eagle-pete

I agree with OldGreyEagle - It's all about the beads!!! Eagle Pete

I'd just like to add one more point to the excellent afore posted suggestions - and this is really to illuminate somewhat on something Crew21_Adv touched on: Not everyone attends Wood Badge. I would also say... Not everyone should attend Wood Badge right away. Let's keep in mind that Wood Badge is *Advanced* training - meant for a Scouter who already has attended other preparatory trainings. In fact, one of the requirements to attend Wood Badge is "You must have completed Basic Training for your registered Scouting position." Typically, I don't start pushing Wood Badge until the individual has at least attended their Basic Training. Point and case - We had a Scouter in our Troop decide they would go ahead and jump right into Wood Badge, not having gone through any other previous trainings. This individual was completely unprepared. IMO, they wanted more of an "Express Wood Badge" and they were also looking for the recognition more than anything. Fortunately, their Wood Badge experience was positive. However, soon after the newness and enthusiasm of their training wore off, and without a solid foundation of a phased-in method of training, much of what they got out of Wood Badge as far as Scouting methods and how to apply it to the Troop dissipated into a sort of foggy, halfway trained Wood Badger. I don't doubt that this participant got something from Wood Badge. However, I also believe that their once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience Wood Badge as a participant was, in a way, wasted. I learned a valuable lesson - don't send someone to Wood Badge unprepared for the experience. The result can be a Wood Badger robbed of the full WB experience. Eagle Pete

I was about to suggest that you may want to seek the advise of your Troop Guide. You beat me to it. Eamonn's suggestions are excellent... I could not have put it better. I do have a few comments I'd like to add... One of the many purposes of the Ticket development process is self-reflection. All of the ticket items, including the diversity focused ticket item, should be developed from your own experiences and certainly from your own understanding of how each item relates to, and is effected by, the Scouting Program. The problem with someone offering you their ideas for a ticket items is simply that they didn't come from you -which is a vital component to this process. If you speak with your Troop Guide about this, I would be willing to wager that she/he will try to draw this out of you. The TG, if she/he is worth their salt, should guide you in the process of ascertaining your own concept of diversity, and then to apply that concept to the Scouting Program in a way which is Significant, Measurable, Appropriate, Realistic, and Timely (S.M.A.R.T). Some resources available on the internet pertaining to this subject are: http://www.woodbadge.org/BoyScout/wbtickt.htm and http://www.woodbadge.org/BoyScout/wblsskill.htm Admittedly, the content of these are presented during your Wood Badge course, but it may be helpful to read through these links. Eagle Pete

Sounds like you have an excellent opertunity to get a brand new committee started off on the right foot. Training is by far the BEST way to accomplish this. I agree with SueM - keep it light and don't overwhelm them. You might also consider having an experienced Scouter serve as the Troop Training Coordinator. This individual would be able to ensure that your whole committee has been scheduled for, and completed their trainings. A well-trained troop committee is an invaluable asset to your unit and will make your job that much easier and bring you closer to the light at the end of your tunnel. Eagle Pete

The original post only states that a unit leader made the suggestion. I apologize for the oversite. Eagle Pete

Wow.. I don't know how I missed this topic. I wish I would have posted earlier. MarkS - There's always excuses! I've heard all of them. I've gotta side with Eamon on this one, "...if the Council were ever to send me anything that even looked suspiciously like a fine, I'd be inclined to tell them where they could stick it." Let me reiterate something I have stated in other posts - Most of the leaders in the BSA are volunteers! I know of no organization that would have the gall to actually fine their volunteers for any reason. In fact, any organization which understands the value of their volunteers would thank them profusely for their time and service, rather than punish them for not living up to their expectations or qualifications. Isn't it enough that we ask someone to voluntarily give up their time without pay, and many times without a great deal of gratitude? And then are we seriously going to make training standards mandatory to the point of penalizing those who don't comply? Are you kidding??? The value of a volunteer is that someone who willingly serves does it because they have a true desire to serve, and not because it is mandatory. It is, in fact, the guiding principle of Scouting Leadership. Once we lose sight of this, we will lose our volunteers. It is disconcerting to hear that certain councils have started these programs of fining volunteers for not having been trained. In my opinion, it is a symptom that these councils have become desperate and are resorting to measures which ultimately will be harmful to their council. They really need to stop and think through the ramifications of this. It is my sincere hope that they will find other solutions to their training and financial needs. Eagle Pete

