New AAC (Activities)

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.