Question about Woodbadge

[Bear354]

Hey everyone, new guy and 1st timer to the site.

I have discovered the Wood Badge training and from the outside looking in it looks great and something that I could use not only in my Cub Scout Dens, but in my classroom as well.

The concern/question:

I spoke to my Cubmaster about it and spoke with skepticism and said that most people that he has interacted with are kinda snobby. He also said the training was kinda of a waste as well. I have dealt with elitism in teaching and it doesnt bother me, but I dont want my Cubmaster to think that I am "going against his wishes." I have always had the idea that if I want to serve at my best, I need to train to become the best. I am new to scouting and was in the Boy Scouts for a while way back in the day, but what is everyone's 2 cents on doing woodbadge when the Cubmaster has these ideas about the program not being worth it.

[wagionvigil]

Welcome to the forum. I taught 35 years and Took wood Badge about half way through my teaching. I wish I had taken it hen I started teaching. Your Cm sounds like someone that was never asked to take it. If you get the chance do it. Also there is a delay time when you post something only click submit once.

[Quailman]

I had to click on your profile to see if you are from my district. People around here who take woodbadge are indeed snobby and elitist. Most feel like they no longer need to attend roundtables or University of Scouting because they know it all now.

It is what you make of it. I do know some people who've attended and become much better leaders. It's harder to recognize them because they don't make as big a deal out of the fact that they attended.

[biglou]

Go for it. Take Woodbadge. It is well worth the time and effort.

[Bear354]

Thanks for the advice. I might suggest him come along to WB. If I can only get my District Exec to turn in my application so I can get my training complete.

[Bear354]

So I spoke to my CM about WB. Hes so vehemently against it. I asked him why and he said it stemmed from the fact that when he was working on Eagle a WB'er came and told him and his friend that they were doing everything wrong. After reiterating to him that I respect the chain of command in the pack and wouldnt do anything to upset him, I told him my reasons for wanting to do it and he came around. He just said "dont grow an ego" from it. Usually I dont have an ego (except for college football) but its good staff development I can use in the HS classroom as well. He also thought that I would try and get the pack to pay for me, which I told him no way I couldnt take money from the kids to do that and if I built anything for the pack or needed money to work on anything in regards to tickets, I wouldnt ask the pack for money. I think after that he kinda came down from being against me doing it. Im a tad bit older than him, but I respect his leadership in the program, but there is nothing wrong with wanting to see if WB could be beneficial.

Anyone out there whose done WB, whats the best thing you took away for Cub Scouting?

[cballman]

I will give you my take on this and probley kill this thread also. The Woodbadge training is a very great program and if it is well run you will learn a lot. Yes there are people who act as snobs that has taken Woodbadge. But the way I see these people is that they were snobs before the course. I have also met and befriended many people just because of Woodbadge. So in my humble opinion TAKE the course, meet people and learn to use your resources. Wow the resources are your new friends that can help you out over years to come. I took the course a few years ago and yes they are still friends.

[Nuts4Scouts]

Bottom line - the call is yours. Your Cubmaster (CM) has no say at all in what training (above basic) you do, or do not take.

If Wood Badge interests you, take it. You do not need the permission of your CM, or anyone else.

[FrankJ]

Since will have a ticket which will effect the pack, getting buy in from the pack leadership before taking the course is a good idea. (Just like you seem to be doing) Ideally when you talk to the CM about the things you want to do, he will say "great ideas, this will really help the pack." Maybe get some ideas from your CM on what needs work in the pack & try to incorporate them.

WB is not a be all or end all for anything. You will get out the course what you put into it. Personally I got a lot out of it & would recommend it.

[smtroop168]

WB can be good I suppose..my beef with the "Beaded ones" is that they don't contribute much after the class. I know some who are classic "gatekeepers" and others who wouldn't assist a District or Council event unless their beads depended on it.


So take the course and but make something good come from your training.

[wagionvigil]

Matt cannot say that in My council. Our beaded ones give back big time.

[smtroop168]

Matt cannot say that in My council. Our beaded ones give back big time.

Not trying to indite all WBers but my experience is not as good. I seen our district events either poorly run or cancelled while watching the beaded ones sit on their hands when the organizaers ask for help.

[Quailman]

Same here. I (not a WBer) approached our district chair in January to inquire about our district MBC list. We don't have one.* I volunteered to create one but was told that a WB candidate had just undertaken it for a bead. It's still not done - not even a semblance of one. I suspect I could have had a basic list for publication by April if not March.

I am leery of taking woodbadge lest I get all pompous. --- oops! I shouldn't go there.

* The fact that my district has no MBC list is fodder for another topic.

[wagionvigil]

Same here. I (not a WBer) approached our district chair in January to inquire about our district MBC list. We don't have one.* I volunteered to create one but was told that a WB candidate had just undertaken it for a bead. It's still not done - not even a semblance of one. I suspect I could have had a basic list for publication by April if not March.

I am leery of taking woodbadge lest I get all pompous. --- oops! I shouldn't go there.

* The fact that my district has no MBC list is fodder for another topic.

That would be a Ticket Item not a bead and he has two years to work the ticket Which is made up of several items

[smtroop168]

With apologies to RW for getting off topic.

* The fact that my district has no MBC list is fodder for another topic.

Ask your Registrar to give you a printout of all Code 42 registered adults in your council/district and Viola you have a MBC list. We have one sorted alphabetically and one sorted by Badge. Neither one is very user friendly I will admit.

[Quailman]

Same here. I (not a WBer) approached our district chair in January to inquire about our district MBC list. We don't have one.* I volunteered to create one but was told that a WB candidate had just undertaken it for a bead. It's still not done - not even a semblance of one. I suspect I could have had a basic list for publication by April if not March.

I am leery of taking woodbadge lest I get all pompous. --- oops! I shouldn't go there.

* The fact that my district has no MBC list is fodder for another topic.

That would be a Ticket Item not a bead and he has two years to work the ticket Which is made up of several items

Note to self: Never accept an offer of help from a Woodbadge candidate unless he commits to a reasonable timeframe.

[wagionvigil]

A time frame can be written into the ticket. When I was a coach I made them write a I will complete this by **** if I thought that was too long we would discuss it But in all reality they could put by *** which is exactly two years and still be OK.

[smtroop168]

Guess it depends on the task..good thing we didn't take 2 years to write the GTA and EWB!!!

[FieldSports]

I believe the time frame is 18 months. Do take the course, it is good for both your Scouting and professional work. The "friendship" developed while attending WB can be strong, and some people do come on to strong. Don't let that discourage you. Attend and you will like it.

[ThunderingWind]

18 months is all my class was given to complete our five items. One of mine took nearly the entire time because of
the costs and offering of the the course (become NRA Shotgun Instructor Rated so Crews had a BSA approved consultant for that shooting discipline).