Scouting and Storytelling
For James, Scouting isn’t just a pastime, a volunteering role, or a hobby, it’s a deeply felt part of who he is. Over more than two decades, he has immersed himself in the Scouting movement, not only as a volunteer leader, but also as a passionate storyteller who translates his experiences into writing that resonates with current and prospective Scouts and Scouters alike.
A Lifelong Scout and Leader
James’s commitment to Scouting stems from a strong belief in its values: mentoring young people, building confidence, and giving back to his community. Through his website, Perwood.co.uk, he reflects on how Scouting has shaped his worldview, leadership style, and even his creativity. His long-term involvement is rooted in the relationships he has built with other leaders, with the Scouts themselves, and with the broader Scouting community.
He often reflects on the paradox of “only an hour a week”: despite the common phrase used to recruit volunteers, being a Scout leader is rarely so simple or limited in time. That tension is at the heart of his book, It’s Only an Hour a Week: Stretching the Truth Since 1907. In it, James uses humour, honesty, and practical insight to explore what it really means to volunteer for the Scouts, the sacrifices, the joys, and the unexpected rewards.
Writing to Support and Inspire
In It’s Only an Hour a Week, James writes directly to both current and prospective adult volunteers. He understands the challenges: the pressure on time, the fear of commitment, and the responsibility of leading young people. But he also knows the rewards, the growth, the laughter, the life lessons that Scouting provides. By blending satire with sincere advice, he encourages others to join in, stay engaged, and embrace the messy but meaningful reality of being a Scout leader. This has resonated widely: his book has become a resource in Scouting circles, and he has discussed it in interviews with other Scouters, exploring how to navigate the demands and fulfilment of being a volunteer. Such as The Scouting Stuff Podcast
James does more than promote his own writing. He acts as part of a broader Scouting conversation, highlighting stories from other leaders, exploring how to improve programmes, and celebrating what makes the movement powerful. His reflections often connect back to his leadership role, showing how Scouting and writing feed into each other: his experiences in the field inform his books, and his writing helps him articulate and deepen his understanding of the movement’s purpose.
The book ‘It’s only an hour a week‘ is available on Amazon in paperback, ebook and Kindle Unlimited.
Dialogue with the Scouting Community
Part of James’s Scouting narrative includes his interaction with others who are active in the movement. One notable example is his engagement with Big Man in the Woods, a well‑known Scout leader and content creator whose YouTube channel and blog provide resources, inspiration, advice for Scout leaders. James discussed how you don’t have to be an expert in everything Scouting to succeed and that really it is about having fun.
Reflections and Lessons Learned
James’s journey offers a few key takeaways for the Scouting community:
- Leadership evolves. Through his work and conversations with peers, he encourages continuous learning, whether through training, reading, or simply asking hard questions.
- Volunteering is complicated but rewarding. His honest and humorous take in It’s Only an Hour a Week reminds us that time commitment and emotional investment can be real, but so are the benefits.
- Storytelling strengthens community. By writing and highlighting others’ voices, James contributes to a culture of shared experience and reflection among Scout leaders.
Here are some resources you may find useful
Useful links:
The Scout Association – The Scout Association is the largest Scouting organisation in the United Kingdom and is the World Organization of the Scout Movement’s recognised member for the United Kingdom