The idea from UK Scout Headquarters was to create a training syllabus for leaders to ensure a standard, quality and consistency for training. A date was set for a pilot course to be held at Gilwell Park from the 8 – 19 September 1919. 

The training course was organised to give the participants a sense of what it was like to be a member of a Scout Troop. They took on the role of Scouts, they were formed into patrols and rotated the role of Patrol Leader and Seconder.

The course syllabus included a range of practical skills such as pioneering, camp crafts, games, fieldwork and pathfinding.They also attended specialist lectures on topics as varied as Industrial Welfare, the Education Act and Rover Scouting. 

Following their successful training, adult leaders were given beads, from which the name of the course was developed.

Today, celebrating Centenary, the Wood Badge remains as an important mechanism for shaping the leaders of our Movement. To grow our movement and empower more young people through Scouting, we need more adult volunteers to commit to our cause and support the implementation of our Vision. We should attract more volunteers, deliver relevant training, and retain them for various responsibilities.

The following information should encourage National Scout Organizations to celebrate of the Centenary throughout the year.

WSJ Wood Badge Centenary Celebration

World Scout jamboree, 28 July 2019

More than 700 adult leaders among most, are Wood Badge holders participate in the Centenary celebration during the 24th World Scout Jamboree.

Activities inventory matrix

Activity inventory matrix serves as market of ideas how to celebrate centenary of Wood Badge. Once you walk through the market, you can either “buy” idea and implement it or you can be inspired with some and create your unique one. 

Matrix offer four different Key topics: Tradition of Wood badge, Unity of Wood badge, Wood Badge as Standard and Impact of Wood Badge. They are crossed with four action streams evoking celebration, raising understanding and awareness, encouraging for concrete actions and provide opportunities for reaching out.

Every idea is further explained once you click on the box. 

For more clarification of the ideas, we are inviting you to visit a virtual campfire that was held on 17 January 2019, watch the replay from the link below. 

Upon your decision, you can start preparing action plan for implementation. Once in action, please use the #ShapingLeaders for social media exposure