Open Dislike for Wood Badge?

[mt_goodrich]

Twice in the past week, I have had to deal with folks who have nothing but dislike for those that have earned their Wood Badge beads. I heard comments such as "they think they are better than everyone else" and "Wood Badge is nothing but a club".

I just completed my Wood Badge training at the end of October and should have my ticket completed in March. I have become even more active in my participation as an adult Scouter. I have been re-engergized and have refocused my efforts in trying to promote Scouting and to give back to Scouting.

The folks that I have been able to associate with who I have met at Wood Badge training or folks that have earned their Wood Badge beads have been nothing but wonderful and folks I enjoy being around.

Anyone else every come across something like this?

[wagionvigil]

AT one time that was probably true.Back in the 1960's if asked to take WB it was really something and those that did the picking were very selective and then those same people kind of did the we are better than you thing. But today everyone that wants to take WB can ,so it is no longer that CLub or Good ole boy thing. I hav eTwo college degrees and I learned more about Time management at WB then I did in all the courses I took and WVU. Now that all being said I highly recommend Powder Horn for anyone that wants to have a great outdoor program. I got more from that then all the WB courses I have taken or been on as staff
Boy Scout wb
Cub SCOut rainers WB
4 Wood Badge STaffings
Powder Horn

[mt_goodrich]

The two individuals are older Scouters and could have ill feelings from something that has happened in the past.

These days they are trying to get as many folks thru Wood Badge as they can. They offer financial assistance if needed, and in the Longhorn Council, they run four courses a year. They even have a week-long course where folks can stay in nice accomodations. This is aimed at teachers and someone who may have a disability that may prevent them from a total intensive outdoor experience.

[wagionvigil]

I have done both Week Long and Weekend and I prefer the Weeklong. But there are very few of those offered anymore.

[WeeWillie]

There are some Scouters who think all training is a waste of time based on their previous experience. I've learned something from every training course I've taken and formed new friendships from the other attendees.

I would like to take WB but I'm up to my eyeballs as SM.

Catalina Council alternates weeklong and 2 weekends.

[wagionvigil]

Mike ,
Now is the time you need it!

[riverwalk]

It's always possible, and we do see it, where experienced folks are hurt by a previous experience. Or not really hurt, but set in their attitude on a thing.

But also possible (you know this happens too), is that recent WB grads have an attitude or "air", and this may turn others off. It's one thing to have a cheerful bond with fellow participants, and another to be showy about it.

Here's a thought, in case it explains why someone is unhappy towards WBadgers. What if someone wants to attend, yet can't afford to? There are ways to help them attend, discreetly, and this may be a missing point here?

[jr56]

I have heard a few scouters grumble things of that nature, but there's always somebody who will find something to complain about. Thankfully, they are a small minority.

[pipestone1991]

If my opinion counts, I think of wood badge as an awesome award. It's hard to earn, and (as wagion states) it teachs you alot.



I can't wait until can take it as an adult!

[WVBeaver05]

Unfortunately, I have seen the same thing. Not sure what the reasons are.

I have had some discussions with other adult Leaders who oppose ALL training. They do consider it a waste of time and they say that they know what should be done and the training is wrong.

I consider this to be sad at the very least.

IMO - BSA training is "good". Not great, and there are some things that I would change if I were in charge, but still good. Woodbadge is GREAT. And, not just the training. There is more to it than that. If you don't know, then I suggest that you sign up and attend. You won't regret it.

YiS

[wagionvigil]

Those leaders do not belong in scouting today. Steps should be taken to remove them asap. The youth are in danger!

[mt_goodrich]

I do know if someone cannot afford it, there are scholarships and I'm sure it is discreet.

We had two guys in our patrol that were paying out their course costs over a period of six months or so.

I think any trainer you can obtain is good.

I've been in Scouting over 35 years, first as a youth and now as an adult. I ALWAYS learn something new. If not from the course itself, from a participant who offers suggestions and tells of their experiences.

