Wait, you're a Scout?

Anna Skipton

a totally unofficial podcast talking to the amazing and inspiring people involved in the scout association

  1. Jun 4

    “Wait, You’re a Scout?” Series 3, Episode 3 with Paul Walker

    Where Work Meets Adventure: How Paul Walker Turns Skills Into Scouting Magic For most people, work and volunteering live in separate worlds. For Paul Walker, they collide — and that collision creates adventure. A chartered surveyor by profession, Paul spends his days advising landowners, walking fields, and solving complex rural challenges. “If it’s on the ground, over the ground or under the ground, then we can probably help somebody,” he says of his job. What he didn’t expect was how naturally those same skills would shape his Scouting journey. His expertise first pulled him into major events when he was asked to help negotiate land agreements for the Essex International Jamboree. That simple request snowballed into years of involvement. “I was contacted to see if I could help liaise with the landowner… and for whatever reason, I was asked to report to the committee,” he recalls. Before long, he was Deputy Chief — then Joint Chief — helping transform empty fields into unforgettable experiences. The crossover didn’t stop there. His land knowledge became vital during the 2007 World Scout Jamboree, where he helped secure sites, oversee infrastructure, and literally build a temporary city. “I only actually had three jobs — design it, build it and take it down,” he jokes, though the scale was anything but small. What makes Paul’s story powerful is how naturally work skills can unlock adventure for young people. Whether negotiating a campsite, planning a layout, or understanding how land behaves, his professional world becomes a toolkit for Scouting. And yet, despite the global events and huge responsibilities, Paul insists the heart of it all is still Friday nights with his troop. “That’s the most important bit because it’s front and centre with the young people.” His journey is a reminder to every volunteer: your day job might just be the key to someone else’s next great adventure

    1h 3m

  2. Feb 26

    “Wait, You’re a Scout?” Series 3, Episode 2 with Taylor Sounes

    In this episode, Anna chats to Taylor about flexible volunteering, governance and what it really means to be a Scout trustee. Working full-time in corporate governance, Taylor brings her professional skills to 33rd Norwich Scout Group, helping shape long-term strategy, sustainability and community impact. She also gives up annual leave to volunteer at large-scale events like the Essex and Norfolk International Jamborees, proving Scouting doesn’t have to mean a weekly commitment. From trustee boards to tents in fields, this conversation explores the many ways adults can give their time — and why even the “behind the scenes” roles make a powerful difference.

    31 min

  3. 12/22/2025

    “Wait, You’re a Scout?” Series 3, Episode 1 with Alastair Humphreys

    We are back! Now in conjunction with the Scoutrageous Magazine. This episode we speak to Scout Adventure Alastair Humphreys, all about micro adventures, inspiring the next generation of adventurers and how you can find moments of adventure on your doorstep.

    30 min

  4. 10/29/2020

    "Wait, You're a Scout?" Series 2, Episode 16 with Hannah Kentish

    This Month I'm joined by Hannah Kentish. We catch up on life after being UK Youth Commissioner, British Empire Medals and looking at what the future holds.  You can check out the amazing work that ShelterBox do here https://www.shelterbox.org/ And to see what Hannah gets up to you can follow her on Instagram and Twitter @hpkentish

    39 min

  5. 08/27/2020

    “Wait, You’re a Scout?” Series 2, Episode 15 with Jordan McCullough, NIC Inclusion

    This week we talk to Jordan the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Inclusion. Finding out more about how we can be more inclusive in scouting, the best tips for festival camping, and Jordan's new lockdown hobby. If you want to get in touch with Jordan directly - like and message the Scouts NI Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/scoutsni/

    39 min

  6. 08/13/2020

    “Wait, You’re a Scout?” Series 2, Episode 14 with Georgia Miller

    And we are back! This week I'm joined by the awesome Georgia from West London Scouts, talking all things Scouting in Lockdown, the return to face to face scouting and how we can find the balance between scouting and life when living with a Scout Leader.

    36 min

  7. 07/16/2020

    “Wait, You’re a Scout?” Series 2 Announcement

    That's right, we'll be taking a short break from the Podcast whilst we focus on returning to face - to - face Scouting in England as COVID-19 lockdown is eased. But we'll be back on the 13th of August!

    1 min

  8. 07/02/2020

    “Wait, You’re a Scout?” Series 2, Pride Special with Jessica

    Jessica joins us for our Pride special, to discuss how Scouting helped aid her journey into finding her identity. We discuss what Gender fluid means and some questions you may have around the trans identity.  If you are over 18 and want to get in touch with Gendershake you can here on facebook https://www.facebook.com/pg/GenderShake/community/ and here on the website https://jessicablaise8.wixsite.com/gendershake If you have any questions for Jessica you can get in touch with the podcast and we will pass them on.

    34 min
See All (36)

About

a totally unofficial podcast talking to the amazing and inspiring people involved in the scout association

Information

  • Creator
    Anna Skipton
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Anna Skipton
  • Show Website
    Wait, you're a Scout?