| Unless you are brand new to Scouting, or have been living under a rock, chances are someone has approached you about attending Wood Badge. Many reasons have been given for not attending. Below are just a couple of examples. #1: “I’ll be thrown in with a bunch of ‘Super Scouters’ and I’m brand new to Scouting” Response: People of all experience levels can and do attend Wood Badge together. Patrols are carefully put together to get a balance of skill levels that will complement one another and ensure success. The amazing thing about those “Super Scouters” is that they LOVE sharing what they know. They will truly be there to help you during the course and beyond. Furthermore, everyone (including you) has something unique and special to bring to the group. In fact, Scouters are encouraged to attend Wood Badge within their first 2 years in the program. #2: “The whole ticket thing is scary and sounds like waaaay too much work.” Response: If you are involved in Scouting at any level you are already probably doing (or wanting to do) things to help improve your unit or some aspect of the program. That’s really all a Ticket is. Wood Badge will give you the tools to help you transform your vision to a reality! Your Wood Badge Staff and Ticket Counselor will be there with you every step of the way to help you make it happen. #3: “I can’t afford it” or “I probably won’t be able to get the time off.” Response: There are scholarships available. No one should say no to Wood Badge for financial reasons. And the time off... you’d be surprised. If you explain where you are going and what you’ll be doing and learning your company may even pay for it. Companies spend thousands to send people to similar trainings. $240 is a huge bargain! #4: “At Wood Badge they just throw you into a pressure cooker to see how you handle it.” Response: OK - “Pressure Cooker” is quite an exaggeration. You AND your Patrol mates will take part in many fun activities to try out the leadership skills you will be learning. The activities are designed to help you take your new leadership skills out for a test drive. You’ll be amazed how much fun you’ll have doing it. After all Scouting is a game with a purpose, isn’t it? #5: “You have to sing that “song” and I don’t like to sing” Response: OK, so you aren’t Michael Buble` or Celine Dion - It’s OK, everyone else will sing loud enough to drown you out. Scout singing is about singing loudly, not well. #6: “The whole Wood Badge thing is just a clique - it’s like a cult or something.” Response: Do you define a clique or cult as any or all of the following? Making awesome new friends; learning skills to help you in Scouting, work and every day life; having fun; and most importantly, learning new skills to take back and use to deliver a TOP NOTCH program to the youth in our unit. Yes? Then YUP - Wood Badge is a clique and probably a cult as well by your definition. Hopefully by now you get the picture. So... Now that we’ve taken care of some of the popular “excuses” Wood Badge for the 21st Century focuses on leadership and “people” skills, and not Scoutcraft or outdoor skills. Participants will learn techniques to make them better leaders, and also how to lead groups to achieve objectives. The 21st Century Wood Badge incorporates the best of over a century of Scouting experience in addition to drawing upon the most current leadership models used by corporate America, academic circles, and successful outdoor leadership organizations throughout the country. Skills developed from Wood Badge training will help a volunteer leader do a better job in any BSA program as well as in their place of employment. Who Should Take Wood Badge: - Any registered member of a BSA program. There are NO minimum tenure requirements. Cub Scout Leaders, Boy Scout Leaders, Venturing, Varsity and Ship leaders, Committee Members, etc. You are all welcome and encouraged to attend.
- Youth Venturer Leaders aged 18-21 - This is new and many people don’t realize that this group of capable young adults are ENCOURAGED to attend.
There are some minimum training requirements. If you have questions or need help in this area, we can help. Visit the council website for forms and more information. Also, watch for information coming soon about the Council Wood Badge Breakfast on Saturday November 16th. When is Wood Badge? - April 4-6, 2014 - Indian Mound Scout Reservation - Oconomowoc
- April 25-27 - Camp Oh-Da-Ko-Ta - Burlington
Note: You need to attend both weekends to complete the entire program. OK - So you are ready to go now! Visit the council website and download the forms. Sign up today before the course is full! If you still have concerns or questions, please contact: Jeff Kitzman - Course Director (414) 403-2897 | 
