Intelligent

I know that "intelligent" isn't officially a part of the Scout Law but it might as well be. So much of scouting is learning. Maybe that's why Baden Powell left it off--it was understood. Training is a major part of what scouts and scouters do. It's critical to ensure a quality program for the boys. Everything from knowing how to safely carry out the methods of scouting to teaching the boys their responsibilities in the troop must be trained. Sometimes I, as the unit leader, receive the training, and sometimes I give it. This month was my turn to receive as I attended my Wood Badge Course, W1-609-12-1.

Wood Badge is an adult leader training course that covers everything from leadership training to planning campfire programs. It uses both classroom and hands on/situational training. It is held in two three-day sessions separated by a free weekend.

I have never been to a seminar or training like this before. It's also been a long time since I fell asleep so fast in my sleeping bag. Each day was PACKED with information, exercises, games, fun, and work. Morning assembly was at 7:00 and we were excused for bed as late as 10:00 pm--and the time between was filled with activity.

Also, the "free" weekend between the two sessions is really anything but. At the end of the first session you are sent home with a fairly hefty homework load that you are to accomplish with your patrol (training group) prior to the next session.

Accomplishing the Wood Badge course requires a significant sacrifice, from the attendee, but also from their families and home scouting units.

As if that wasn't enough, the completion of the course is just the first step. During the course, one of the assignments is to come up with a list if goals that you will accomplish to help you take what you've learned at Wood Badge back to your home unit and make a difference. This list of goals is your "ticket". When you have completed your goals, then you have fully completed the course and you are awarded beads that signify your accomplishment.

The real motivation behind Wood Badge, though, is that desire to help the home unit. All Wood Badge attendees want to bring something home to their units to improve it in some way. I am no exception. Those of the readers that are part of my home unit will soon be touched by the completion of my ticket. The goals I laid down for myself will likely affect everyone involved in the unit, whether it be a unit member, parent of a unit member, or involved in the unit in any other way.

I look forward to the next few months. Hopefully we can make some changes that are positive and help to kickstart the unit up to the next level.

- Tom Kruger, Scoutmaster Troop 1546
P.S. If you would like any information on Wood Badge, please come and talk to me. I'll talk your ear off about it.