The Scouting Stuff Podcast

A presentation given on Scouts Canada’s Workplace site, detailing how to say yes to youth waiting to join your Scout Group. Podcast Topics This week’s episode comes from a presentation given on Scouts Canada’s new Workplace site (Workplace is Meta’s business product, essentially Facebook for work teams) by Tim Blair of the 11th Seymour Scout Group. The title of the presentation is "Can you say yes to your waitlist?", and deals with strategies for bringing more youth into your Scout Group even when your registration rolls are currently full. Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram| Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Slow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod

How do you handle turnover in your Group Committee? Podcast Topics Ken and Colin discuss how to carry out an effective Group Committee transition. It’s not as easy as just electing a new treasurer or group commissioner; a Group should make sure to have all of the infrastructure in place ahead of time to ensure an orderly handover of documents, email accounts, and other pertinent information and materials. If a Group has gone through the process of getting itself online, organizations like TechSoup (or TechSoup Canada) can help a Group expand from just having a registered domain into having a full-fledged team and document management solution (e.g. Google Workspace, Microsoft 365)...often for free, or for a vastly reduced non-profit-friendly price. Getting set up with solutions like these can facilitate both easier sharing and storing of important documents and records, but also smoother handovers of same between individuals. Shout-Outs Liam, from the 2nd Airdrie Scout Group, left us a review online: "As a scout this is interesting to listen to." Thanks for the kind words, Liam! We love getting reviews, especially 5-star reviews...and we’re glad that you’re finding the podcast interesting. Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram| Locals | Discord | Mighty Networks | Leave Us a Review Music Slow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod

Girl Scout cookie troubles, Rovers have a Moot in Africa...and earn royal awards in Canada. News Stories The Girl Scout cookie crumbled this year. Here’s what happened Scouts coming together in Maple Ridge for rally day Squamish Scouts presented with the Duke of Edinburgh gold award Scout makes 3D printer prosthetic limbs in Mexico Young People Called to Innovate as the first Africa Rover Moot Opens Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram| Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

Jamborees and Moots, Religious Symposiums...and Emergency Response. News Stories 1st Africa Rover Moot, Kenya 2023 Interreligious Symposium Unites Scouting in the Central African Republic Scouts Mobilise to Support Cyclone Freddy Emergency Response How Anna realised that happiness can be found even in the darkest of times 10,000+ Scouts Gather for 32nd Asia-Pacific and 11th National Scout Jamboree in Bangladesh Two hospitalised as scout group caught out by Storm Noa in Wicklow Mountains Boy Scouts' record $2.46 bln sex abuse settlement upheld by judge 10th Welland Scouts pound the pavement to help neighbours Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram| Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

Scouter Andrew returns with another discussion of Scouts Canada’s “Big Opportunity”. Podcast Topics Scouter Andrew from the 4th Elks Triwood Scout Group (based in Calgary, Alberta) is back this week with another group discussion. In mid-March, Scouters from across Canada met in Ottawa for a weekend workshop about The Big Opportunity, the grassroots volunteer recruitment and encouragement initiative that the podcast has been covering over the last few episodes. After this workshop, Andrew sat down with a few Scouters he met there – Emma, Alicia, and Anna – for another discussion of The Big Opportunity and how to make it work. Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram| Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Slow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod

Another discussion of Scouts Canada’s Big Opportunity, this time from a Group-level perspective. Podcast Topics Scouter Andrew with the 4th Elks Triwood Scout Group (based in Calgary, Alberta) sat down with a number of his fellow Scouters for a lengthy discussion of Scouts Canada’s Big Opportunity, how it applies to their Group, and how they’re already making some of its aims a reality. The entire conversation was recorded, and Andrew generously provided the discussion to serve as an episode of the podcast. So if, after Episode 130, you find you have some questions about how The Big Opportunity can apply to your Group, or what it even looks like to be implemented at a Group level, the discussion that forms the core of this episode might offer some insight...and some ideas. Shout-Outs Scouters Andrew, David, Stacey, Lindsey, and Peter of the 4th Elks Triwood Scout Group for the insightful discussion and their agreeing to share it with the wider Scouting world. Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Slow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod

Founders Day observed, Scouts BSA sells properties...and Scouts around the world help out as they can. News Stories Scouts Founder’s Day 2023: History, significance and all you need to know International Scouts Day observed Scouts' tree-planting initiative aids wildfire recovery from Croatia to North Macedonia How Czech Scouts transformed two hotels into safe havens for refugees in five days World Scouting supports relief efforts after deadly Türkiye and Syria earthquakes India gathers close to 100,000 Scouts and Guides in their back-to-back events, highlighting culture and heritage Boy Scouts selling off storied camps under pressure from sex-abuse claims, bankruptcy — and locals are worried Scouts Canada celebrates flag raising in Bracebridge Our Community: Scout Museum set to open, PNE selling score clock Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram| Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

A once-in-a-generation opportunity to reach more Canadian youth! Podcast Topics Ken flies solo this week, and discusses Scouts Canada’s new volunteer-focused initiative, which they’re calling the Big Opportunity. Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram| Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Slow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod

Polish Scouts get awarded, Scouts in Europe spread the Peace Light...and can Camp Byng be re-opened? News Stories Fundraiser launched to re-open 100-year-old Camp Byng amidst ongoing legal dispute | Coast Reporter 15,000 kilometers by bike to join the World Scout Jamboree 2023 | Scout.org ZHP is awarded the EESC Civil Society Prize 2022 | Scout.org Scouts in Europe cross countries to receive and spread a light of peace | Scout.org 9 New Year’s resolution ideas for Scouts | Scout.org Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

“Already know you, that which you need.” Podcast Topics Ken and Colin close out the year with some reflections on the concept of doing a good turn, and how Scouts Canada -- in its efforts to find new ways to reach out to prospective members — might well have everything it needs already. Is it a question of pivoting the movement in some way, or is it a question of re-emphasising the values the movement already seeks to inculcate in its members? Shout-Outs We’d like to give a shout-out to One Movement Media, formerly Scouting Radio. We’re not sure if they’re still re-broadcasting our episodes, but even if not, they’re doing great work bringing Scouting to their internet audience. Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Us Hit the Tip Jar Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Slow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod

Scouts sell Christmas trees, Girl Scouts struggle with cookie supplies...and the Interamerican Scouts meet up in Paraguay. News Stories Scout Leaders meet in Ciudad del Este to make decisions for the future | WOSM Girl Scout cookie season is in danger. Again | SFChronicle Local scouts selling Christmas trees once again | OkotoksOnline Local Boy Scouts selling Christmas trees at Graber’s | Harvey County Now Yellowknife Scouts kicks off annual Christmas tree sale | NNSL Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

Antigua and Barbuda join WOSM, Scouts help those in need...and another Scouts Canada property closes (for a while, at least). News Stories Antigua & Barbuda Scout Association becomes 173rd WOSM Member | WOSM Scouts help Cianjur’s earthquake victims | WOSM Scouts’ youth-led response supports over 800,000 Ukrainian children and families with humanitarian assistance | WOSM Romanian Scouts rush to borders, offering immediate relief and support to refugees from Ukraine | UNICEF Europe and Central Asia Scouts step up to cook Thanksgiving meals for their community | WPBN Sunshine Coast Scouts Camp Byng closed 'until further notice' | Coast Reporter Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

Finding and keeping volunteers: the ever-present challenge every Scout Group faces. Podcast Topics Ken is joined by Scouter Jonathan for this episode, to revisit a topic that was discussed as recently as Episode 121: how do you find volunteers for your Scout Group? And once you’ve done so...how do you retain them? As you might well imagine, there’s no one-size-fits-all, cut-and-dried solution. It’s generally not a winning strategy to try and force the issue by way of ultimatums, though at times it may be necessary to trade someone’s commitment to train up as a Scouter for a “reserved” spot in the program for their child. But once you’ve got those volunteers, how do you retain them? How do you keep them coming back? In part, this will depend on running a great program; parental engagement will follow youth engagement, in most cases. And in part, this will also depend on giving each Scouter the chance to shine in the role, to bring their knowledge and talents into the program for the benefit of the youth. But perhaps the most important thing is to foster a sense of community and friendship between Scouters. It’s one thing to show up every week for meetings; it’s quite another to be able to meet up, have fun, and support each other outside of meetings too. Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Slow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod

Scouts deal with flight cancellation costs, Scouting for Food kicks off...and JOTA-JOTI adds an NFT badge. News Stories Scouts Worldwide Connect in Digital and Radio Jamboree | WOSM World Scouting launches first green NFT badge at JOTA-JOTI | WOSM Get the green NFT badge! | WOSM Announcing: Winners of Project for the Planet | WOSM Giving my Scout promise miles away from home | WOSM N.B. scout group waiting for WestJet reimbursement months after flight - New Brunswick | Global News Local Boy Scouts hosting annual Scouting for Food to benefit Feeding the Gulf Coast | Fox10 TV Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

So passes Queen Elizabeth II. News Stories Scout Movement honours the life and legacy of Her Majesty The Queen | WOSM Queen's funeral: 'I camped out as my final duty to the Queen' | BBC News Queen Elizabeth II: Devon scouts honour passing of patron | BBC News Queen Elizabeth II: The Scouts sweet shop worker helping in London | BBC News The Queen's funeral: TV adventurer Bear Grylls represented the Scouts at service | The Scotsman Omar Lugo awarded Bronze Wolf for championing World events and Regional growth | WOSM Scout helps combat deadly waterborne diseases in rural communities | WOSM Boy Scouts downsize under strain from sex abuse suits | CTV News Bethel Park Boy Scout troop celebrates its centennial | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music God Save the Queen by The Band of the Grenadier Guards Rule, Britannia by The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Scouter Ken will be at the Kander100 Jamboree! Announcement Scouter Ken has been selected as the Contingent Lead for the Scouts Canada delegation that will be attending Kander100, the mini-jamboree being held to celebrate the centenary of Kandersteg International Scout Centre. Thirty Scouts and Scouters (in total!) from Canada will be attending the event. If you’re curious, the Canadian Contingent website is here: KANDER100 JAMBOREE And yes, this likely means that there’ll be an episode or two recorded at (and published from) Kandersteg next year. Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Baltic Levity by Kevin MacLeod

Scouts hailed as heroes, champion youth empowerment, and win funding for big adventures. News Stories Algerian Scout champions youth empowerment and rights | WOSM Leaders from National Scout Organizations Convene in Nairobi for the 18th Africa Scout Conference | WOSM Appleton Boy Scouts receive Heroes Award for aiding after Amtrak crash | CBS 3Duluth County to buy Girl Scouts camp, create park, save Rocklands | Miami Today 70 Scout Groups win big adventures with funding from Hydro One and Scouts Canada's Grizzly Den | Cision Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

Revisiting the how-tos of a parent meeting. Podcast Topics Ken and Colin revisit a topic from almost half the podcast ago — Episode 67, published in September of 2018, specifically — and offer some thoughts on how to hold a successful parent meeting. You can find some interesting blog articles about what needs to be communicated to parents, and how, and exactly how you go about it with the parents of youth in your Group will depend on all sorts of factors. But in summary, here’s the gist of what a successful parent meeting should include: Shout-Outs Scouter Eric from the Northern Lights Medical Venturers reached out to us to let us know that the MedVents are once again accepting membership applications. If you’re interested in Vocational Scouting and your home group is in NLC, consider submitting your name. As always, a big thank you to the folks at Scouting Radio for rebroadcasting Scouting Stuff episodes to their worldwide Scouting audience. If you're listening to us on Scouting Radio right now, let us know; reach out and get in touch. We'd love to hear from you. Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Slow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod

It turns out a lot can happen when you don't cover the news for a couple of months! News Stories Say hello to the new scout.org! | WOSM Scouts in Vietnam to install solar lights for ethnic community | WOSM Scout highlights Messengers of Peace work during Dalai Lama visit in India | WOSM Scarf Day for scouts | Whanganui Chronicle News - NZ Herald Romanian Scouts rush to borders, offering immediate relief and support to refugees from Ukraine | WOSM Kenyan Scout supports teens through pregnancy, motherhood | WOSM New development could displace historic totem pole at Ottawa's Scouts Canada headquarters | CTV News Resolute works with Scouts | TBNewsWatch.com Scouts Canada declares Jasper as Canada’s ‘most epic’ camping destination – Jasper's source for news, sports, arts, culture, and more | The Fitzhugh Boy Scouts Ruling Threatens $250 Million Abuse Deal With Mormons | BNN Bloomberg Ambassador Kennedy thanked Solomon Scouts who saved her father | Solomon Star News Tunisian National Olympic Committee set for Scouts collaboration | InsideTheGames Popular Boy Scouts camp in Mass. forced to close | WWLP Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

Traveling by air these days is...tricky. Podcast Topics Whoa...where did June go? After too-long a hiatus, Ken and Colin sit down for another catch-up discussion, and also take a look at two recent stories that have come out concerning Scout Groups whose travel plan disruptions have made the national news. The first story is that of a Scout Group who ended up stuck in Zurich due to incomplete data in the ArriveCAN mobile app. The second is that of a different Scout Group who ended up camping out in the Vancouver airport after their planned flight from there to Whitehorse was cancelled. Two very different stories, but both illustrate the challenges that Scout Groups will likely be facing for a while yet as they plan and carry out adventures...especially the sorts of adventures that require air travel! Shout-Outs As always, a big thank you to the folks at Scouting Radio for rebroadcasting Scouting Stuff episodes to their worldwide Scouting audience. If you're listening to us on Scouting Radio right now, let us know; reach out and get in touch. We'd love to hear from you. Subscribe Follow Us and Subscribe Support Hit the Tip Jar Send Feedback Email Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Leave Us a Review Music Slow Burn, by Kevin MacLeod