The Wood Badge course in Najran concludes, qualifying 40 scout leaders
The General Directorate of Education in Najran, represented by the Student Activities Department, concluded the advanced Wood Badge training course, organized by the Ministry of Education under the supervision of the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association. The course saw active participation from 40 male and female scout leaders, in a step aimed at enhancing national competencies in the scouting and educational fields.
This study comes within the framework of the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Education and the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association to qualify scout leaders of both genders, according to the highest internationally recognized professional standards in scout training. The Wood Badge holds special importance in the scout training hierarchy, as it is a symbol of leadership competence and the ability to effectively manage scout units, thus directly contributing to raising the quality of performance in the scouting field and developing programs offered to boys and young men.
Comprehensive and diverse training program
The study featured an intensive training program that combined theoretical aspects with practical applications, including a series of sessions focused on honing the leadership skills of the participants. The program addressed in detail the responsibilities and duties of scout unit leaders, as well as reviewing the latest educational methods and approaches for training boys and young men, in line with the age-appropriate characteristics of each stage.
Participants also delved into modern leadership concepts, styles, and theories, along with training in strategic planning skills and the characteristics of a successful plan. The study extended beyond administrative aspects to include other vital areas such as updated scouting curricula, the role of the scouting movement in community service and fostering social responsibility, and how to prepare theoretical research and develop the financial and human resources of scouting units.
Field applications and mobile journey
At the conclusion of the training program, the participants undertook a practical field experience through a "camping trip," a fundamental component of advanced scouting training. This trip aimed to place the participants in an environment that simulates real-world field conditions, allowing them to apply the knowledge and skills they had acquired throughout the program.
The trip included intensive practical applications in land navigation skills, the use of secret signs, and accurate scouting mapmaking, as well as estimation and direction-finding skills without relying on modern equipment. The training also included handling coded messages, which fostered teamwork, self-reliance, and decision-making abilities in various situations. As a result, participants gained the knowledge and skills necessary to lead scouting activities effectively and competently in their respective areas.
