Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is the course structured?
A: The course has two parts. The first part consists of two three-day weekends of hands-on training. Between the weekends, you will meet with your teammates twice. The second part of the course is the application period, eighteen months during which time you complete your "ticket".
 

Q: How can I find out what patrol I will be in? Can I choose?
A: Much of Wood Badge is about Patrol Method. It is the forum for practicing the Leadership and Scout skills on course. You will likely develop a special fondness for your patrol and members. Patrols will be assigned by the Course Director, based on many criteria including balancing the experience and background of the participants, and distributing people from the same district or units to different patrols. The Scoutmaster will rarely if ever honor specific requests. It is best to not get too concerned about which patrol you will join - the purpose is to learn the patrol method not join any particular group.
 

Q: Is Wood Badge physically demanding?
A: No! Course activities range from board games to ball tossing. No races, no mountain climbing, and nothing physically punishing! Wood Badge for the 21st Century is focused more on team building and leadership skills than on the outdoor training of the old Wood Badge course. Participants must pass a BSA Class 3 physical and be able to spend two weekends in the woods. Don't worry, we won't expect anyone to run a "Wood Badge Marathon"!
 

Q: Ticket, ticket, ticket! What is this ticket I keep hearing about?
A: The Wood Badge ticket is a list of personal goals that participants create for themselves during the course. These goals focus around implementing what the participant has learned during Wood Badge to improve Scouting over a period of up to eighteen months. Don't worry, you should NOT have a ticket with you when you come to Wood Badge! Your ticket will be written at the course, with the help of your team and the staff.
 

Q: How much should I prepare my ticket before the Course?
A: Not at all! When you attend Wood Badge, you should have in mind a clear description of your job in Scouting and your goals for the course, but nothing more. Please do not develop your ticket prior to the Course! During Wood Badge, you will learn more about an ideal troop program and about the leadership skills you personally want to practice. Only after that will you be able to write your ticket. Again, don't make commitments or try to write your ticket ahead of the Course - experience shows it is guaranteed to change!