How Learning Works
Welcome to the Scouts! We're thrilled you're joining us. To help you feel confident and prepared in your role, we've developed a clear and supportive learning journey called 'The Learning Tree'. Think of it as your guide to gaining the skills and knowledge you'll need to make a real difference.
And because we're always learning and improving, we'll keep you updated with 'Ongoing Learning'. This ensures you stay current with best practices and any changes within the Scouts.
Don't worry, you won't be on your own! Your Team Leader and local support teams will be there to guide you, and our online platform, 'My Learning', makes it easy to track your progress. We're committed to providing you with the tools and support you need to thrive in your role and create amazing adventures for our young people.
Growing Roots
First, you'll start with 'Growing Roots'. This is our essential training, covering everything from safety and safeguarding to understanding how the Scouts work. Most of this you can complete online, at your own pace, within your first six months.
Remember: Safeguarding & Safety eLearning needs to be completed within 30 days of joining, as part of keeping everyone involved in Scouts safe
The learning some people need
Depending on your role there might be some extra modules added to your Growing Roots learning:
Leading Scout Volunteers
Delivering a Great Programme
Being a Trustee in Scouts
Branching Out
Once you've got those basics covered, you can 'Branch Out'!
This is where you can explore further training to develop your skills, perhaps for specific activities or to work towards your Wood Badge, a recognition of leadership.
These modules are a mixture of eLearning and courses delivered by our Learning Community.
The Wood Badge
For over 100 years the Wood Badge has been the insignia for Scouts Volunteers who have completed their training.
A lot has changed since Baden-Powell ran his original 12 day course on "Practical instruction as to how a camp should be run" – but a lot remains the same.
Today, the Wood Badge is awarded to adult volunteers who have completed their learning tree (the Growing Roots & Branching Out learning for their role).
Depending on your role, you will be able to complete one of 2 different learning pathways to earn your Wood Beads:
Section Leader
For volunteers involved in delivering programme
e.g. Section Team Leaders and Section Team Members in Groups (Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts) or Explorer Scout UnitsManagers & Supporters
For volunteers helping to lead and support other volunteers.
e.g. Lead Volunteers, and District / County Team Leaders & Team Members
Selecting your Wood Badge
Because the Wood Badge is an optional programme, you need to opt-in by assigning one to yourself in My Learning:
Log in to Scouts.org.uk and select "My Learning" from the homepage
Once in My Learning, select "Wood Badges & Skills" from the menu at the top of the page
If the next page is showing the "No Wood Badges Assigned" message then you can press [+] to add a Wood Badge.
Section Wood Badge Modules
The Section Wood Badge is made up of the Growing Roots modules as well as 6 modules delivered by our County's Learning Community.
For more information and our Assessment Guides (to help you with the process of completing the assessment activities) click any of the links below: