FAQ'S

What is Wood Badge?

Reflecting the best of nearly a century of Scouting experience, Wood Badge draws upon the most current leadership models used by corporate America, academic circles and successful organizations throughout the country. Wood Badge training was begun by Baden Powell in 1919 as a way to insure that the leaders of Scout troops were properly trained. Since then Wood Badge has been held worldwide, providing advanced leadership training to thousands of Scout leaders. Wood Badge builds upon the best traditions and experiences of the Boy Scouts of America and also draws from a wide range of courses within and beyond the bounds of Scouting to present the latest in leadership theory and team development.

Why attend?

By taking Wood Badge, Scouters will acquire valuable tools such as listening, communicating, conflict management, project planning and leading change. Participants will better learn to understand and appreciate diversity and differences in our society. They will learn skills that will make them a better Scout leader. Units with trained leaders are able to deliver an improved program and a more meaningful experience for the youth Scouting serves. By attending Wood Badge, the participants will internalize the 5 themes of Wood Badge: Living the Values, Growing, Connecting,Guiding, Empowering.

Who should attend?

Wood Badge is designed to meet the advanced leadership needs of all Scouters, particularly unit level Scouters, such as Cub leaders, Scoutmasters and assistants, Venturing Crew Advisors, Committee Chairs and members. Additionally Scouters Serving at the district and council levels can achieve greater effectiveness through Wood Badge. To attend a Wood Badge course, individuals must:

1. Be registered members of the

Boy Scouts of America. (Youth 18

and older may attend as long as

the appropriate Youth Protection

guidelines are followed. They do

not need to be registered in an

adult leadership role.)

2. Have completed the basic

training courses for their

Scouting position.

3. Be capable of functioning safely

in an outdoor environment. All

participants are required to

complete the Annual Health and

Medical Record form.

How many participants can attend a course?

A course is considered a full course with 48 registered participants

What is expected of me?

Mainly have a positive attitude and a willingness to be exposed to new ideas. You'll need to arrive in a complete BSA field uniform. Some of the time, you'll be in an activity uniform. It also helps if you are enthusiastic, can be flexible, and are a team player. We expect you to share and apply what you learn in your unit or district. Lastly, we expect you to "work your ticket"! More on that at the course.

How can I be prepared for the course?

The best way to prepare for the course is to mentally make a commitment that you are going to attend Wood Badge - block it off on your calendar and discuss it with your family, employer, and unit. Resolve that except for a "true emergency", you'll be there! Talk with staffers and recent Wood Badge participants from your unit or district. Read the promotional material and organize the gear you'll need to bring. Once you've made your deposit and registered for the course, we'll provide more information by mail, email, and telephone.

How does the course operate?

Except for the first few hours, the course will operate as a Scouts BSA Troop. Participants are placed in patrols of no more than 6 individuals. Also, there will be no more than 8 patrols-making for a maximum total of 48 participants. Course will be all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for both weekends. The first weekend you'll sleep indoors and attend indoor and outdoor activities. The second weekend you'll sleep outdoors in tents and attend indoor and outdoor activities. The Course will have a Course Director (Scoutmaster), Staff Assistant Scoutmasters, Scribes, Quartermasters, and Troop Guides for each patrol. All staff members are knowledgeable, caring, and trusted resources for participants. The course will operate according to a set schedule which will be published in news daily, The Gilwell Gazette.

Why is it so important?

Wood Badge is important because it is the highest level of adult leadership training available to BSA councils. Have you ever heard the expression, "every youth deserves a trained leader"? More high trained leaders will deliver a better program and a better experience for our youth; our youth will stay in scouting longer, accomplish more, and have more fun. If you look at units in our council that are really excellent units, you'll generally find the primary adult leaders are Wood Badge trained. The converse is also true. The units in our council that are not living up to their potential usually have a deficiency of trained leaders.