|
Upon completion of Leader Specific Training, an adult is
eligible to attend Wood Badge for the 21st Century. As
the core leadership skills training course for the BSA,
Wood Badge focuses on strengthening every volunteer's
ability to work with groups of youth and adults and is
less focused on outdoor skills, which are more
effectively addressed in other training courses.
The task force that developed Wood Badge for the 21st
Century was charged with developing an adult training
course that was on the cutting edge of training for the
21st century. They created a highly user-friendly course
that would encourage BSA local councils to offer more
courses and, ultimately, train more Scouters. The Wood
Badge course has made significant accomplishments in
both areas.
Incorporating leadership concepts that are used in
corporate America, the course teaches participants the
basics of listening, communicating, valuing people, team
development, situational leadership, problem solving,
and managing conflict. Once the skill is learned, each
member is given the opportunity to use the skill as a
member of a successful working team. At the conclusion
of the course, each participant develops a set of
personal goals related to his or her Scouting role.
Working toward these goals allows each participant to
practice and demonstrate new skills.
Nationwide over the past two years, Wood Badge courses
have increased more than 30 percent. The course is for
all Scouters—Boy Scout leaders, Cub Scout leaders,
Venturing leaders, and district and council leaders.
This has increased communication to allow for a more
seamless connection among all BSA programs.
|
