History of Wood Badge

On the morning of September 19, 1919, Lord Robert Baden-Powell blew a Kudu horn at Gilwell Park on the edge of Epping Forest near London. Thus began the world's first Wood Badge course. Since that day, wherever Wood Badge is held, it is on Gilwell Field. Wood Badge is today offered around the world. Over 100,000 people have attended Wood Badge.

The objective of Wood Badge is to demonstrate the aims & methods of Scouting. Upon completion, a Scouter receives a certificate and two beads, and becomes a permanent member of Troop 1, Gilwell. The two wooden beads replicate the beads found by Baden-Powell during a campaign in Africa in 1888. These belonged to Dinizulu, an African chieftain. In searching for a suitable recognition for the men who completed his first course, Baden-Powell remembered the beads and decided to present a bead to each participant. From then on, the course was called "Wood Badge."

The 21st Century Wood Badge course, which replaced the previous courses in 2001, draws from the best leadership models in America and applies them to training our youth on how to lead. You will live the magic of Scout leadership training as envisioned by the founder of Scouting, Lord Baden Powell.