at Appleton cemetery ahead of Memorial Day Ely Scouts Gruffalo hike for Cambridge Search and Rescue Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar | Scouting Stuff Stuff Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Telegram | Leave Us a Review Music Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

Scouts BSA renames to Scouting America, Scouts fundraise and rally to help...and a fire ravages a Canadian Scout Camp. News Stories Boy Scouts of America announces rebrand to ‘Scouting America’ Tides of Transformation: Thousands of Portuguese Scouts Leading the Charge Against Marine Litter Young People Innovating Solutions to Plastic Waste in Rwanda HRH Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg awarded Bronze Wolf for exceptional service to Scouting Scouts of Venezuela implements Interreligious Dialogue Challenge to promote peace Empowering Change Through Interfaith Collaboration and Environmental Education Supporting the Growth and Development of Scouting in Congo A Year of Impactful Giving: Scout Donation Platform’s Matched Campaign Donations matched: Uganda Scouts for Clean Water Historic Scouts Canada camp lodge burns to ground in Quebec’s Laurentians Brazil Scouts Rising Together: Post-Flood Reconstruction Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar | Scouting Stuff Stuff Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Telegram | Leave Us a Review Music Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

Let’s learn a bit about a particularly hazardous invasive plant to watch out for this summer. Podcast Topics Scouter John Kemp of the 5th Brant Troop joins Scouter Ken to discuss giant hogweed, an invasive plant that looks a bit like cow parsnip, and which grows near watercourses. Anyone out exploring in the bush should take care to avoid contact with giant hogweed; the sap damages the skin in a way that causes it to develop a severe burn when exposed to sunlight. John is also part of a group of volunteers who track growths of giant hogweed, and work with municipal authorities to eliminate it, and this episode is all about how to identify giant hogweed, how to report its presence, and how to be safe around it. Important giant hogweed resources: Google Drive folder of information and images EDDMapS Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar | Scouting Stuff Stuff Be Our Guest Register as a Guest (like John did!) Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Telegram | Leave Us a Review Music Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

What is the Better Programs Initiative? Let’s find out! Podcast Topics Scouter Ken is joined by Scouter Alicia, who is one of the representatives of Scouts Canada’s new Better Programs Initiative, a knowledge-sharing forum where Scouters can share (and find) ideas on how to run a top-tier Scouting program. Visit this episode's page at our website to find QR codes for the initiative and the Scouts Canada Network. Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar | Scouting Stuff Stuff Be Our Guest Register as a Guest Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Telegram | Leave Us a Review Music Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

If you aren’t already planning for how different roles within your group can transition between people, you need to be. Podcast Topics Scouter Ken is joined by Scouter Corey - the outgoing Group Commissioner for the 59th Edmonton Scout Group - to discuss the importance of planning for how to transition people out of (and into!) roles within a Scout Group. Transition planning takes many forms. Ideally, the outgoing role holder should mentor the incoming member to make sure that there’s a full handover of knowledge and processes. But this needs to be backstopped by a digital infrastructure that allows for data to be easily moved between people as well; email accounts, documents, cloud storage, etc. all need to be able to move from one person to the next as well. Services and resources mentioned in the episode: Carrd (cheap, landing page-style websites) TechSoup Canada or TechSoup US (cheap/free software for nonprofits) Quip WhatsApp Communities Scouter Transition Planning (spreadsheet) Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar | Scouting Stuff Stuff Be Our Guest Register as a Guest Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Telegram | Leave Us a Review Music Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

Youth between the ages of 14 and 17 can also volunteer as Scouters, at least in Scouts Canada. Podcast Topics In their first in-person sit-down session of the year, Scouter Ken and Scouter Colin discuss Youth Scouters. This is an extension of the volunteer apparatus within Scouts Canada that allows minors (between the ages of 14 and 17) to go through the training and interview process that adult volunteers must complete to become Scouters. Youth Scouters count toward ratio requirements as long as at least two adult Scouters are also registered with the section (apologies: Ken said one Scouter in the episode; it should be two). Importantly, however, Youth Scouters do not count on the “youth” side of a section’s ratio; they count as Scouters, and so do not have to be interacted with according to the Two-Scouter Rule. Youth Scouters can be a great way for Venturers to give back to their groups, accruing volunteer hours as they do. And for groups who are strapped for volunteers, Youth Scouters might just be what’s needed to allow a section to run its program for the year. Shout-Outs A shout-out to Emily who wrote in regarding Episode 88, which concerned orienteering: "Just listened to Episode 88, Orienteering (2019). You mentioned don’t get your compass near a big, powerful magnet — guess what? I absent-mindedly put my compass into a zipped breast pocket during a break at land navigation training, RIGHT ON TOP OF MY SMARTPHONE. When I went back out on the course, I was totally baffled: suddenly, I couldn’t orient myself. I’d been doing so well!!! I couldn’t find the objectives or identify drainages, and I couldn’t pass the field exam. Embarrassing! I was mystified. It took a couple of days for it to dawn on me that I had demagnetized my compass by putting it in my pocket lying atop my smartphone. It was completely useless, and pointed in random directions!! Live and learn." Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar | Scouting Stuff Stuff Be Our Guest Register as a Guest Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Telegram | Leave Us a Review Music Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

