The Scouting Stuff Podcast

Learn all about Scoutrees, Scouts Canada’s fundraising partnership with Canada’s Forest Trust Corporation to plant the Scouts Smart Forest in Ontario. Podcast Topics Scouter Ken is joined by Kashmira Bulsara, Scouts Canada’s Deputy National Youth Commissioner for Marketing and Communications. Kashmira was invited to come on the podcast to discuss Scoutrees, a national fundraiser that sees Scouts Canada partner with Canada’s Forest Trust Corporation (CFTC) to plant trees in the Scouts Smart Forest in Ontario. The Scoutrees initiative allows groups to raise funds by way of selling tree sponsorships; donors don’t receive a little sapling directly, but instead contribute to planting even more trees in the Smart Forest; they’ll gain access to a dashboard that allows them to track the growth of the tree and learn about its contribution to the environment. Learn more about Scoutrees here! And learn more about the CFTC here! 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 Pack Light, Dream Big, by Jamboree Powell

Scouts around the world help out their communities in different ways. And which is better: a foam mattress, or an air mattress? Podcast Topics Gear Recommendation: Should you use a foam mattress or an air mattress beneath your sleeping bag? There are pros and cons to each...but please use one or the other if you want to enjoy a warm night’s rest. News Stories Youth-led farming is strengthening food security in MalawiAção Bandeira 2025: A national moment for the oceanThe Gambia Scout Association revamps Youth Programme with innovative, youth-centred reformsScouting: learners and educators co-creating educational experiencesDiscussion Not much discussion this week. Scouter Ken might have some big news to share later this month, but for now has to keep it under wraps. There is the matter of the Scouting Stuff neckerchiefs. Those should have hit the podcast website for sale at some point last year, and didn’t. Once a viable means of adding a storefront to the site can be found, they’ll hopefully be available this year! Survival Tip: Did you know that you can improvise a makeshift compass using a metal needle, a container of water, a leaf, and a magnet or some silk, fur, or hair? 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 Pack Light, Dream Big, by Jamboree Powell

Scouts Canada returns to academic year registrations, Mafeking Rover Camp burns down...and Princess Kate partners with Scouts. Again. Podcast Topics Gear Recommendation: The Swedish Fire Knife, by LightMyFire, is a handy combination of a basic Morakniv knife and a firesteel rod. News Stories: Scouts expand community programme to nurture youthsKate’s foundation joins forces with Scouts for important update‘It’s the loss of a meeting place’: Beloved scout camp reduced to ashesDiscussion: This week, Scouter Ken is rejoined by Scouter Corey to discuss Scouts Canada’s changes to its registration timelines. In response to the COVID pandemic, Scouts Canada shifted away from an “academic year” registration model (membership and programming would run from September through to August, with many groups opting to wind down in May or June to leave the summer months open) and adopted a “calendar year” model (membership and programming would run from January to December). On paper, this made sense; it centered the summer months - prime camping weather - in the middle of the program year, and should have encouraged more Scout groups to do more during the warmest part of the Canadian year. Sadly, this idea never took off, and the most recent Scouts Canada AGM saw a vote take place that supported moving back to “academic year” registrations starting with the 2026-2027 Scouting year. Survival Tip: Did you know that, in the Northern Hemisphere at least, you can use your hand to measure roughly how many hours are left until sunset? 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 Pack Light, Dream Big, by Jamboree Powell

Lots of international Scouting events happened to close out 2026! Podcast Topics Gear Recommendation: Always have a good sleeping bag for your overnight adventures, taking into account factors such as the weight and size of the bag, its temperature rating, and the weather you’ll be facing outdoors. News Stories JamCam 2025, over 2,000 young Scouts gather in Cali to celebrate continental unity3rd Arab Parajamboree celebrates accessibility and youth empowermentThousands gather for the 33rd Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree in the PhilippinesCroatian Scouts’ “Boranka” campaign wins Intercultural Achievement Award for SustainabilityScouts of Jamaica support Hurricane Melissa relief effortsGirl Scouts Cookie Season Is Here, and There’s a New Flavor to Get Excited AboutGotta catch 'em all? Missouri Eagle Scout earns every merit badge in Scouting America programScout leader celebrates five decades of serviceDiscussion With no guests this week, Scouter Ken offers some thoughts on a three-meeting plan that will challenge youth to design a game. This can work with Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, and older youth as well. All you’ll need for supplies is some large pieces (or rolls) of paper, pencils, erasers, and pencil crayons or markers. First meeting:Second meeting:elements of a gameThird meeting:Survival Tip: Hug a tree to survive! 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 Pack Light, Dream Big, by Jamboree Powell

