It’s only an hour a week: Stretching the truth since 1907

One of the greatest tricks Scouting ever pulled was convincing new adult volunteers that it’s “only an hour a week”.

James B Wood is a Scout leader utilising satire and humour to survive the experience of a room full of energetic young Scouts.  He has an interest in fire pits and a firm belief that any meat tastes better when cooked over an open flame. James draws on years of firsthand experience to share the trials and joys of being a Scout leader in the UK. He provides an honest, humorous look at volunteer life behind the scenes.

This book is a humorous, honest, and insightful look at Scouting from the inside. It explores the realities of volunteering, the unexpected challenges, and the deeply rewarding moments that keep adults coming back week after week. This book explains why volunteers are the true backbone of the movement to those:

• considering becoming a Scout volunteer
• already involved
• supporting their local group

The health of a Scout group is determined by the number of adults willing to give their time and energy to deliver skills for life. This book highlights the challenge facing Scouting today: not a lack of interest from youth, but a shortage of adult volunteers to lead and support them.

Witty, thoughtful, and grounded in real experience, It’s Only an Hour a Week is both a celebration of Scouting volunteers and a call to action for those who might just be thinking about stepping up — after all, it’s only an hour a week..

Author: James B Wood