What is a
Wood Badge Ticket?

Evaluating a Ticket Item

During the years preceding Scouting, British soldiers who were stationed overseas had to earn their passage or ticket home after their term of service was complete. This is why it is called a TICKET, but just what is it?

A ticket is a contract between you and a member of the staff usually referred to as the Coach Counselor. This contract is your commitment to practice using the Leadership Skills taught at Wood Badge in the performance of your Scouting job. Typically a ticket comprises at least nine (9) ticket items in which the skills are practiced at least twice each in accomplishing these items.

Parts of a Ticket

In order to apply the leadership skills in a persons Scouting job, that person should first understand what their job is. It is therefore appropriate to write a short job description as the initial part of your ticket.

The ticket is then divided into three areas, Service to Others, Goals, and Personal Growth. The ticket would then have a minimum of three ticket items in each area. Application of one or of several of the eleven (11) leaderships skills would then be described under each ticket item.

Service to Others. Service to others is the area in which you would provide service to others through your troop. Keep in mind THROUGH your troop. "Through the Troop" is the most common misconception about this part of the ticket area, it should be you leading your troop to provide service to others.

Goals. Goals are items that will strengthen your troop.

Personal Growth. Personal growth is the area for items which you would like to develop or improve your skills in order to become a better or stronger leader in your troop.

Evaluating Ticket Items

All ticket items should be S M A R T. The preceding acronym may be used by you and your Coach Counselor to evaluate a good workable ticket item. Hopefully these questions will help you to evaluate the items you might select for your ticket.

S - Significant
Is the item significant? Is it important? Will it have an impact on your unit's program?

M - Measurable.
Is the item measurable? How will you know when it's done? Can the progress be tracked?

A - Appropriate.
Is this task within your job responsibilities? Does it need to be done? Is this an opportunity that is available to you?

R - Realistic.
Can the item be accomplished? Can it be brought to a successful conclusion? Do you have control over the task?

T - Timely.
Can it be done in a timely manner? Is it going to take too much time to accomplish? Can it be done in a reasonable time? Place a time limit on it, "A Dream becomes a Goal, with a deadline on it."