The Interamerican Scout Conference encourages diversity...while Scouting America comes under fire for same. And Scouting Stuff is changing! Podcast Topics Gear Recommendation: Luci Solar Lanterns News Stories Inclusive leadership and future horizons at the 29th Interamerican Scout Conference Bringing voices together for gender-balanced leadership in Scouting U.S. ready to cut support to Scouts, accusing them of attacking ‘boy-friendly spaces’ Discussion With no guests this week, Scouter Ken offers some thoughts on just how boys (and men) are faring today, in terms of things such as high school marks and completion times, college and university admissions, and suicide/deaths of despair rates. None of these are trending in positive ways. And while Ken would be the first person to agree that Scouting should indeed be co-ed, he does wonder about what the long-term impact will be of non-sporting “boys only” activities (especially ones offering mentorship from older men) functionally disappearing. Survival Tip: When going for a hike, especially in the mountains, always check the weather ahead of time. Dress for the weather, and bring extra clothing and food. Basically, don’t be the hikers these Cub Scouts had to help out. 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

JOTA-JOTI wraps up, as does the Asia-Pacific RSC...and Scouts in the US put out a church fire. News Stories Scouts worldwide connect for largest digital Scouting event Asia-Pacific kicks off 28th Regional Scout Conference in Kaohsiung Hong Kong to host the 29th Asia-Pacific Scout Conference in 2028 Thailand selected to host the 34th APR Scout Jamboree in 2029 Scouts dominate at schools rifle championships Girl Scouts of Connecticut sells headquarters building to Hartford HealthCare Boy Scouts were at the right place at the right time to put out church fire in Cleveland Co. Scouts Can Now Earn AI and Cybersecurity Badges 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 Pack Light, Dream Big, by Jamboree Powell

Ever wanted to set up an exchange visit with another Scout group somewhere else in Canada? Podcast Topics In this episode, Scouter Ken is joined by Kira Berger from Scouts Canada and Kellen Turner from Experiences Canada to talk about the exciting partnership that’s helping Scouts explore new communities, build lifelong friendships, and grow as leaders. Learn how Scout groups can take part in reciprocal exchanges with other Scouts or Indigenous communities across the country to foster cultural awareness, personal development, and a deeper understanding of Canada’s diversity. Thanks to this continued partnership, the $250 membership (application) fee is waived for exchanges between Scout groups or between a Scout group and an Indigenous group. This offer applies to the first 100 youth participants, so we encourage groups to apply early to take advantage of this opportunity! Applications are accepted year-round. Tune in to hear how your group can get involved, what to expect, and how to make the most of this incredible opportunity. Learn more: Scouts Canada FAQ | Experiences Canada Youth Exchanges Questions? Reach out to info@experiencescanada.ca 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 Pack Light, Dream Big, by Jamboree Powell

This episode is a bit more off the cuff (to start). Also, does anyone have Scouting contacts in Saudi Arabia? News Stories Leadership, Legacy, and Loss: A Scout Reflection on Charlie Kirk 10th Africa Scout Youth Forum kicks off in Madagascar with a call for peace and youth leadership 10th Africa Scout Youth Forum elects six Youth Advisors the Africa Scout Committee Year after year: Wędrownicza Watra carries the spirit of Rovering in Poland Egypt launches youth strategy, showcasing Scouts’ readiness, growth, and rising impact Missouri Girl Scouts offering new cookie in 2026. Meet the Exploremores cookie Scouts gather in Saudi Arabia for Messengers of Peace youth leadership event 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 Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle Pack Light, Dream Big, by Jamboree Powell

