Be Prepared
Some folks may be a little intimidated with the idea of attending Wood Badge. They might think that Wood Badge is some sort of military styled boot camp with physical demands. In actuality Wood Badge is a series of fun and educational weekend training activities that are conducted with a high degree of integrity and personal respect. The biggest physical demands will be walking the scenic woodlands of Skymont. The time constraints are tight, but only because we pack so many great training events into the weekends.
What are the course prerequisites?
Wood Badge is open to all registered adults who have not previously attended a 21st Century Wood Badge course and have successfully completed the basic training requirements for their primary position. This generally consists of Fast Start, This is Scouting, and Position Specific Training. Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, Varsity Coaches and Venturing Advisors must also complete Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.
Do I need special outdoor Skills?
Since overnight tent camping and outdoor cooking will be part of the course, some basic camping skills will be helpful but not essential. The staff and experienced participants will help those new to the outdoors to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
What equipment do I need?
You provide your own personal gear such as sleeping bag, backpack, and full Scout uniform. All patrol gear, tents, and cots will be provided by the course. Once enrolled, a detailed personal equipment list will be mailed to you.
Health and Safety
The Wood Badge training team adheres to the Guide to Safe Scouting. Each person must have a current medical form before they can attend the course. Each participant must be capable of functioning safely in an outdoor environment. There will be a staff medical officer present who will administer first aid and assist with any health issues that may arise.
How much does it cost?
The course tuition is $??? per person. This includes six days of training, all meals, all instructional material, a limited-edition Wood Badge CAC council strip, a Wood Badge cap, neckerchief and notebook. The fee also includes your Wood Badge training award that is presented following the completion of the application phase of the course. Limited scholarships are available. For more information, contact Wood Badge Staff Advisor, ???, at 423-892-8323.
If someone completed Wood badge in 1990, why would he/she need to take the Wood Badge for the 21st century course?
It's optional, of course. Just like other methods have changed over the years (CPR, for example), Wood Badge has changed. You would not "need" to attend, but if you chose to, you may do so. To serve on a Wood Badge for the 21st century staff, you must have taken the newer version.
If this person retakes the Wood Badge course would he/she need to also re-complete the ticket to be considered Wood Badge trained?
BSA National policy states: "Individuals who have attended Wood Badge in the past (either Cub Scout Trainers Wood Badge or Boy Scout Leader Wood Badge) may attend Wood Badge for the 21st Century provided that : (1) They agree to write and work a Wood Badge for the 21st Century ticket; and (2) they agree not to wear Wood Badge beads until they have satisfactorily completed their Wood Badge for the 21st Century ticket."
I don't have a complete uniform. Do I have to get one for the course?
Uniforms are one of our Scouting methods- and a very effective one, at that. The short answer is "Yes, you have to have a complete uniform." A complete uniform is a wonderful teaching tool and team building exercise. Get a complete uniform- you'll be glad you did.
I heard you have to take all your insignia off your Scout uniform for Wood Badge. Is that true?
For some courses in the past, this was true. But no longer. Simply wear your full and complete field uniform to the course. Scout shirt or blouse, pants or skirt, belt, socks with all proper insignia for your "normal" Scouting job (as if any job in Scouting could be considered "normal"......).
I'm on the waiting list? Will I get to attend?
You can all but bank on it. We always have people that have to drop off due to family emergencies, job situations and other adjustments.
I'm new to Scouting. Should I wait a year before I take Wood Badge?
Because the window of time available to Scout volunteers can sometimes be short, we recommend you take the course earlier in your Scouting career than was typically done many years ago. In the past, Wood Badge was offered every 2 or 3 years, but today, it's an annual event. The training has been tailored to those who are relatively new to Scouting as well as those with more experience. So take it as soon as you're eligible.
I'm about to cross over into Boy Scouting. What should I expect?
In our course, we start off as a Cub Scout Pack, then we cross over and become a Scout Troop the first day. So you will find it to be familiar as well as unfamiliar. But a large percentage of our participants have NO Boy Scouting experience.
I may need to miss a bit due to scheduling conflicts. Is that a problem?
Yes, it's a problem. You must attend the entire course, as per BSA National Policy.
Will we be walking? Camping? Sitting in a classroom?
Yes. We will be doing some of each.
I have a medical condition. Will you work with me?
Certainly! Contact the Course Director. We have golf carts for those that may need them, can work with dietary restrictions, can even provide electricity for those who have medical requirements. Just let us know.
I don't know anyone taking the course. Will I fit in?
Most of the people who attend Wood Badge are there "On their own". Don't worry - you're around fellow Scout volunteers, and we have set things up in such a manner where you'll be making new friends the first few hours.
Who designed Wood Badge training?
Originally, it was designed by the Founder of Scouting, Robert Baden-Powell. Wood Badge has changed dramatically since it was first begun almost one hundred years ago. Wood Badge will always change to meet the mission of its volunteers and of The Boy Scouts of America.
How do you get to be on Wood Badge staff?
First, take Wood Badge for the 21st century. Second, finish your ticket. Some would argue that the next step is to get your brain surgically removed, but generally, you'll get invited to work on staff as you get to know more of your fellow volunteers. (Then you get your brain surgically removed.)
Can youth take Wood Badge?
Participants must be over 18 years old. Wood Badge is adult leader training. Youth should look into National Youth Leadership Training.
I heard that Wood Badge has changed. Is that true?
Wood Badge has always changed, in order to better meet the mission of its members and of the world-wide Scouting movement, as well as the Boy Scouts of America. The constant thread is the dedication of its volunteers to the ideals and principals to the world-wide Scouting movement-- and most importantly, the decision of these same volunteers to better themselves through the highest levels of training. Wood Badge has always been the pinnacle of adult leader training, and those of us that love it hope it always will be.
What does "SR-NNNN" mean?
It means we are the NNNNth course assigned by the Southern Region. Every participant is given a number as well- we have N participants signed up.
I'm worried about my ticket. What do I need to do to get ready for it?
Don't be worried. Your ticket is a list of goals that you create for your Scouting position. It should contain stuff you do anyway. Read more about the Wood Badge ticket here.
What do the Wood Badge beads and Woggle Represent?
The beads, which represent bravery and leadership, were first presented at the initial leadership course in September 1919 at Gilwell Park. The woggle is a two-strand version of a Turk's head knot, which has no beginning and no end, and symbolizes the commitment of a Wood Badger to Scouting. Those that have completed their ticket wear a leather woggle.