[cballman]

Woodbadge is a training that can make a person who uses the stuff he or she learned at the course a great leader. Not only in Scouting but in their jobs out in the real world. Companys used to send people to seminars just like Woodbadge and spend greater amounts of money to do less. I personally have used the training that I have taken in scouting to make a better leader. Now the people who dont need to be trained or think Woodbadge is a waste. I have seen these people and been around them also. The main problem is that they think they are better, smarter, and more knowlegable than everybody. They also had people teach them when they were younger the same things. I have not been on staff for a course but my Wife has. Also the people that you have met and networked with is priceless. So in my opinion people who bash Woodbadge or any kind of training is most generaly a person that has very little knowledge about training.

[mt_goodrich]

Wood Badge was perhaps one of my greatest accomplishments, along with getting my Eagle Scout award. I still have two items left until I complete my ticket and hope to do so by March.

Here is a little background on me:

I will be 43 years old on Tuesday. I don't make friends easily as growing up, I was an Army brat. Very difficult to get close to anyone because of the difficulty of saying "goodbye". Thus, I don't have a lot of lifelong friends.

I travel a great deal for work. Other than my immediate family (wife and her family), I don't socialize much outside of that.

I am an Asst. SM with my troop in an LDS Church. I was recently officially released from that "calling", but asked to remain to help the troop.

After some soul searching, I realized I needed to really make an effort to give back to Scouting. Scouting was my only constant growing up.

I attended Wood Badge this past October 2007. In my patrol (BEARS), I had five other guys that I really got along with well. Specifically, one who is in my same district.

The two of us have become great friends. We both have joined our district's training committee and have become somewhat of an unofficial team.

Since becoming involved with the district level Scouting, I have met some wonderful folks who have a passion for Scouting and are folks that I like to associate myself with.

My wife commented to me the other day that since I become more active as a volunteer Scouter, my attitude has changed and I seem to be a happier person.

At work, I seemed to be much better organized and have approached my duties in a more positive way.

I truly believe all of this really began with my decision to take Wood Badge.

Sorry for rambling.

[WVBeaver05]

Mike,

What you related is not surprise to those forum members who have attended Wood Badge.

So what are the rest of you waiting for??

YiS

[FrankJ]

Slightly off topic, but it is tax time. If you are an active leader, wood badge course fees & associated costs are fully tax deductible. This was covered at a recent round table.

Disclaimer: I am in no way a tax professional & have not stayed at Holiday Inn Express recently. Confirm this with your own tax preparer.

[Billiken]

There are some Scouters who think all training is a waste of time based on their previous experience. I've learned something from every training course I've taken and formed new friendships from the other attendees.

1. Oviously, those folks are wrong.
2. I've learned something new from most courses.

However:
I've also been in BSA training where 5 minutes of material has been turned into a 1-hour class.

Case in point: Our council requires at least one Cub Leader to be BALOO trained before the Pack can receive a tour permit. So this Eagle Scout that's camped all over the U.S. and in 3 foreign countries spent an evening and one entire Saturday learning how to set up a tent, build a campfire, and tie knots.

BTW: I think I've learned more from you, my fellow Scouters, on this forum that I have thus far in BSA training. Thank You.

I am excited to be starting/taking Woodbadge in August of this year.

[WVBeaver05]

I believe that you will find that the BALOO requirement is from National, not the local Council.

I can relate somewhat to you position. As an Eagle Scout I felt that there was little to be gained in taking Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills. It was explained that this training (Friday evening to Sunday Noon) would introduce me to the skills that I would need as an ASM to guide a Scout from Tenderfoot through First Class. So I approached the class with indifference at best.

By the completion of the class I had actually learned some new skills and made some new friends and contacts. In hindsight, it was one of the best trainings that I have taken. Not because of the material - I could have taught 75% of the units. But because of the interaction with other Leaders!! That interaction and discussion added more to my skills and understanding of the program than almost any other course.

So, what you learn, may not be just what is on the outline.

YiS

[wagionvigil]

Baloo is local. Now it may have another name that national requires But I know our council does not have "baloo" TRaining.

[FrankJ]

Baloo is in G2SS as a requirement for pack overnighters (in the camping section). It stands for Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation. It only required for Cub Scouts.