Greetings from Dave Ansell, Senior Patrol Leader
Video Transcript:
Greetings, Scouters! I am Dave Ansell, and I’m the Senior Patrol Leader for the upcoming Wood Badge course. On behalf of myself and the entire Wood Badge staff, I would like to welcome you to our course. Over the past several months, we have been preparing for the course, working hard to make sure that this course provides you with the mountain top experience that you are expecting from Wood Badge.
Just as we have been preparing, you should as well. You should check out the course website, WoodBadge2024.org, for more information about the course. On the Wood Badge Preparation section of the page, you will see the “Personal Equipment List.” This is a list of basic and essential equipment that you will need to be successful on the first weekend. I bring to your attention that the list has a tent on it. You will be camping in a tent for the course. If you need to borrow a tent, or you’re going to purchase a new one, strongly recommend that you practice setting up the tent prior to coming out to camp. Time will be limited for set-up, so that is not the time to find out that you don’t have any tent stakes or that your tent poles are back at the garage at home. As you’re preparing and packing, please be sure to check the weather. Overnight temperatures can dip into the 30’s, so bring sufficient bedding and clothing for the anticipated weather. This will be important for your overall comfort. We do have a plan b in the event of severe weather; however, rain is not considered severe for Wood Badgers.
Your Wood Badge experience will begin on day 1, Friday, April the 12th, at 7am at the Cub Camp Welcome Center. Let me be the first to share some Wood Badge Wisdom with you. Early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable. Staff will check you in, review your medical needs, collect your personal gear, and then transport that gear to your campsite. You will not have access to the gear for the most of the day. Be sure to pack a day pack with any essentials that you may need, especially any medications. After you’re checked in, you will be led on a brief tour of the camp before ending up at Gilwell Hall, where the fun and excitement of Wood Badge really begins.
I look forward to meeting you on the 12th.