The Traditions of Wood Badge

On the morning of September 8, 1919, a 61-year old retired British Army General stepped into the center of a clearing in Gilwell Park, Epping Forest, outside of London. He raised to his lips the horn of the Great Kudu, one of the largest African antelope.  He blew a long, sharp blast and the 19 Scouters gathered in patrols for the first training course for Scout Leaders. Robert S. S. Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, realized trained leaders would be a key to the movement's success. At the end of the training program Baden-Powell looked for a suitable recognition. He chose the wooden beads from a chieftain's necklace and put them on a leather bootlace, a symbol of good luck. The training course and the recognition became known as "the Wood Badge".  The tradition continues.............The Calumet Council has been hosting Wood Badge courses for over 25 years.

Wood Badge for the 21st Century has five themes:

• Living the Values
  • Values, Mission, and Vision
  • Aims and methods
• Bringing the Vision to Life
  • Listening to learn
  • Communicating
  • Giving and receiving feedback
  • Valuing people and leveraging diversity
  • Coaching and mentoring
• Models for Success
  • Team development model
  • Situational Leadership
• Tools of the Trade
  • Project planning and problem solving
  • Managing conflict
  • Assessing team performance
  • Managing change
  • Celebrating team success
• Leading to Make a Difference
  • Leaving a legacy
  • Learning the greatest leadership secret;

What Will You Get Out of Wood Badge?

As a result of attending Wood Badge, you will be able to:

• View Scouting globally, as a family of interrelated, values-based programs that provide age-appropriate activities for youth
• Recognize the contemporary leadership concepts utilized in corporate America and leading government organizations that are relevant to our values-based movement.
• Apply the skills you learn from your participation as a member of a successful working team.
• Revitalize your commitment by sharing in an overall inspirational experience that helps provide Scouting with the leadership it needs to accomplish its mission on an ongoing basis.

How is Wood Badge Presented?

Wood Badge consists of two phases. The first is the practical phase. This consists of two full weekends at a local training center and at camp plus midweek patrol meetings between the weekends. The second, or application phase, occurs after the weekends and consists of "working your ticket".

Wood Badge Ticket

The primary purpose of the Wood Badge experience is to strengthen Scouting in our units, districts, and local councils. The Wood Badge "ticket" represents your commitment to complete a set of personal goals relating to your Scouting position. These goals will significantly strengthen the program in which you are involved. In addition, the ticket gives you an opportunity to practice and demonstrate a working knowledge of the leadership skills presented during the course. You should complete your Wood Badge ticket no later than 18 months after the course.

Recognition

Upon completion of the Wood Badge ticket, as certified by a ticket counselor and the Scout executive, you will be presented with the Wood Badge certificate, neckerchief, woggle, and beads at an appropriate public ceremony.

Many Scouters consider Wood Badge to be one of the highlights of their Scouting careers. It has served as a source of training and inspiration to thousands. In return, Wood Badge participants have positively affected the lives of millions of America's youth.

Who Should Attend Wood Badge

Wood Badge for the 21st Century has been developed for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout and Venturing Leaders, as well as council and district leaders. The course content and leadership principles introduced apply to Scouters in all leadership positions and will provide a common foundation of leadership skills to be used throughout all program areas.

Prerequisites and Requirements

To attend a Wood Badge course, you must:

1. Be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America. (There is no minimum tenure required.)
2. Have completed New Leader Essentials training and the Leader Specific Training for your Scouting position.  (NOTE: If you participated in Basic Training prior to the 2001 curriculum change, these courses are valid for this requirement.)
3. If you are a Scoutmaster or Assistant SM, Varsity Coach or Assistant VC, have completed the Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills. IOLS attendance is encouraged for other leaders but NOT required.
4. Be capable of functioning safely in an outdoor environment.  All participants must successfully complete the BSA Class 3 physical before attending Wood Badge.