The Scouts Wood Badge was introduced in 1919 is an international training programme for Scout volunteers, designed to develop leadership skills and strengthen commitment to Scouting.
It is recognised globally as a common standard for adult training and development in the Scout Movement. The award consists of two wooden beads on a leather thong, traditionally accompanied by the Gilwell scarf and woggle. Receiving the Wood Badge also enrols leaders into the 1st Gilwell Park Scout Group, a tradition dating back to the first course.
This pages summarises the two types of wood badge and the learning needing to be completed in order to achieve your wood badge.
Getting Started
Find out how you get started with your wood badge and all the items you have to do
Types of Wood Badge
Discover the two types of wood badge that you can undertake depending on your role
Learning & Validation
Visit the e-learning and validation documents that you need to complete to be awards your wood badge
How to Start a Wood Badge
You can start the wood badge at any point during your time in Scouting. We suggest you complete your Growing Roots first and then consider the Wood Badge.
Follow the steps below to complete your wood badge.
- Assign the correct Wood Badge to your profile in My Learning. by following the instructions here. Once you have assigned it to your profile you will receive an email giving you advice on next steps.
- Enrol in each e-learning course and complete the required skills.
- After completing all requirements, request an assessment via My Learning with the validation documents found at the bottom of this webpage
Types of Wood Badge
There is one Wood Badge, but the learning required depends on your role.
In both situations there is learning to complete. This could be in the role “learning by doing” or the e-learning further down this webpage. Currently only the Section Wood Badge has online learning.
Once you have completed your learning then validation of that learning needs to be completed by a Learning Assessor. This is completed by completing one of the templates below (but also can be completed through a discussion with a Learning Assessor).
Section Wood Badge
Who: Section Team Leaders and Members, and 14–24 Team Leaders and Members (roles focused on programme delivery).
What you need to complete:
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- Growing Roots learning
- Creating Inclusion
- Delivering a Great Programme
- Skills of Leadership
- Working with Adults
- Growing the Section
- Residential
- Practical Skills
- International
Manager and Supporter Wood Badge
Who: Lead Volunteers, Team Leaders (except Section Team Leaders), Leadership Team Members, and Team Members in District or County Teams (roles focused on leading and supporting volunteers).
What you need to complete:
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- Growing Roots learning
- Creating Inclusion
- Leading Scout Volunteers
- Achieving Growth
- Skills of Management
- Meeting the Challenges
e-Learning is only currently available for the Sectional Wood Badge
Wood Badge Learning & Validation
There are a number of learning modules that you can choose to complete. For the Sectional Wood Badge this can be achieved by completing the e-learning modules below. Our e-learning is hosted on Coursebox an external website. Click the link below, register and then you will have access to the course material as well as other courses you may find useful.
For the Manager & Supporter Wood Badge it is a in person course.
Sectional Wood Badge
Each module is approximately 30 minutes long and are then followed by a validation document. The validation document is your opportunity to show how you have put that skill into action during your weekly sectional meetings.
Once you have completed you validation get in touch with your Volunteering Development Lead who will assign a Learning Assessor to review what you have done.
Skills of Leadership
This course helps beginners understand leadership, plan activities, and use different leadership styles effectively. Participants learn how leadership impacts group dynamics and how to inspire and guide young people.
Working with Adults
This course helps Scout volunteers improve how they work with adult volunteers. It covers communication, teamwork, and building positive relationships to create a supportive, collaborative environment. Practical tips and interactive sessions ensure leaders can work effectively with others in Scouting.
Growing the Section
This course helps Scout volunteers understand how to recruit and keep members. It focuses on creating a welcoming environment, offering meaningful experiences, and developing practical strategies for sustainable growth in Scouting.
Residential
This course teaches Scout volunteers how to plan and run safe, engaging overnight camps. It covers setting goals, managing safety, and encouraging independence and teamwork, with practical tips for planning and communication. By the end, leaders will feel confident creating memorable residential experiences.
Practical Skills
This course helps Scout volunteers improve practical teaching skills in outdoor and community settings. It focuses on hands-on learning, effective methods for adults and young people, and applying skills in real situations to share knowledge confidently.
International
This course helps Scout volunteers understand international Scouting. It covers the global nature of Scouting, opportunities available, and how to share this with young people to promote inclusivity and global citizenship.
Manager & Supporter Wood Badge
To complete the Manager & Wood Badge there are 6 modules to complete. These are currently only available via the Manager & Supporter Skills for Leadership weekend course which is bookable via the link below. Once complete the validations are reviewed with the Learning Assessor
By clicking the tiles below the following are the validation documents to be used for the Manager & Supporter wood badge and reviewed with your Learning Assessor.