Episodes

  • Mattresses and Makeshift Compasses

    Mattresses and Makeshift Compasses
    Feb 6 2026

    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 Malawi
    • Ação Bandeira 2025: A national moment for the ocean
    • The Gambia Scout Association revamps Youth Programme with innovative, youth-centred reforms
    • Scouting: learners and educators co-creating educational experiences

    Discussion

    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?

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    Music

    Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

    Pack Light, Dream Big, by Jamboree Powell
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    15 mins
  • Back to September

    Back to September
    Jan 23 2026

    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 youths
    • Kate’s foundation joins forces with Scouts for important update
    • ‘It’s the loss of a meeting place’: Beloved scout camp reduced to ashes

    Discussion: 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?

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    Music

    Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

    Pack Light, Dream Big, by Jamboree Powell
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • Closing One Year and Opening Another

    Closing One Year and Opening Another
    Jan 9 2026
    Lots of international Scouting events happened to close out 2025!Podcast TopicsGear 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 StoriesJamCam 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 serviceDiscussionWith 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: Just let the kids play games, and challenge them to keep playing games over the rest of the week until the next meeting.Second meeting: Start with a discussion about the elements of a game; keep it to fifteen minutes at an absolute maximum. If possible, recall some of the games played in the previous meeting and show how these break up into the elements. Then, tell the youth to pick a game they already know, and to start changing elements bit by bit until they come up with a totally new game...and turn them loose with the supplies.Third meeting: Bring back the games the youth designed in the second meeting, and have them try and play through to the end. Encourage them to make any changes they need to in order to improve the flow (and the fun) of the games.Survival Tip: Hug a tree to survive!SubscribeFollow Us and SubscribeSupportHit the Tip Jar | Scouting Stuff StuffBe Our GuestRegister as a GuestSend FeedbackEmail Us | Leave Us a Voice Message | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Discord | Telegram | Leave Us a ReviewMusicUpbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex GrohlPack Light, Dream Big, by Jamboree Powell
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    31 mins
  • New Direction

    New Direction
    Dec 29 2025

    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.

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    Music

    Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl
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    23 mins
  • Scouting Five - Week of October 27, 2025

    Scouting Five - Week of October 27, 2025
    Oct 31 2025

    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

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    Music

    Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

    Pack Light, Dream Big, by Jamboree Powell
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Experiences Canada

    Experiences Canada
    Sep 27 2025

    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

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    Music

    Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

    Pack Light, Dream Big, by Jamboree Powell
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Scouting Five - Week of September 15, 2025

    Scouting Five - Week of September 15, 2025
    Sep 18 2025

    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

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    Music

    Unexpected Hoedown in Bagging Area, by Doctor Turtle

    Pack Light, Dream Big, by Jamboree Powell
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    11 mins
  • Scouting Five - Week of August 25, 2025

    Scouting Five - Week of August 25, 2025
    Aug 28 2025

    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

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    Music

    Upbeat Rock (Good News), by Alex Grohl

    Pack Light, Dream Big, by Jamboree Powell
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins