The Scouts Wood Badge Learning Award

If you’ve completed your Growing Roots learning maybe you are looking for the next step in Branching Out learning and The Scouts Wood Badge award. The Wood Badge is one of the most prestigious training recognitions in Scouting, symbolising a leader’s commitment to personal development and high-quality youth engagement.

Established in 1919 by Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, the Wood Badge was designed to create skilled and confident leaders. Since then, it has become a globally recognised symbol of excellence, worn by thousands of volunteers who have completed their training.

In the UK, the Wood Badge scheme now follows two distinct training pathways:

1. Programme Delivery Route (Section Wood Badge) – Designed for volunteers who work directly with young people, equipping them with the skills to deliver exciting and meaningful Scouting programmes. 6 specfic section modules to Growing Roots learning.
2. Volunteer Support Route (Manager & Supporter Wood Badge) – Tailored for those in management or support roles, focusing on leadership, strategy, and mentoring other volunteers. 6 management modules in addition to Growing Roots learning.

Under the new system, volunteers no longer need a Personal Learning Plan but have a predefined path in the learning system. Each module can be achieved in steps by situational learning projects, attending a course or through working with a Learning Assessor. This makes training more flexible and accessible.

For more details on how to start the Wood Badge, visit The Scouts Digital Tools Guide on how to add it to your learning profile and talk to your local Learning Assessor or Volunteering Development team on how you can validate your learning modules.