Scouts Canada has partnered with Busy Minds and Little Yogis Academy to help bring mindfulness into program content. Podcast Topics Scouter Ken and Scouter Mike are joined by Michelle Faber, the founder of Busy Minds, for a live discussion mindfulness, its importance to mental health, and the ways in which Scouts Canada is partnering with Busy Minds (and Little Yogis) to add mindfulness exercises into group programming. Learn more: Busy Minds Little Yogis Mindfulness apps discussed in the episode: Calm Headspace Hallow And again: this episode is a recording of a live event that was done on the Scouts Canada Discussion Group on Facebook, and on Workspace/The Network. Shout-Outs A big thank you to Scouts Canada and Mike Eybel for facilitating this episode, and to Kate Larkin for being the inaugural guest! Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar | Scouting Stuff Stuff Be Our Guest Register as a Guest Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Telegram | Leave Us a Review Music Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

The first ever LIVE episode of Scouting Stuff, and an introduction to Scouts Canada’s “Sasquatch Seekers” event. Podcast Topics In the first of what will become a series of LIVE episodes, Scouter Ken is joined by Kate Larkin - the Director of Program & Volunteer Services for Scouts Canada - to discuss the Sasquatch Seekers challenge. This is a series of four weekly challenges for Scout Groups across Canada to complete, exploring a variety of activities and skills all themed around the hunt for Canada’s most elusive megafauna. (There’s also a leaderboard, by the way. With prizes.) Mike Eybel - the Associate Director of Communications for Scouts Canada, and an occasional guest of the podcast - also makes an appearance or two. And again: this episode is a recording of a live event that was done on the Scouts Canada Discussion Group on Facebook. Shout-Outs A big thank you to Scouts Canada and Mike Eybel for facilitating this episode, and to Kate Larkin for being the inaugural guest! Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar | Scouting Stuff Stuff Be Our Guest Register as a Guest Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Telegram | Leave Us a Review Music Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

Beaver Scouts (at least in Canada) is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024. Podcast Topics Scouter Ken and Scouter Colin - finally, only two months into 2024! - sit down (virtually) to discuss Beaver Scouts. Despite a popular Canadian legend that the program for “younger than Cub Scout” youth was developed in Canada and exported to the world, the actual history of it goes back a bit further...to Northern Ireland, in fact. But half a century ago, Scouts Canada officially launched its Beaver Scouts section, and is planning on celebrating that this summer. Is your group ready? Is your council? By the way, if you want to see what different Scouting NSOs call their sections, here’s a lengthy list. Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar | Scouting Stuff Stuff Be Our Guest Register as a Guest Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Telegram | Leave Us a Review Music Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

Two brothers - twins, at that! - discuss their introduction to Scouts Canada and the roles they’ve served in therewith. Podcast Topics Scouter Shayne and Scouter Sheldon rejoin the podcast for another episode, this time to discuss their respective Scouting journeys with Scouter Ken. Though they came to the organization in different ways (and at different times), they both ended up serving as Group Commissioners for two different Ontario Scout Groups at the same time. Also: camp cooking. We talk about camp cooking. Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar | Scouting Stuff Stuff Be Our Guest Register as a Guest Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Telegram | Leave Us a Review Music Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

What is the rangemaster role within Scouting, and how do you become one? Podcast Topics Scouter Ken is joined by Scouter Sheldon, the program director for Camp Everton in Ontario (and, coincidentally, the brother of Scouter Shayne from Episode 144). Much of the discussion in this episode focuses on the role of the rangemaster, which within Scouts Canada is a specifically-trained person who can run archery, pelletry, and even axe/tomahawk-throwing. Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar | Scouting Stuff Stuff Be Our Guest Register as a Guest Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Telegram | Leave Us a Review Music Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl