What are the qualifications for attending Wood Badge?
Wood Badge is open to all adult leaders in Cubs, Scouts, and Venturing, as well as District and Council leaders. Each adult leader must be “registered” with the BSA and have completed basic training for their position. A current BSA Physical Examination Form is required. As of 2010, Venturing youth between the ages of 18 and 21 can participate in Wood Badge. They must be registered with a unit but do not have to be registered as an adult.
How does a Wood Badge course operate?
On the morning of Day 1, the course will run as a Cub Pack and then crossover to a Scout Troop. Participants will be placed in patrols with up to 8 members and no more than 8 patrols total. All courses in the Pennsylvania Dutch Council in 2021 will take place over two weekends. The participants will sleep in the Staff cabins on the first weekend. The second weekend will be outdoors in tents. On both weekends, participants attend indoor and outdoor activities. Between the weekends, you will work with your patrol to work on patrol assignments, including meal preparations. The staff consists of a Course Director (Scoutmaster), Assistant Scoutmasters, Senior Patrol Leader, Scribes, Quartermasters, and Troop Guides (one for each patrol). The course will operate according to a set schedule which will be published in news daily, The Gilwell Gazette.
What is the curriculum of a Wood Badge course?
All WB courses in the Pennsylvania Dutch Council follow the curriculum as outlined and published by BSA. The classes and activities in this curriculum is based on five themes: Connecting, Guiding, Growing, Empowering, and Living the Values. You will also learn from the other participants and staff. Most importantly, you’ll grow and develop into a more effective leader as you “Work Your Ticket”!
What is this ticket I keep hearing about?
It is one of the great traditions of Wood Badge, and is key to applying what you learn on course. In Baden-Powell’s day, those in the military were expected to pay their own way back to England at the end of their service. To be thrifty, soldiers nearing completion of their duties would seek assignments closer to home – a process known as “working your ticket”. The Wood Badge ticket is a list of personal goals that participants create for themselves during the course. These goals focus on implementing what the participant has learned during Wood Badge to improve Scouting over a period of up to eighteen months. You should NOT have a ticket with you when you come to Wood Badge! Your ticket will be written while on the course, with the help of your troop guide and course staff.
How much does it cost to attend?
The registration fee for Wood Badge courses in the Pennsylvania Dutch Council is $280. A $80 deposit is due at the time of registration with the balance due 30 days prior to the start of the course. The registration fee is used to cover the cost of course materials and food provided during the practical portion of the course. Some units may subsidize the cost of the course, so speak with your unit leadership. Scholarships are also available.
What is the dress code?
Dress for the course is full Field uniform (Class A) for your registered position. An official course hat and neckerchief will be provided and must be worn throughout the course. Participants will also get a course t-shirt that may be worn at some point during the course at the senior patrol leader’s discretion. Participants will have an opportunity to purchase an additional course t-shirt to wear during the course.
What can I do to best prepare to attend Wood Badge?
The best way to prepare 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. Review the promotional materials found on this website and organize the gear you’ll need to bring. Once you’ve made your deposit and registered for a course, we’ll provide you with more information.