This isn’t a rant- It’s a conversation...Being a Scout Leader is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done… but lately, it’s also felt heavier than ever.After a recent district meeting, I logged off feeling drained — and I know I’m not the only one.Compliance expectations.Training piling up.Welcome meetings waiting.The Financial SqueezeLeaders stretched between family, work, and volunteering.None of this is about people not caring. It’s about good volunteers trying to keep up with growing demands across The Scout Association while still showing up for young people every week.In this Podcast, I’m being honest about the pressure many Group Lead Volunteers and Scout Leaders are feeling right now — and how it’s starting to chip away at the joy that brought us into Scouting in the first place.If you’ve felt the weight lately… you’re not alone.👇 I’d really value hearing from other UK leaders:

What’s feeling hardest right now — admin, compliance, recruitment, finances, or something else?

This video comes from a real place of frustration after a tough few weeks at Scouts.

Over-talking while leaders are explaining activities. Scouts belittling each other. Messing around instead of joining in. Choosing to run about or sit chatting rather than learn the skills the rest of the troop are there for.

It’s not fair on the young people who *do* want to be there and make the most of Scouts.

And it raises a bigger conversation we don’t always say out loud as leaders…

We are volunteers.

We don’t get paid.

We give up evenings away from our families and jobs because we believe in what Scouting gives young people.

But when behaviour slips week after week, it makes you stop and ask — is this still the best use of our time and energy?

In this Podcast I talk honestly about:

• what’s been happening

• why behaviour matters more than people think

• the impact on leaders and the wider troop

• what we can actually do about it

This isn’t a rant. It’s a reality check — and hopefully a helpful one for other leaders dealing with the same thing.

If you’re a Scout Leader, volunteer, or parent, I’d really value your thoughts in the comments. How are you handling behaviour at the moment?

Bored of the same old Scout games? Let’s raid Scouting for Boys and bring the classics back to life.In this Flashback February video, I dive into Scouting for Boys to uncover classic but forgotten games you can bring back to your troop. These activities are fun, engaging, and perfect for keeping your Scouts excited, learning, and active.I’m Big Man in the Woods — sharing fresh ideas inspired by Scouting’s heritage to help you run brilliant, memorable programme nights for your Scouts UK troop.