To Forum Moderators: This is only a friendly suggestion. I noticed there have been a few announcements for upcoming Wood Badge courses in the near future which are being posted. Although I personally do not have any problem with seeing these posted in the forum, it may be beneficial to those who wish to advertise to have a separate forum for this purpose. It would afford a centralized and specific forum which forum members could easily peruse through to be able to possibly find a course in their area. Also, it may be helpful to include a geographic region in the title of the post to be able to easily find a Wood Badge course offered nearby. Thank you for your kind attention. Eagle Pete

I see your point, Knottyfox and I agree. My ceremony was held in a private camp. I first wanted to hold it at the camp where my practical course was held, but that was unavailable at the time I completed my ticket. I was fortunate to have a private camp available to me. I chose a camp because I wanted an outdoor setting and I wanted a campfire. The setting reminded me of where I began with Wood Badge. The choice was important to me. I have been to several Wood Badge ceremonies and all are good as long as the recipient feels it has significant meaning to them. I do not recommend a ceremony which has to compete with other awards or recognitions presented. The Wood Badge should be presented on its own. If you would like to invite youth, invite them to your ceremony, rather than intruding on someone elses meeting or other event. Although I have seen successful ceremonies where there were multiple recipients, such as a patrol members receiving their beads all together, I personally did not chose to do this. To me, the beads are an individual thing and should be presented to a single person in thier personal ceremony. Group beadings seem to lesson the individual impact (IMHO). Whatever you chose for a ceremony, as long as it has meaning to you, it will be special and significant. Eagle Pete

I'd like to address this issue. I apologize for the late reply. I can only offer this as food for thought. I cannot address the specifics of that troop nor the circomstances behind any behaviors illustrated in the original post. Here we go... The Wood Badge, and I am speaking of the award earned after having completed the practical course and working the ticket to the satisfaction of the participant and the Troop Guide, is a personal, soul-searching effort which yeilds its own rewards. Only the participant can truly place a value on it. Therefore you will notice there are many levels of value placed on the Wood Badge. Everything from another ornament to be hung on the wall to a deeply personal representation of an experience which has changed a life. This is by design. That having been said, it should be clear that any and all Wood Badge participants, even one such as described in the original post, can only receive the reward which they intend to earn. I would assume... No, I am sure, that a number of Wood Badge participants, probably a relatively few number, but surprisingly more than we realize, attend the Wood Badge training for the sole purpose of getting the beads. That's ok. I can say this, reassuring myself that, for me, the value of Wood Badge will never change, as it has personal signifigance. My Wood Badge is, for me, what I intended to earn. For some, it may hold less value, but it is, indeed, only what they intended to earn. As for the participant described in the original post, his Wood Badge is between himself and his Troup Guide. He, and he alone must wrestle with the dilemma of what is it worth, and how much is he willing to pay. Indeed, this is a model for many of life's goals. What is, truly, the value of your Wood Badge? How much would you pay to obtain it? Is it only as cheap as the thong of leather holding the beads? Recall the message of "Two Tiny Wooden Beads" "Who knows but that this effort, this crusade, may flourish to the end that two tiny wooden beads on a leather thong may yet become the symbol of a succeeding effort to bring about a World Brotherhood of Man under a Fatherhood of God." (http://www.woodbadge.org/Ceremonies/wbtinybeads.htm). Eagle Pete

My beads are a part of my uniform, no less than the American Flag is, as far as I am concerned. I wear them simply because Wood Badge has made such a difference in how I approach scouting that in my mind, I cannot differentiate between Scouting and Wood Badge. The beads have nothing to do with show and everything to do with what they mean to me. I have some very "showy" recognition badges I can wear if I really want to show off. For example, I attended a BSA University for Scouting for three years in a row and received 3 large slides (one for each year) which fit on a bolo tie, each is a different metal; brass (for the Brass Level), nickel (the Silver Level), and a lighter brass which is supposed to represent the Gold Level. These are hung proudly in my closet and are never worn. I feel that they are a bit too much for the uniform. Really, the Wood Badge beads are quite small, though they are well recognized. That being the case, they are easy to wear and do not distract or show off anything, as far as I am concerned. As far as elitist attitudes, there's no place for it in our district. I have noticed that people who display arrogance need the attention which fuels their poor attitude. Most of the Scouters I have known simply ignore anyone with such an attitude. The result is either the attitude goes away, or the one carrying it does. Another good way to diffuse arrogance with some people is to put that person to work... have them do some real work and see if they are willing to serve in Scouts or if it is all show. I have found that people with arrogant attitudes would rather stay in the limelight and avoid the work that needs to be done. The most excellent scouters I have known perform their service in silence and do not seek the attention of everyone else. Often, the mark of a good Scouter, and a good person for that matter, is to be willing to give without recognition or reward (this is not to say that BSA's concept of recognition is faulty in any way). Eagle Pete

I'd like a parade and the key to the city as well... And I think I will go down to the nearest A&W and see if they will give me a discount. KIDDING! Eagle Pete

Quote from Newbie Den Leader: "Roundtables? In our district, these are pretty much relegated to information about upcoming district and council events (deadlines, paperwork, Q&A, etc.). There is no training other than a handout that covers the theme for cub scouts (this is good, but this information is also available online). The most I get out of roundtable is connecting with other leaders and getting acquainted... " Thank you, Newbie Den Leader, for making my point. This is an excerpt from Cub Scout Training Highlights: Leadership Training "Roundtables are a form of commissioner service and supplemental training for volunteers at the pack level. Roundtables give volunteers examples for pack and den meetings; information on policy, events, and training opportunities; ideas for crafts, games, and ceremonies; and an opportunity to share experiences and enjoy fun and fellowship. These meetings help volunteers provide a stronger program for Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts." http://www.scouting.org/cubscouts/resources/13-513/02.html Eagle Pete

In response to John-in-KC, scoutldr, and anyone else who's "confuzzled": Yes, when I said "Basic" I meant to say New Leader Essentials and Position Specific training. These are the official titles of this part of BSA Training. Thank you for pointing this out. I sometimes get confuzzled myself. I agree that there are a good many supportive and reinforcement types of programs like Pow-Wow. These programs are not always promoted as an official "Training" per-se. Roundtable is often viewed as a scouters social club and the training aspect of Roundtable is sometimes left out of the equation (not every case, I know). The point is, new leaders often get the impression that New Leader Essentials and Position Specific trainings will give them "everything they need", which is simply not the case, nor is it intended to be. But there is a time-tested and proven way to train new leaders. A new leader who goes through ALL the suggested trainings, from Fast Start to Wood Badge, will have a pretty good handle on what their job is, they'll acquire the "Scouting Spirit", they will know how to best deal with the youth and leaders, and they'll know, pretty well, what the policies, guidelines, suggesions, and recommendations of the BSA are to run a successful program. Eagle Pete

