Atlanta Area Council  
   

Frequently Asked Questions about Wood Badge

What are the qualifications for attending Wood Badge?
Wood Badge is open to all adult leaders in Cubs, Boy Scouts, Varsity and Venturing, as well as District and Council leaders. Each adult leader must be "registered" with the BSA and have completed basic training for their position. A current BSA Physical Examination Form is required. As of 2010, Venturing youth between the ages of 18 and 21 can participate in Wood Badge. They must be registered with a unit but do not have to be registered as an adult.

How does a Wood Badge course operate?
On the morning of Day 1, the course will run as a Cub Pack and then crossover to a Boy Scout Troop. Participants will be placed in patrols with up to 8 members and no more than 8 patrols total. All courses in the Atlanta Area Council in 2017 will take place over two three day weekends: Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The participants will sleep in the campsite area on the first weekend where tents and pavilions with electricity are provided. The second weekend will be outdoors in tents. On both weekends, participants attend indoor and outdoor activities. Between the weekends, you will meet with your patrol to work on patrol assignments, including meal preparations. The staff consists of a Course Director (Scoutmaster), Assistant Scoutmasters, Scribes, Quartermasters and Troop Guides (one for each patrol). The course will operate according to a set schedule which will be published in news daily, The Gilwell Gazette.

What is the curriculum of a Wood Badge course?
All WB courses in the Atlanta Area Council follow the curriculum as outlined in the Wood Badge for the 21st Century, which is published by BSA. The classes and activities in this curriculum is based on five themes: Living the Values, Bringing the Vision to Life, Models for Success, Tools of the Trade, and Leading to Make a Difference. You will also learn from the other participants and staff. Most importantly, you’ll grow and develop into a more effective leader as you "Work Your Ticket"!

What is this ticket I keep hearing about?
It is one of the great traditions of Wood Badge, and is key to applying what you learn on course. In Baden-Powell's day, those in the military were expected to pay their own way back to England at the end of their service. To be thrifty, soldiers nearing completion of their duties would seek assignments closer to home - a process known as "working your ticket". The Wood Badge ticket is a list of personal goals that participants create for themselves during the course. These goals focus on implementing what the participant has learned during Wood Badge to improve Scouting over a period of up to eighteen months. You should NOT have a ticket with you when you come to Wood Badge! Your ticket will be written while on the course, with the help of your troop guide and course staff.

How much does it cost to attend?
The registration fee for Wood Badge courses in the Atlanta Area Council is $250, with a $30 discount if you pay in full 45 days before the start of your selected course. A $50 deposit is due at the time of registration with the remaining balance due 30 days prior to the start of the course. The registration fee is used to cover the cost of course materials and food provided during the practical portion of the course. Some units may subsidize the cost of the course, so speak with your unit leadership. Scholarships are also available.

What is the dress code?
Dress for the course is full Field uniform (Class A) for your registered position. An official course hat and neckerchief will be provided and must be worn throughout the course. Participants will also get a course t-shirt that may be worn at some point during the course at the senior patrol leader's discretion. Participants will have an opportunity to purchase an additional course t-shirt to wear during the course.

What can I do to best prepare to attend Wood Badge?
The best way to prepare is to mentally make a commitment that you are going to attend Wood Badge – block it off on your calendar, and discuss it with your family, employer and unit. Resolve that except for a "true emergency" you’ll be there! Talk with staffers and recent Wood Badge participants from your unit or District. Review the promotional materials found on this website and organize the gear you’ll need to bring. Once you’ve made your deposit and registered for a course, we’ll provide you with more information.

 

ATLANTA AREA COUNCIL
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

1800 Circle 75 Parkway SE
Atlanta, GA 30339

phone: 770.989.8820

Hours of Operation:
8:30am - 6:00pm (M-F) 
9:00am - 1:00pm (Sat.)
Closed (Sun.)

ATLANTA SCOUT SHOP

1800 Circle 75 Parkway SE
Atlanta, GA 30339

phone: 770.988.9912

Hours of Operation:
9:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. (M-F) 
9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. (Sat.)
Closed (Sun.)