Wood Badge Training
Once a learner has completed Getting Started, they will move on to completing all the training relevant to your role. Section Leaders and Assistant Section Leaders are required to complete a Wood Badge. The Wood Badge is the internationally recognised Scouting training insignia awarded to adults by Headquarters on completion of the relevant training. The Wood Badge consists of two wooden beads threaded onto a leather thong, which is worn with Scout uniform. Learners are required to complete your Wood Badge within three years from your full appointment.
Accessing the Adult Training Scheme
The training scheme modules are accessed through a number of different ways:
- Locally delivered training courses
- Residential training courses
- Online learning for some modules
- Workbooks for some modules
- The recognition of prior learning
The choice of method is largely a matter of the individual’s preferred learning style and in some cases previous experience. Most people choose to plan their learning by mixing and matching these various methods.
County Induction to Wood Badge Training
Northumberland County offer an induction to Wood Badge Training with induction evenings held regularly throughout the County, mainly at County Headquarters. The session generally lasts around two hours, at induction the following will happen:
- You will be given a training file containing all essential information you will need to complete your training.
- The Adult Training Scheme will be explained in more detail.
- You will be assisted to complete a Personal Learning Plan (Module 2 of the Adult Training Scheme).
- You will be given up to date information on current training courses you can attend.
- You will be given information on how to access online courses or workbooks.
- The process of validation will be explained.
- There will be an opportunity to ask questions.
- Module 18 (Practical Skills) will be covered.
Training Advisors
All learners will be allocated a Training Advisor to supporting them in their training. Training Advisors are colleagues who have experience within Scouting who can assist you throughout your training journey. Their role is to provide guidance, answer questions and complete the validation of your learning. Corey Hogg is the group’s local training advisor and can be contacted via email on corey.hogg@northumberlandscouts.org.uk.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
You may already have a range of skills; interpersonal, organisational, administrative or practical, which means you may not have to attend a course to learn these skills. In this case a disscussion can be had with your Training Advisor for your prior knowledge to be validated against our learning outcomes.
So what does qualifying for the Wood Badge do for me?
Apart from giving you the skills to carry out your Scouting role more effectively, your Wood Badge (correctly titled the Adult Leader Training Award), demonstrates your commitment to helping The Scout Association provide Better Scouting for More Young People. It is also a direct and powerful link to the Founder, Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell whose idea this great game of Scouting was! Scouting is also recognised throughout the business community so make sure you add it to your CV!
The Modules
Training For All Appointments
Module 12A - Delivering a Quality Programme
Module 5 - The Fundamentals of Scouting
Module 7 - Scouting for all
Module 11 - Administration
Section Leader Training
The Programme
Module 12B - Programme Planning
Module 17 - Running Safe Activities
Module 16 - An Introduction to Residential Experiences
Module 19 - International
The People
