Woodbeads (often called the Woodbadge) is the core adult training pathway in Scouting Ireland.
It ensures every Scouter gains the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support high-quality, youth-led Scouting in their Group.
The training is split into two phases:
Induction Phase – approx. 12 weeks
Must be completed in the order listed.
Woodbadge Phase – 18–24 months
Modules can be completed in any order.
At the end of the journey, Scouters receive their Woodbeads and may order the Gilwell Neckerchief.
These steps must be completed in sequence.
Content:
Complete application forms
Garda vetting
Chat with Group Leader (GL) about the Scouter role
Next Steps:
When approved, The Story of Scouting (TSOS) is booked.
Duration: ~1 hour
Content:
An introduction to Scouting Ireland
What Scouters do and how they support youth members
Next Steps:
Reflect on whether Scouting is right for you
Attend a Section meeting as a visitor
Duration: ~3 hours
Content:
Observe real Section meetings
Experience how youth-led Scouting works in practice
Next Steps:
Book your “Being a Scouter” (BAS) course
Duration: 1–2 hours
Content:
Practical training on running a Section
How to support young people as an adult volunteer
Programme basics, safety, youth empowerment, and activity planning
Next Steps:
Speak with GL to confirm your Section, commitment, and supports needed
Duration: 1 weekend
These modules can be completed in any order.
Content:
How to run a truly youth-led programme
Structuring meetings, games, and activities
Empowering Patrol Leaders and other youth roles
Next Steps:
Support your Section in running a 6-week programme cycle
Duration: 1 weekend
Content:
Planning and organising camps and overnights
Forms, risk assessments, insurance requirements, and safety procedures
Next Steps:
Plan and run an overnight or camp using the training
Duration: ~3 hours
(Page 1 also notes these courses are delivered online via Zoom at times )
Content:
Any knowledge/skill helpful to your Group:
finance, programme planning, team management, or technical skills
May include a project element
Next Steps:
Apply your learning to actively support your Group
Duration: 3–5 hours (may include external courses)
Content:
How to help youth members achieve Level 5 in an Adventure Skill (Pioneering, Backwoods, Hillwalking, etc.)
Techniques, safety, assessment, and programme integration
Next Steps:
Run a programme cycle incorporating the chosen Adventure Skill
Duration: 1 weekend
(Courses like REC3 or Mountaineering Ireland certifications count as Adventure Skills Facilitator )
Content:
Leadership training
Running teams, supporting volunteers, and managing youth leadership
Particularly useful for Section Leaders or anyone leading a team
Next Steps:
Complete a project using the plan–do–review cycle
Submit your leadership project work
Duration: 1 weekend
Content:
Review your full Woodbadge journey
Reflect on learning, growth, and future development
Completion of the Scouter training pathway
Next Steps:
Woodbeads are awarded
You may order your Gilwell Neckerchief
Duration: ~3.5 hours
Skills Days (“Learning For Your Team”) are coordinated by County Programme Coordinators with the Provincial Training Coordinator.
Adventure Skills Facilitator courses are run by national teams and booked through the my.scouts.ie database.
External training (REC3, MI, CI courses) must be emailed to nlynch@scouts.ie for ASF credit.
The 12-Step Induction Process is being updated; new details released annually.
You become a fully trained Scouter under Scouting Ireland’s training scheme.
You may wear the Woodbeads and, if you choose, the Gilwell Necker.
You continue to develop skills through ongoing learning, programme delivery, and mentorship.