Greetings friends and fellow Scouters
I came home today from Wood Badge W7-589-2-08. Camp Kiesel Near Ogden Utah Since this is my second time through WB I feel somewhat qualified to comment and revive this thread. My first course was W1-611-87. That was 21 years ago. A broad perspective between the two courses. Both of my WB experiences will without doubt be remembered as high points in my life. My first course I was young and filled with expectations. Now I am much older and have hiked a few miles in these old boots. As has been said of the old course, much time was taken up camping, cooking and practicing scout skills. The modern course much of your time is spent listening to lectures. In My Humble Opinion the BSA spent too much on these presentations. The whole course felt too much like a big business training seminar aimed at businessmen with PhDs. I am just an old country boy with a high school diploma. Most of what was presented went so far over my head I could not tell you hardly anything that was taught. What I thought was missing was good old fashioned know how practical things like how to sit a boy down and talk to him, how to express love and concern in an appropriate manor. I remember listening to lectures in my first course but I also remember understanding them. Well maybe I am getting old. I am not as quick as I once was. I do know one thing, I do love scouting, working with the boys and adults. I plan to work my ticket and wear two sets of beads. Who knows maybe Ill go back to WB in 20 more years.
See you on the Trail
Scout Master