An Influencer in Orange
Walking around Jamboree Denmark, whispers are heard about a legend of a man in odd socks, dressed in orange. After extensive research, this reporter has confirmed that Mike Rouse-Deane is the name of the Scout, and he is the face, and brains, behind ‘Scoutadelic’ on Youtube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Despite being asked for autographs and selfies throughout the day, Mike is adamant that he is “not a celebrity!”. “I’m just a normal guy who likes to teach a scout skill, crack a joke and make someone smile”.
Mike’s a semi-retired Cub Scout Leader from Hull, in the UK. He joined Scouts, because his sister did. He admits that he didn’t go to his first Cub Scout meeting, at Wellington St Mathews Scout Group, “because it was raining”. The next week, he joined the Scouting movement, “because it was sunny!”.
When he became a Leader, his video diaries documenting his Cub Pack’s meetings and camps, led to the creation of the Scoutadelic Youtube channel, now in its 11th year.
Despite being a super famous (non-celebrity) Scout, this is Mike’s first Jamboree. “Cubs never did Jamborees,” he explains, “and my group never really promoted attending them.” In March, when he visited seven countries in seven days — a totally Scoutrageous thing to do — one of his destinations was Copenhagen. “I wanted to visit a Scout Group, or HQ, try a dish, learn some of the history and see a landmark.”, he says, “in Copenhagen I met Lukas, who provided Smörgåsbord, and some Danish drinks”. Mike visited the Scout museum, which is currently in an attic as it is in the process of being moved to a new venue. The next morning, he got up early to explore a “deserted” Copenhagen. Anyway, “someone connected to Spejdernes Lejr, saw the video of the visit and invited me here!”.
Mike’s role at the Jamboree, outside of selfies and autographs, and documenting jamboree life, has been as a presenter at the International Campfire. Having compiled a Campfire Songbook on his socials, he was chosen to present the mix of chants, songs and bravo’s at the Main Arena on Wednesday night. Not many occasions allow you to see performances from Nepal, Uganda and the Faroes on the same stage.
This being his first Jamboree, Mike is keen to savour every experience, by taking notes in his notebook of every conversation, every selfie, every meal. The people who recognise him come to talk to him. “They think they’re wasting my time,” he says, “but it’s really nice to be appreciated.” “Scout leaders, we don’t do it for thanks,” he says, “but we appreciate the thanks.”
When one person asked, “are you the guy from Scoutadelic?” Mike joked, “oh, no, that’s the other guy, I’m the second tier!”, “Oh, so you’re ScoutBdelic?”. Mike has enjoyed his Jamboree life. He disagrees with those who haven’t appreciated the meat-free diet, “It’s part of the experience!”, he says, “the camp belongs to the young people, it’s not ours!”
Mike isn’t sure if he’ll go to another Jamboree, because it’s hard to be Mike, a volunteer, while also being Scoutadelic Mike, the non-celebrity celebrity. However, he’s been amazed at the response he’s got from Scouts and Leaders who recognise him, his orange shirt, and his rainbow hedgehog, Oggy. No matter how your Jamboree experience is going, Mike hopes it’s been a little bit Scoutadelic.
