Hi Dave.... sorry to bud in ... you mentioned:
 DH> I can't speak for Wood Badge outside the USA, but 
 
I though it would be intersting to compare the U.S. training system with our 
Canadian system. In Canada, there are two levels of wood badge training. Both 
are offered in each of the sections bevears, cubs, scouts, venturers, rovers 
?(seldom if ever), service team, and training. The WB I is a week-end long 
course which highlights the important aspects of the section and introduces 
you to ceremonies, badges, dealing with youth etc.. At the end of the course, 
you are awarded the Gillwell woggle. The WB II course is either offered in 
the week-long or three-weekend formats. For most sections, the course is held 
completely outdoors. I took my part 2 in the fall (WB II) at Tamaracouta 
Scout Reserve in Quebec. We were split into patrols and were expected to act 
as though we were in a scout troop (except for the misbehaving and whining :) 
). Throughout the weekends, we camped as a patrol and did the majority of the 
activities/sessions as a troop. Over the couse of the three weekends, I 
received more handouts and info. than I have in all of my university courses 
combined this year ! The course focussed on every aspect of scouting from 
campcraft and program planning to group dynamics and patrol/troop spirit. At 
the conclusion of the three weekends/ one week, there is a three-six month 
'waiting period' during which you apply the things you learned over the 
course. At the end of the waiting period, the 'troop' meets again for a final 
night of discussion concerning they way in which the new knowledge is 
applied. Only after this meeting have the participants finished the course. 
The Gillwell beads and necker are then presented by district council at their 
convenience ( I just received mine on Monday). It is possible to get a third 
or even a fourth bead if you take the trainer section of WB II.
 DH> In my case I have one last item to finish before I 
 DH> can receive my beads,
 DH> woggle and Gilwell neckerchief.
 
Congrats in advance! Wear 'em with pride... if your courses are anything like 
ours, you've earned them !
 DH> Dave Hultberg, ASM Troop 196, Keystone Area Council
 DH> and a good old Bobwhite too!  NE-VI-36
 
Could you please explain the BobWhite thing? Is this your Gillwell patrol 
name? Our patrol was the Rockets (not my suggestion ). Does the line 'and 
a good old BobWhite too' come from the Gillwell song? Back to 
illwell....etc.
 
Chris Baxter
4th Kingston Scouts
Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
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