We all know that training in general can always be improved. As a rule, we send new leaders off to training and they may or may not have the expectation to come away from their training having sufficient knowledge about their position to be able to function effectively. I am referring specifically to Leader Basic Training. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a Boy Scout Leader Basic Training in my district. My wife wanted to brush up on her skills and signed up for the training. She asked that I accompany her. To my welcome surprise, I found the training well-presented and informative. Kud(u)s (pun intended) to the staff! Something which was pointed out in the training, and which I wish to discuss here, is that the Leader Basic Training is not intended to be an all-encompassing training. Nor does it have the advanced level of training one expects at, say, a Wood Badge course. Occasionally, we send new leaders off to Leader Basic Training and give them the impression that this training will answer all their questions and solve all their problems. This is a tragic disservice to a new leader in Scouting. All too often, they come away disappointed and disheartened. I have heard with my own ears participants come away from Leader Basic saying, Well that was useless. I still dont understand what I need to do. Moreover, I have seen comments here in the forum stating how unsatisfactory and inadequate Leader Basic Training is. Once, at a Leader Basic Training, several years ago, a trainer was going over uniforming. She presented the proper way to place the insignia and wear the uniform. It was well-presented. But what stuck in my memory was this: she emphasized how important it is to represent the BSA as the honorable and dignified organization it is. Years later I went through Wood Badge and it occurred to me that to many Scouters, the beads also represent the BSA. Prior to having attended Wood Badge, I looked up to those who wore the beads. I considered them the experts. Even if this wasnt always the case, it was my perception at the time. The BSA is not just some far off organization we refer to as National. Its you and me. We represent the BSA and new leaders create in their minds their impressions based on those of us who are seasoned Scouters. How we portray scouting is how new leaders will see it. Indeed, New Leader Essentials and Leader Basic Training hardly presents a complete picture of Scouting. These are only the first essentials for new leaders. A vast array of trainings, activities, roundtables, PowWows, and other experiences await the new leader. I know of no way to present Scouting in its entirety over a 2 day period which will be sufficient to prepare a new leader in all aspects of their position. But Leader Basic Training is a good start. What it does (or should) provide, above all else, is the enthusiasm and Scouting Spirit. The information in the training is good, but a new leader must be inspired to continue to learn. They should come away from New Leader Essentials and Leader Basic Training feeling that, although they still dont know everything, the BSA is a worthy and essential organization for the boys in their unit, and they would like to learn more. I had the fortune of having a wonderful Leader Basic Training presented when I began my Scouting career. As a result, I may come across somewhat over-positive about the program. What I can say is I have experienced for myself what a well-presented training can do for someone (speaking of myself). Who knows how many lives I have since been able to influence in a positive way as a result of a concerned and interested training staff that cared enough to put together a great training. As we see new leaders volunteering their time to help build great Scouting programs, lets remember from their perspective, this is a complicated and sometimes overwhelming program. They need to be eased into it with some basic skills presented to them, allowing them to absorb what they can before having more presented to them. We cannot afford to discourage and lose potentially excellent leaders. One day of discouragement results in years of bad attitudes, which ultimately affects the boys. Many of us have long years of experience with leaders, boys, trainings, and the BSA. Let us use that experience to aid new leaders and help build great programs. Eagle Pete

1.2 miles And our district STILL has trouble with attendance. Eagle Pete

Beyond the recognition, I am not sure what this would be good for. "Certified" generally denotes qualified.. but qualified to do what? Is this any different than "Trained"? Would a certified trainer be able to participate in programs specifically for a certified trainer? Is the destinction "Certified Trainer" a higher level of trainer than, say, a Roundtable staff member? The criteria you have listed here are not any higher than a Roundtable staff member should be, IMHO. Eagle Pete

Hey Vicki Both my CD and TG were female and they were EXCELLENT! EXCELLENT! EXCELLENT! Never let it be said that the fairer sex cannot make for GREAT staffers! Eagle Pete(This message has been edited by eagle-pete)

