“Train the wise and they will become wiser, teach the righteous and they will continue to learn.” (Proverbs 9:0)
“The Wood Badge will make quite certain that when I am gone, the future leaders of Scouting will really understand what it is all about and what my intentions have been.” (Baden-Powell)
“A boy is not a sitting-down animal.” (Baden-Powell)
“When you want a thing done, ‘Don’t do it yourself’ is a good motto for Scoutmasters.” (Baden-Powell)
Baden-Powell took the first steps in training Scouting’s adult leaders. The first Wood Badge training was held in 1919 at Gilwell Park, near London.
Since then, Wood Badge has continued to evolve to meet Scouting’s needs. Wood Badge focuses on preparing adults to deliver the mission of Scouting. As a result of attending Wood Badge training you will:
- Learn contemporary leadership concepts and discover how these apply to our value-based programme.
- Understand Scouting as a family of interrelated, values-based programmes providing age appropriate activities for youth.
- Revitalize your commitment to Scouting, sharing in a mountaintop experience.
WOSM’s Wood Badge framework contributes to offer “Better Scouting” and “More Scouting” through the permanent improvement of quality training for adults involved in the Movement, and by strengthening their sense of unity.
The Wood Badge is the sign of recognition granted to all Adults in Scouting who satisfied the training criteria required on the Wood Badge training. This means that this training is not only reserved for leaders in charge of youth, but that any adult in Scouting (with uniform) may apply for such training.
The course content and leadership principles introduced apply to Scouters in all leadership positions. These skills provide common a leadership foundation that is beneficial for all programme areas.
Wood Badge Training Programme
Wood Badge training programme should cover at least the four following areas:
- Fundamental Scouting, which covers the Aim, Principles and Scout Method, the adaptation of the Method according to sections, organization and structures, etc.
- Leadership, which involves the knowledge and capabilities to assume responsibilities within the Movement.
- Management, which means the knowledge and expertise in managing units, groups or larger structures.
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Communication, understood in its broadest sense: way to get in touch with the others and to maintain an efficient relationship.
Wood Badge is presented in two phases.
How are Scouters Recognized?
Upon completion of your Wood Badge Ticket (your personal goals), as certified by your assigned Ticket Counselor, you will be presented with the Wood Badge Training Award: neckerchief, woggle, beads, and Wood Badge certificate at an appropriate ceremony of your choosing.
