Wood Badge
The Wood Badge is the symbol of a fully trained, "qualified" leader. Such training is obligatory for any position in a Unit. But this training makes all the difference, as it teaches invaluable skills and lessons, to aid the leader in the successful running of his/her Section.
While I cannot vouch for all countries, a common layout for Wood Bade training is-:
Basic: an introductory course to the scouting movement and its ideals; an introductory course for your desired scouting section.
Advance: this consists of courses directly aimed at teaching skills required for your aimed position.
Project: after completing the above courses, the participant decides on a project he/she will undertake, over the forthcoming months or year. At the end of this period, the project will be assessed, an if it is to the statisfaction of the Board, that person will be awarded the Wood Badge as a "qualified" leader.
The reason why I have qualified in quotes above is, most would tell you that these courses cannot cover everything a leader might need. So, it is highly reccomended that one compilments ones training, by learning First Aid, Pioneering, Orienteering,etc. as required by ones position and section.
GILWELL WOGGLE
Gilwell Park, London is where Wood badge Training started and it
was also the World Training Centre until 1967. The Gilwell Woggle
is a Turk's head woggle made of plaited leather strip. It can be worn at all
times with your neckerchief. This Woggle may be worn on completion of the Wood
badge Basic Training.
THE WOOD BADGE
The Wood badge consists of two wooden beads on a leather shoe lace.
This derives from the original badge prepared for the first Wood
badge Course by Robert Baden-Powell,
founder of World Scouting. This will be presented to you upon successful
completion of your Wood badge training.
THE GILWELL NECKERCHIEF
Holders of the Wood badge may purchase the Gilwell Neckerchief.
This is the neckerchief of the international Scoutgroup, the lst Gilwell Group.
It is a beige neckerchief and bears the MacLaren tartan on its point.
This commemorates Mr de Bois MacLaren who presented Gilwell Park to Scouting.
The Scouting Movement |
The Wood Badge |