I did read the topic which is titled Third Bead. It did not address the subject matter which I wish to present. I just commented on a post regarding the olde tyme Wood Badgers and the "elitist" aspect of Wood Badge in the olden days when the courses were far and few in between. Only those "chosen" few were privileged to attend. And still fewer were ever chosen to serve on Staff. Happily, Wood Badge has shed this stigma and it is now being made available to more and more Scouters. This has been a blessing to so many Scout leaders and, more importantly, has helped our youth to have some great Scouting programs. Similarly, I feel that serving on a Wood Badge Staff has somewhat an air of "elitism". You have to be chosen out of several names by one individual and there isn't really any way to ensure that you will ever be chosen, nor is there any way to increase your chances of being chosen. In this sense, the third bead cannot be earned, it is more or less "granted" only to certain individuals. I now ask myself, and any of you who care to read this, is there any possible way to make serving on a Wood Badge Staff less of a "chosen" position. Believe me; I have gone over this in my mind with all the ramifications this encompasses. First, before the flaming begins, I understand the problems of making changes to this well-established system of staffing a Wood Badge course. (1) The CD needs to hand-pick his/her staff, (2) how are you going to ensure quality instructors, (3) it is vital to maintain the integrity and consistency of the course, and (4) let us not forget the value of the third bead and what it represents. Each of these are absolutely valid points (there may be other's I have not listed here) and I do not have a good answer which address all of these issues. However, let me offer this as food for thought. As more and more participants go through the course, more and more courses will be offered. In my council alone, we are at least doubling participants each year. That means more courses will be needed and more staffers must staff these courses. This places quite a burden on each CD (who, remember, currently can only serve in this position once in his/her lifetime) to chose among the hundreds of names which will become available. How can anyone possibly select through a list of hundreds of unknown names and somehow build a staff of quality trainers? Moreover, the current system of building a Wood Badge Staff provides a priceless opportunity for some, while at the same time, precluding others. How many potentially great trainers who have gone through the course never actually get selected to be on Staff? Is it even conceivable to somehow provide a way which ALL participants could be given the opportunity to serve on Staff? I have read many posts from staffers here who highly recommend that if given the opportunity, you should serve on a Wood Badge Staff. I can't help but believe that there are some who read these posts who long to be on a Wood Badge Staff, and yet never get that opportunity. A couple of possibilities come to mind: 1. At the end of the practical course, allow the participants to indicate whether they would be interested in serving on Staff, collect this list, and submit it to the Council. 2. Create some kind of Wood Badge Staff application form which asks some questions that can give a CD some indication of what kind of trainer this person might be. The CD could even possibly interview the applicant (not so brutal as a job interview, but perhaps something which allows a CD to make a better selection). 3. Have regular name submissions on a District level to submit some names for consideration for Wood Badge courses. There should be some requirements like a minimum number of names submitted, names submitted would, of course have to have completed and earned the Wood Badge, things like that. These are just what have come to mind. I am sure there are many issues which would have to be resolved. It is possible that other councils have considered this already. If so, how has it worked? What problems have you encountered? I welcome any constructive comments on issues or difficulties you feel would prevent this kind of staff selection to be developed. Thank you Eagle Pete

Bravo emb021! The Wood Badge Association is a great idea. Obviously, this may not work in all areas, but it appears that yours works well. I have never been in favor of "elitist" organizations. I believe they tend to foster a haughty and conceited attitude toward anyone who does not belong. I am so glad the BSA has been able to remove this aspect of Wood Badge. I am in favor of making available to all, anything which has merit and can be of benefit. Eagle Pete

Very true words, Eamonn. I wonder if it is also appropriate to ask the question, in light of your observations, "What exactly is 'Training'"? This may seem like a strange question. What I mean is what are we doing when we train Scouters? Are we pushing our propaganda? Are we trying to change the world, one unit at a time? Are we trying to "fix the problem"? Sometimes I think (and I include myself in this) that we, the trainers, look at ourselves as in a higher plane of scouting existence than the Scouter we are training. It becomes so commonplace to have a Scouter attend a training who comes from a problem unit and it is up to us to properly train him/her to go back to their unit and start running Scouting the "right way". Or at least get them to drag a few more Scouters back to our training - so we can indoctrinate more of them. On the other hand, I agree with you about following what BSA has started. Something I often say to participants is, "Work the program and trust that the BSA knows what they are doing". The reason I do this is because there is such a temptation for the participant to return to their unit and simply take what they remember from training and modify it to conform to the way their unit is running things. The problem with this is, of course, the unit really doesn't realize any benefits from the training. And although, as you state, the trainings work on the idea that everyone is from an ideal unit, it is still pretty safe to say that a struggling unit will benefit, at least on some level, by working the program as it is intended. Absolutely there will be resistance to change. It is human nature. And although I would never suggest that we throw out the baby with the bath water, as it were, it may be necessary to make some drastic changes in a unit where the youth are not presented a program which provides a level of quality that the boys need. This change may necessitate, in some instances, a change in some of the staff. This has happened in units I have been in. It wasn't pleasant, but when you are talking about the good of the boys and their program, it is sometimes necessary. I have also seen how training works. I have watched a unit go from struggling desperately with their program to a point where they have reached that satisfactory level where the boys are starting to enjoy Scouting again. That, after all, is the goal. And training the leaders was the catalyst. This was the Cub program, and I am still involved, though I have moved on to the Boy Scouting program in my unit. And I am really grateful the Cub program works now. After all, I will be receiving those Cubs someday in the troop. I'd like them to have a good experience. It sure makes my job easier! If by "The Training High" you are referring to the enthusiasm a Scouter gets when he/she starts to see the Scouting Vision, then I encourage Scouters to attend trainings to get this "High". I have also seen how one Scouter can bring the Scouting Spirit back into a unit when they return from a good training. It is my experience that if the participant gets one thing from training, it should be the Scouting Spirit. It is, indeed, hard work to put together a true Quality Unit. But then, anything worth doing is hard work. Eagle Pete(This message has been edited by eagle-pete)

