We have started our new approach to Section Leader Wood Badge training. Fourteen of the required nineteen modules have now been concentrated into just three focused days of learning. Of necessity, they are run at weekends and alternate between Saturdays and Sundays. Each of the three day-courses comes in two parts, which in turn alternate between mornings (usually 9.00 – 12.30) and afternoons (usually 1.30 – 5.00). This means that if you can only attend on Saturday mornings for example, all 14 modules across the three days will at some point be delivered on a Saturday morning during a 15-month cycle.

You therefore have the choice to complete these 14 modules, either as three full days over a couple of months, or pace yourself over a longer period with a series of half-day sessions (or a combination of the two). The People and Programme days run back to back, so you can if you wish, spend a full weekend with us, with accommodation provided at Scout Park, and the opportunity to cover some additional learning.

Socialising and sharing experiences with others are an essential part of our courses.
Most of the modules covered will require a meeting with your training adviser to validate your learning.

Remember LOVE, learning is optional, validation is essential. We will help you plan this during each of the sessions.

Our three focused days of learning are:

1. Up and Running:
This day-long course follows on from Getting Started and is valuable for all members of a section’s leadership team including Section Assistants.

• Part I focuses on better understanding the needs of the young people in your section and how our programme meets their needs. It also covers practical techniques for ensuring positive and cooperative behaviour during meetings and know how to deal with behaviour that can be challenging. (Modules 14 & 15)
• Part 2 looks at how Scouting began and has changed and adapted over the years, while keeping its core values. It also focuses on several practical skills useful at all section meetings i.e. sharing and imparting knowledge. (Modules 6 & 18)

2. People Power
Scouting is a very people focused organisation, so we have grouped together, the four modules that deal with teamwork, leadership, inclusion and recruitment, into one very stimulating day.

• Part 1 will help you understand the policies of The Scouts that encourage inclusion and to consider how, in your role, you can help make Scouting more accessible. It will also provide effective methods that will help you recruit BOTH adults and young people to enable your group to operate at its optimum size. (Modules 7 & 13)
• Part 2 explores models, tools and techniques that will help you to be an effective leader of other adults and young people. It also explores the importance of good teamwork in building a strong leadership team. (Modules 8 & 9)

3. Programme Skills
Essential for a strong section is an exciting, inclusive youth programme and this day focuses on the key elements of planning and delivering a quality programme. It covers not just a section meeting but other activities and camps.

• Part 1 covers the skills in planning and delivering a programme so that the young people in your section can attain their Top Award. It looks at the role of young leaders and how the programme reflects Scouting’s Fundamentals. (Modules 5, 12A, and 12B)
• Part 2 explores the importance of residential experiences in the development of young people. It also looks at the steps we need to take to ensure that all our programmes are safe. We also look at ‘International’ as a key theme in all sections. (Modules 16,17 &19)