Wood Badge for the 21st Century

FOR LEADERS IN CUB SCOUTING, BOY SCOUTING, VARSITY SCCOUTING, VENTURING AND THE DISTRICT

The Middle Tennessee Council is pleased to announce that in 2008, there will be two Wood Badge courses offered.

Course SR-938

SEPTEMBER 5-7, 2008

SEPTEMBER 26-28, 2008

Course SR-932

SEPTEMBER 11-13, 2008

OCTOBER 9-11, 2008

Objectives

  1. To develop better understanding of the purpose and goals of the Scouting program and how they are attained
  2. To learn the techniques of leadership training and unit operations
  3. To share in the fun and fellowship of an exciting council-level training course
What is Wood Badge for the 21st Century?
Wood Badge is the premier adult leadership training program for the Boy Scouts of America. It teaches contemporary leadership and team development skills in an outdoor setting.
Why Wood Badge for the 21st Century?
Times have changed since Lord Robert Baden-Powell assembled the first Wood Badge course in 1919. Over the years, teaching methods and instructional tools have been updated to meet the needs of contemporary leaders. What has not changed is the primary focus of Wood Badge, which is leadership training.
Areas of Concentration for Wood Badge are:
  • Tools of the Trade
  • Leading to Make a Difference
  • Bringing the Vision to Life
  • Models for Success
  • Living the Values
What Exactly is taught in Wood Badge?

Wood Badge has always taught leadership skills. Wood Badge for the 21st Century focuses on contemporary leadership skills and issues, integrated with Scouting's value-based philosophy. A variety of learning opportunities including lecture, demonstration, group discussion and hands-on exercise offer participants insight into contemporary leadership theory, while providing them with specific skills they can put to use immediately in their units. Many participants have found that they can apply what they have learned in their personal and business lives as well. While learning is the primary goal of Wood Badge, fun is an important component, too.

Here is a list of some of the activities covered:

  • Camping as a patrol
  • Putting the patrol method into practice by camping, cooking and working as a group
  • Learning leadership skills
  • Learning games and activities that will work well in your unit
  • Developing friendships that will last a lifetime
  • Conduct patrol meetings (not at camp) between your first and second weekends at camp
Here are two things Wood Badge is not:
  1. It is not a series of induction weekends (like an Order of the Arrow Ordeal).
  2. It is not an exclusive club or clique of Scouters who will intimidate or humiliate you.

Most Scout leaders who have been through the program will agree that Wood Badge is one of the most fun things you will ever do in Scouting!

Who may attend?
To attend Wood Badge, Scouters must:
  1. Be registered adults of the Boy Scouts of America (there is no minimum tenure requirement)
  2. Have not previously attended a Wood Badge course
  3. Have completed the basic training courses for their Scouting position*
  4. Have completed the outdoor skills training programs appropriate for their Scouting positions*
  5. Be capable of functioning safely in an outdoor environment. Successful completion of the BSA Class 3 physical is required for all participants.

* For further detail contact your District Training Chairman, District Executive or the Council Service Center.

Will I need special equipment?
A letter will be sent out no later than July 6th with an equipment list, a personal resource questionnaire and a Class 3 medical form. In general, you will need personal gear such as a sleeping bag, backpack and a complete official BSA uniform.  You will also need some patrol gear for weekend 2.
What is the cost?
The course fee for the 2008 Wood Badge course is $170, which covers all instructional materials and all food for the two weekends (except two meals during the second weekend that are furnished by the patrols). In addition, each participant will receive a course shirt, cap and training neckerchief. The fee also includes the Wood Badge training award that is presented following completion of the Wood Badge ticket. A fee deposit of $50.00 is due with the course application, and the balance of the course fee is due by August 1, 2008.
What if I need more information?
You may call the Wood Badge Staff Advisor, Martez Moore, at 615-383-9724 or 1-800-899-7268
Additional information may be obtained from the Middle Tennessee Council website at www.mtcbsa.org.