There are those who remember when what happened in Wood Badge was a closely guarded secret (you know who you are). This has changed. No one is told to keep Wood Badge a secret any longer However. This is one of the few (and I mean extremely few) examples I can think of to support the notion that the Wood Badge course content should be kept somewhat confidential. Now, before you all start flaming (getting out flame retardant uniform), let me first say that on the whole, I am not opposed to sharing course content with those who have not yet participated in Wood Badge. There is nothing secret at all about what we do. However, this is one instance where some prudence might be in order. As many of us know who have been through the course, the experiences, environment, progression of the course, and friendships developed all contribute to how a participant begins to formulate their ticket. And, I might add, some soul searching may occur during this time as well. I whole heartedly agree with Eamonn regarding coming to the course with pre-conceived ideas. Although I realize it may not be possible to eliminate all pre-conceived ideas, this should be avoided whenever possible. I must assume that babybear got information from a participant about how the ticket is created, but it appears they were not provided with good advice. Unfortunately, whoever gave babybear this information did this future participant a disservice. Wood Badge has been developed over many years. Lets leave it up to the Course Director and staff to present this material properly. When we share our enthusiasm, enjoyment, and love for Wood Badge let's also use the wisdom which we gained from our experience. I would urge caution when sharing specifics about the processes of writing tickets. Instead of telling babybear all about writing tickets, it might have been better to simply say something like - "Go! Experience Wood Badge! You will have a GREAT time!", rather than to present part of the course out of context. When I am asked questions about Wood Badge I try to answer these questions as clearly as I can without spoiling the experience for someone. After all, they should be able to have as wonderful an experience as I was able to have. Eagle Pete

Exactly my point, SR540Beaver. When people begin to see the benefits, the costs start to become secondary, and ways are paved to bring scouters to Wood Badge. Remember, you can't put a price on the look in the eyes of just one boy who takes Boy Scouting and runs with it. "Every boy deserves a well-trained leader" Our unit has come up with similar financial assistance programs to get those leaders trained! Eagle Pete

Lisabob I apologize; I did not mean to infer that anyone was being ignorant for not jumping right in and writing a check without thinking. I completely understand the budget issues. I had to finagle my own budget to pay for my Wood Badge course. I had also forgotten about the uniform. Probably because after I had made the financial and psychological decision to go to Wood Badge, the cost of the uniform was secondary. "In for a penny, in for a pound." Right? Plus I already had a shirt and insignia, so I didn't actually buy a full uniform all at once as you pointed out. What I wanted to accomplish by bringing up cost was the value Wood Badge has meant to me far outweighs the monetary fee; besides, gwd-scouter brought this up as a determining factor in her post. I was sent to a computer training course from the company I worked for. The course lasted, in all, about a week. There was no meals provided, no lodging, no compensation for expenses. I did receive several manuals in the course. Although the training was good, it certainly did not cover the vast amount of more valuable skills I learned from Wood Badge. The course cost in excess of $7,000 for the week. No, I would not have chosen to go to this computer course if the company had not paid. Yes, there are many more motivating factors for going to Wood Badge and still more factors which allowed me to gain more from Wood Badge. I guess my whole point is that $225 plus expenses is relatively much less expensive than other types of comparable trainings. Many, many people do go who have budgets, careers, family, etc. But there is enough draw that the courses get filled somehow. Also, consider this. gwd-scouter and other scouters like her will spend that same $225+ somewhere. Let them spend it on something of value which will help their units. I apologize for my inept communication skills. I will do better. Eagle Pete