Scouting reaches 60 million members worldwide...and one Scout in the US grabs all the badges. News Stories World Scouting’s membership reaches historic highs, led by growth in Africa region World Scouting and Malaysian Government renew strategic partnership to empower youth Braving the crisis: Bangladesh Scouts’ response to the Uttara plane crash Boy Scouts Stranded in Virgin Islands Because of Hurricane Erin Seek Help to ‘Complete Their Journey’ Home Scouts Canada calling for more volunteers in the London area Less than 1% of Boy Scouts achieve what this N.J. scout just did 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 Pack Light, Dream Big, by Jamboree Powell

Scouts Canada have massively overhauled not only their popcorn fundraiser program, but also groups' ability to manage fundraising. Podcast Topics Scout Popcorn has always been the biggest fundraiser of the year for Scouts Canada. This year, the program has been massively overhauled: Kernels Popcorn is the new popcorn supplier, and AMJ Campbell is offering groups free shipping to over 50 distribution hubs around the country. As well, there’s a new fundraising platform, My Scout Group Shop, which Scouts Canada groups can use to collect all popcorn sales, manage their participation in other national fundraisers, as well as accept donations. And because it isn’t a popcorn campaign without prizes, one group from each province has a chance to win either a $200 gift card to the Scout Shop or $200 off their next Scouts Canada property rental. There are also popcorn crests (of course!)...and groups can win a ghost crest as well. Many thanks to Rachel Kent and Andrew Brousse from Scouts Canada for joining the podcast and explaining the new popcorn program in detail! 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 Pack Light, Dream Big, by Jamboree Powell

Scouts Canada cuts staff and sells a camp, Switzerland wins Roverway 2028...and Angolan Scouts get major recognition. News Stories Scouts Canada headcount reductions take effect Tamaracouta Scout Reserve: Navigating the Future Responsibly Rubene De Sousa, Gone Home: A Life of Purpose, Passion, and Scouting Spirit Rubene De Sousa Posthumously Awarded the Silver Wolf Switzerland selected to host Roverway in 2028 under the motto ‘Battasendas’ Italy to host the 26th European Scout Conference in 2028 European Scout Conference elects six members to the European Scout Committee Scouts of Angola receive Presidential award for contributions to peace and development Over 10,000 Scouts gather in Gjøvik for Norway’s first joint National Jamboree 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 Pack Light, Dream Big, by Jamboree Powell

Girl Scouts celebrate Taylor Swift, WOSM appoints a new Secretary General...and Scouts Canada looks for a hero. News Stories Taylor Swift childhood photo revealed by Girl Scouts Scouts to celebrate 110 years with biggest ever Garden Fete Scarf on a bicycle: Romanian Scouts lead a national movement for sustainable mobility How Barbados Scouts are building environmental leadership through hands-on training David Berg appointed as 11th Secretary General of World Scouting Calling All Young Creators: Design Canada’s Next Superhero! 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 Pack Light, Dream Big, by Jamboree Powell

Scouts Canada has launched a new podcast of their own, featuring interviews with notable Canadians. Podcast Topics Kaelem Moniz from Scouts Canada joins Scouter Ken to discuss the new Profiles in Canada podcast that the national organization of Scouts in Canada has just launched. Each episode features an interview with a notable Canadian, some of who were even involved in Scouting in their youth! Guests to date include astronaut Chris Hadfield, former Justice Minister Allan Rock, and former Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin. Check out Profiles in Canada on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or find it on the Scouts Canada website! Shout-Outs Kaelem has several shout-outs to offer, including: Scouts CanadaProfiles in Canada 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 Pack Light, Dream Big, by Jamboree Powell

Scouts Canada’s financial woes, Scouts in the UK look ahead...and one Scout’s project gets bigger than expected. News Stories Scouting’s future in the UK is driven by young people 22 youth-led projects in 4 regions supported through Youth Empowerment Fund Boy Scouts organization defeats appeals over $2.46 bln sex abuse settlement Beyond 2025: Preparing Our Resources Barrie teen earns top Scouts Canada award for cyber-safety project 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

Paxtu becomes a heritage site, Messengers of Peace secures more funding...and Scouts rally to help in Argentina. News Stories PLANETE: Scouts in Africa and Europe leading change in peace, gender, and sustainability Madagascar hosts vibrant and colourful 15th Africa Scout Day celebration Paxtu designated as a unique World Guiding and Scouting Heritage Site Scouts to the Rescue: How volunteers in Argentina rallied for Bahia Blanca $50 million in renewed Messengers of Peace funding to increase impact of Scouting worldwide Scouts worldwide pay tribute to Pope Francis Some Scouts receive medical treatment after frigid West Point Camporee Princess of Wales joins Scouts to showcase positive impact of spending time in nature Centenary celebrations planned for Chinley Scouts Scouts and Guides to Parade Through Harrogate for St George’s Day Celebration Susie James is the Head of the Canadian contingent for the 26WSJ Check Out Gear, Check into Adventure! The Gear Library is OPEN! 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 celebrate Founders Day, Girl Scouts mark Girl Scouts Day...and Canadian Scouts plant trees. News Stories 10,000 Scouts gather in Nyeri, Kenya to commemorate Founders Day Scouts Canada and Canada’s Forest Trust plant trees for your future Girl Scouts hit with lawsuit over alleged heavy metals, toxins in its cookies What is National Girl Scouts Day? Scouts help remove Hurricane Helene debris from Damascus creek Scouts to hold food drive 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 is piloting a new “Early Years” section starting this September: Chipmunks! Podcast Topics Scouter Ken is joined by Heather Ferguson and Ruchi Manikthala from Scouts Canada to discuss the recently-announced Chipmunk Scouts, which is now the official name of the “Early Years” program offering that Scouts Canada will begin piloting this September. Building off of what The Scout Association did with Squirrel Scouts, Chipmunks will welcome youth 4-5 years old into an introductory Scouting program, involving parents and – hopefully! – driving more recruitment of both youth and adult volunteers. Learn More: All About ChipmunksMarch 1st, 2025 RegisterRegisterMarch 7th, 2025 RegisterRegisterAnd if your group wants to volunteer to run one of the pilot Chipmunks sections, express your interest using this form. 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 announces “Chipmunks”, Scouts in France spot fires...and UK Scouts hike, hike, hike. News Stories The Early Years Pilot Program Big News for Little Adventurers: Introducing Chipmunks! Scouts on Watch: 45 Years of Partnership with Firefighters to Fight Wildfire Risks Dunbartonshire Scouts see record-breaking year for members Scouts from Haringey complete extreme Challenge Event Scouts from Croydon complete 30KM challenge event Scouts from Islington and Highbury complete extreme challenge event Berkshire Scouts complete 30km challenge hike Scouts from Bristol complete 50KM Challenge Event Scouts from Enfield complete extreme Challenge Event 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

WOSM is looking for a new Secretary General, Scouts in BC help out after a fire...and Scouting America is official. News Stories Become our next Secretary General!Youth Leadership Fuels Recovery in Lytton, BCThe Boy Scouts of America soon to become Scouting AmericaBoy Scouts see a small membership uptick after rebrand to Scouting AmericaGirl Scouts of Colorado says it’s in danger of losing millions in revenue during King Soopers strike 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

How Venturer Scouts from the 23rd Nepean Scout Group kept their heads during the Jasper wildfire evacuation. Podcast Topics Scouter Ken is joined by Cadence James (National Youth Commissioner for Scouts Canada, and a Rover Scout with the 23rd Nepean Scout Group), Molly Foster (another Rover Scout with the 23rd), and Foster Millett (a Venturer Scout with the 23rd) to discuss their trip to Jasper National Park...which saw them arrive just prior to the massive wildfire that devastated much of the area. It’s a story that Scouts Canada has retold in a few places already, highlighting the resilience of the youth and the attitude of preparedness that Scouting equipped them with. All of that comes out in the conversation, as does the value of being able to find the good in a crisis situation. Programming Note: The podcast is going to shift its production schedule a bit for 2025. There will probably be just one full-length episode per month, with shorter news & PSA episodes filling in the other weeks. Shout-Outs Cadence’s shout-outs include Lucas Normandeau and Krystal Reid (both with Cascadia Council), Willa Holmes (from Northern Lights Council), and all the Venturers and Scouters who came on the trip. Molly and Foster’s shout-outs include all the Scouters who came on the trip: Mike Hubbard, Brian Bezaire, John James, and Devin Morrison. 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