The Scouting Stuff Podcast

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

Scouts in Guyana celebrate 115 years, Girl Scouts discontinue cookie flavours...and some good news about a Scout property. News Stories Neckerchiefs are here! There isn’t a storefront page on the podcast website yet, but we’ll get one in place soon. Uganda Scouts Provide Clean Water to Over 6,000 People Girl Scouts kick off 2025 cookie season Girl Scouts Plan to Discontinue Two Iconic Cookie Flavors in 2025 Lions support Sudbury camp run by Scouts Canada Scouts training to assist maritime schools Volunteering with Scouts Scouts club left ‘uneasy’ after trailer stolen 115 Years of Scouting in Guyana: A Legacy of Leadership and Environmental Action 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 go walking for JOTA-JOTI, Scouts in Brazil celebrate 100 years...and UK Scouts help name new beavers. News Stories Scouts walk 70,000km for the planet during JOTA-JOTI 2024 JOTA-JOTI 2024: Record-breaking year of connections and green action Scout Centenary in Brazil Illuminates the Christ the Redeemer Wilton Scouts BSA Troop 125 Continues War Memorial Wreath Tradition The Boy Scouts inspired Norman Rockwell. His works will now help pay abuse survivors Scouts launch volunteering programme with HSBC UK to help more young people learn key money skills Liam Burns: Badges and Program Changes Baby beavers first born in 400 years named by pupils and scouts 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

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 ContingentExpression of Interest FormScouts 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 imagesEDDMapS 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