Eamonn, I am not quite sure what you mean by being "unfair to Wood Badge" I do know that given where I'm at with a new Sea Scout unit, giving up three weekends to attend Wood Badge isn't something that I'd do. Still I'm going to give up one weekend and pay $175.00 to attend Sea Badge. - Maybe I'm being a little unfair to Wood Badge? How is attending Sea Badge, which directly helps your Sea Scout Unit, being unfair to anything? Besides, you have already been to Wood Badge! I don't get the correlation. gwd-scouter Let me answer your question this way... Wood Badge will not do anything to enhance your specific program. That is entirely up to you, as it always has been. The Wood Badge Staff will not show up at your troop and analyze your program. They will not provide any specific instructions to improve or change what you are doing. They will not hand-hold any of your scout leaders. Wood Badge is not all about what you take from it (nor is Scouting, for that matter). It is an advanced training program which primarily teaches leadership, how to successfully deal with adults and youth, interpersonal behavior and conflict resolution, problem solving, and team work. You also "get" trained specifically in the Patrol Method. For one week (or 2 weekends) all you will do is eat, sleep, study, play, listen, and learn these skills along with some 50 or so other scouters. The other posts have also listed many things which occur at Wood Badge, so I will not bore you by repeating those. Now, that having been said, I do understand your curiosity. I asked some of the same questions you did before I went to Wood Badge. Most of my questions were answered during the course. Any remaining questions I had were eventually answered after the practical course while I was working my ticket - some things just cannot be addressed in a class, you have to experience them. As far as the money, I have never really quite understood why so many people are so leery about investing a small (and it is small compared to comparable trainings in business) fee which covers, among other things, food for a week, training materials, and facility costs. "Extremely reasonable" is how I would classify the Wood Badge fee. What you "get" for that fee has been thoroughly explained, not only in this topic but in several others. I am certain you will have all your questions answered when you go through Wood Badge. I have never seen any WB Participant walk away from the course saying, "What was that all about. That was a waste of my time." On the contrary, without exception, everyone I have ever talked to has found it rewarding, life-changing to some degree, and well worth the time and money, even when they have had some difficulties during the course. Eagle Pete

I was able to send emails for my ticket items to my troop guide. During some of these, my TG asked me some questions regarding what was involved in the whole experience and what the experience did for me. My ticket was quite a personal thing, and the TG did an excellent job of maintaining personal communications with me during the process of working my ticket. There was never any proof or verification required for me. IMHO, you will get out of the ticket whatever you put into it. Requiring proof infers that a participant cannot be trusted and proof is then required to award the Wood Badge. A good TG will be in good enough communication with the participant that there will not be any need for proof. If you are not sure if any given ticket item is "complete" or not, I would review your write-up for each goal and be sure that whatever you stated for how each item was to be measured and accomplished was fulfilled. This is YOUR proof, if you will, that you have completed the ticket and earned your beads. And frankly, only you can determine that. Not even the TG can know that completely. One other note. The Troup GUIDE is just that: a guide. Their job is not to police your ticket process, but rather to be your guide as YOU work through it and determine personally if the ticket is complete. When I completed each of my ticket items and reported back to my TG, she never insinuated I could have made up or falsified the work I did. It is MY ticket, entirely. She was only there to help me to accomplish what I set out to do. Sorry for rambling on, but this was an important aspect which I got out of Wood Badge. I feel that (again this is just my opinion) if a participant misses this piece of the experience, they have not fully understood Wood Badge. Eagle Pete