Wood Badge 100

In the early years of Scouting, the UK Scout Headquarters created a training course for leaders to gain a sense of what it was like to be a member of a Scout Troop. A date was set for a pilot course to be held at Gilwell Park from 8-19 September 1919. 

Participants were tested on practical skills, including 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. Successful adult leaders awarded given beads, from which the name of the course was developed.

Today, the Wood Badge remains as an important mechanism for shaping our Movement's leaders. 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.