Advertise on podcast: The Scouting Stuff Podcast

Continuing on the theme of Scouts Canada’s popcorn fundraiser, let’s take a look at the group-level impact of popcorn sales. Podcast Topics Scouter Ken is joined by Scouter Faith from Chinook Council to discuss Scouts Canada’s popcorn campaign again, but this time from the perspective of a group that benefits heavily from these yearly sales and depends on them for a significant chunk of their yearly programming budget. Along the way, Faith outlines a handful of fascinating strategies that her group uses to not only encourage youth to take initiative, but also helps build community connections and loyalty. 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 annual popcorn campaign has kicked off again. It’s a huge fundraiser for many Scout groups in Canada! Podcast Topics Scouter Ken is joined by Rachel Kent, Fundraising Support Coordinator for Scouts Canada, to talk about the 2026 Scout Popcorn fundraiser that began on September 1st and runs through to November 3rd. As was the case last year, groups should make sure that they are set up on My Scout Group Shop, and should register for this year’s popcorn campaign. Groups can also find information about the campaign, including brochures and order forms, on the Scouts Canada brand site. And if you have any questions, the popcorn FAQ page is available online, and the Scouts Canada support center is available 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 Pack Light, Dream Big, by Jamboree Powell

Everyone is welcome at Scouts Canada’s campfire. And sometimes, that means Scouters need to put in some extra effort to make sure that youth can take part in Scouting as they are. Podcast Topics Scouter Ken is joined by Stephanie Youngdale, Associate Director, Relationships & Dispute Resolution with Scouts Canada, to discuss accommodations. Not in the sense of places to stay, but in the sense of accommodating each youth member’s needs and challenges in the Scouting program we offer. Because whether a youth comes to a Scout group with economic challenges, sensory challenges, mental or physical health challenges, or anything else...everyone is welcome at the Scouts Canada campfire, and there are some quick and cost-free ways Scouters can meet youth in their needs. In fact, Scouts Canada has a complete Member Accommodation Procedure, as well as several other helpful resources: Visual Communications Cards – Scouter SolutionsSensory Box Kits – Scouter SolutionsSensory Tent – Scouter SolutionsInclusivity Lead – Scouter SolutionsSubscribe 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

Learn a bit more about Scouts Canada’s Summer Camps program, open now to Scouting and non-Scouting youth! Podcast Topics Scouter Ken is joined by Ryan Osborne and Kelly Middaugh to discuss Scouts Canada’s long-running Summer Camps program, which is offered at a number of Scouts Canada properties in British Columbia, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island. Under this program, a “Summer Camp can be either a week of day camp fun where campers go home each night or a week of adventure where campers stay at camp in tents or cabins for the whole week. Either way, summer camp offers a chance for kids to be outdoors, make memories & friends, try new things and have an amazing adventure!” Spaces are becoming ever-more limited; if you want to secure a spot, sign up today! 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

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 2025! 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: 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! 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 [email protected] 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