Phases of Training
Wood Badge consists of two phases. The first is the Training/Practical phase and the second is the Application phase.

Training/Practical Phase
This phase consists of six full days at camp. For convenience, this is usually divided into two weekend camps of three days each. The participants are divided into patrols to simulate a Scout troop situation.

The first weekend consists of troop meetings at which the course topics are covered. The second weekend consists of camping activities at which the course topics are covered. A Troop Guide will be assigned to each patrol to assist the participants throughout the course.

The Weekend Camps
Some Wood Badge courses spread the two weekend campings on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A few courses make it on Thursday, Friday and Saturday so that the candidates can free up the Sunday. The Wood Badge course may also be offered as as a continuous six day course with no separate weekend camps since the complete topics are covered in a weeklong camp. Please check the Wood Badge Training Home page to see which courses are offered for a date that is convenient to you.

Application Phase
The second, or application phase, begins after the training is complete and consists of "working your ticket".  In the Application phase, participants will use the leadership skills that were learned and developed during the Practical phase. They will select five projects/goals, called the Wood Badge Ticket. The projects must be completed within the next 18 months. Each participant will work with his/her Troop Guide to successfully accomplish the goals they set for themselves.
 

Wood Badge Traditions!

Wood Badge Patrols
The participants are divided into patrols to simulate a Boy Scout troop environment. There will be a maximum of eight patrols with up to six participants in each patrol. These Patrols are part of Gilwell Troop 1. The Wood Badge Course Director is the Scoutmaster of Troop 1.

The course staffs are traditionally considered to be in the Patrol called Staffer.

These Patrols are part of the Troop called the Gilwell Troop1. The Wood Badge Course Director is the Scoutmaster of this Troop1. Hence the titles Wood Badge Course Director and Wood Badge Scoutmaster are synonyms.

Wood Badge Patrol Critters
Each Wood Badge patrol has a specific mascot or "critter".  Wood Badge tradition assigns a specific order for the patrols.  The Wood Badge patrols in Wood Badge order are the following, left to right.

Why the Patrol System?

• The Boy Scout troop simulation provides a good framework in which to practice leadership skills introduced in the course.
• Boy Scouting provides a natural bridge between the various programs in Scouting, and leaders should understand the importance of transition.
• It would be difficult and confusing to simultaneously model Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting and Venturing in one course.
• The course content and leadership principles introduced apply to Scouters of all leadership positions and will provide a common foundation of leadership skills to be used throughout all program areas.