New AAC (Activities)

June 16, 2020

We have great pleasure introducing Howard Nelson – our new AAC(Activities). His role will encompass the Supporter of the Nights Away Permit Scheme (SNAPS) role as well as Manager of the activity permit scheme (MAPS) role. Howard has a mass of experience fulfilling the same role in Lincolnshire County, where he was instrumental in improving the adventurous activity and NA delivery across the County.

My name is Howard Nelson and I am very pleased to take on the role of AAC (Activities) for British Scouting Overseas.

I have been a Scout for as long as I can remember, starting as a Cub Scout and moving through the sections to Venture Scouts where I gained the Queen’s Scout Award. I am currently a Local Training Manager and County Trainer in Lincolnshire. I took this role on to help provide training support to our leaders. Our district is quite a big rural area, where it takes about 2hrs to get from one side to the other.

Before this I was DCC (Activities) for Lincolnshire and I looked after the permit scheme for both Nights Away and Activities for 5 years. There were several aspects to the role which I hope to bring to BSO. These include making sure the permit scheme works effectively and enables safe activity, helping to get more camping / adventurous activities taking place, provide support for those looking to gain permits and finally to support DC’s, Assessors and Nights Away Advisors in their roles.

I really like to get on the water and am qualified as RYA Coach / Assessor and RYA Powerboat Trainer. I am a DofE Assessor and Supervisor and have looked after expeditions both on the water, cycling and walking. I also love camping and getting onto the hills and just generally being in the outdoors!

Outside of Scouting, I work for a Multi Academy with 39 schools and lead their services company. My family have all been involved in Scouting – both my grown-up children are Queen’s Scouts, have done Explorer Belts and been to World Scout Jamboree’s. My wife, Michelle is a leader, looking after DofE in Lincolnshire and was part of the leadership team for Lincolnshire at the WSJ.

I very much look forward to supporting and helping you on Activities. Over the next few weeks, I hope to meet you soon and getting to know more about BSO. I am always happy to answer any questions, provide advice so please do get in touch via email.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

BSO Southern Europe experience Total Eclipse

By Graham Eden • August 15, 2026

Originally posted at scouts.org.uk British Scouting Overseas share their experience seeing a total eclipse of the sun For lots of young people, 12 August 2026 was a special chance to watch the moon move between the Sun and Earth, blocking most or all of the Sun’s light. Here in Britain, we popped on our special safety glasses to see a partial eclipse just after 7pm last night. Other countries – such as Spain and Portugal – were treated to a total eclipse, where the Sun’s light is completely blocked.

New BSO Youth Lead: Theo Lasar

August 3, 2026

I'm delighted to share the news that Theo Lasar has been appointed as our BSO Youth Lead. Theo will succeed Charlotte, who has given outstanding service as our BSO Youth Lead since 2022, at our AGM during Gilwell Reunion in September. Theo brings has a background of scouting within BSO having started as a Beaver in Telstar, going through all the sections locally in Luxembourg before joining Scout Network last year. On his appointment Theo says, "Having served as Deputy District Youth Lead for Northern Europe over the past year, I have had the opportunity to work alongside District Youth Teams, volunteers and, most importantly, Young People across BSO. As BSO Youth Lead, I look forward to building on that experience by working with the Leadership Team, District Youth Teams and Young People across the Area to continue strengthening youth-shaped Scouting and creating more opportunities for young people to shape their own Scouting experience." The BSO Youth Lead role helps to champion youth voice across Scouts, lead our Youth Team across BSO and contributes to BSO-level decision making as a member of our BSO Leadership Team and BSO Board of Trustees.. The role also supports us to deliver our strategic priorities, and we're confident Theo is the best person to help us do this. He is passionate about giving all young people a place to belong, delivering our strategy to 2035. We're incredibly thankful for everything Charlotte has done for BSO during her term in the role and look forward to celebrating her achievements in the future. We wish Theo every success in his new role Graham Eden BSO Lead Volunteer

Vacancy: BSO Website (Graphic Designer)

By Chris Wanley • July 21, 2026

British Scouting Overseas is looking for creative and technically minded volunteers to help us redesign and relaunch our website as we move from our current platform to WordPress. British Scouting Overseas supports Scouting for young people and adult volunteers across the world. Our website is an important place for members, parents, volunteers and new families to find information, access resources and discover how to get involved. We are now redesigning the site so it is clearer, easier to update and better reflects the adventure, community and impact of Scouting overseas. About the role We are seeking volunteers to join the BSO Website Team and help develop our new website. These roles would suit people who enjoy practical digital projects, can work collaboratively with others, and want to use their skills to support Scouting across the globe.