Today was an important day for The Fifth as three of our leaders were awarded their Wood Badge by Gary the Deputy District Commissioner. The beads are the symbol of completed leader training.

The first Wood Badges were made from beads taken from a necklace that had belonged to a Zulu chief named Dinizulu, which Baden-Powell had found during his time in the Zululand in 1888. When B-P was looking for some token to award to people who went through the Gilwell training course he remembered the Dinizulu necklace and the leather thong given to him by an elderly African at Mafeking.  He took two of the smaller beads, drilled them through the centre, threaded them onto the thong and called it the Wood Badge.

(apologies for the dreadful photo quality)

Adam, Keeley and Andy renewed their promise

 

Traditionally, the beads are transferred from one leader to another so Gary took them from around his own neck before awarding them to our leaders.

Andy receives his wood badge.

Andy’s late father was a leader at the 5th for many years, he was Assistant Group Scout Leader, Assistant Scout Leader and an Assistant Deputy Commissioner, today would have been a proud day for Dave.

Keeley (Akela) receives her wood badge.

 

Adam (bagheera) Receives his wood badge

Big thanks to Gary for coming over to do this. You can find out all about the history of the wood badge here (opens as pdf, right click, save as)