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PHOTO: Scott St. Amand receives his Wood Badge beads from his son, Cody St Amand, as his wife, Brittany looks on. (Submitted photo)
GARDINER – Scott St. Amand, Pack 672 cubmaster, has completed all requirements for the nextensive Wood Badge training program, receiving his Wood Badge beads and neckerchief on Nov. 29.
Wood Badge is a Scouting leadership program, and the related award for adult leaders in the programs of Scout associations throughout the world. Its courses aim to make better leaders by teaching advanced leadership skills, and by creating a bond and commitment to Scouting.
The entire St. Amand family is involved in Scouting. Scott’s wife, Brittany St. Amand, is a Bear Pack leader. Son Cody is in the Arrow of Light program in Cub Scout Pack 672. Mason is a Bear Cub Scout in Brittany’s pack, and Avrilynn is a Tiger Scout. Scott St. Amand is also the Tiger Cub den leader as well as cubmaster. St. Amand is also Kennbec Valley District co-chair for training, with Scott Fails, of Farmington.
Karen Norton represented Pine Tree Council at the presentation, which took place during the regular pack meeting, held at Christ Episcopal Church. Norton said St. Amand accomplished many things since he attended Wood Badge training at Camp Hinds in September 2021, and achieved his goals to earn the badge, which she was honored to present.
To earn the badge, St. Amand had to write a ticket that represented his commitment to put into practice what he had learned, and then complete it in 18 months, with help from a fellow Scout leader, who was his ticket counselor.
St. Amand’s ticket and goals included:
1. Plan and propose a pack overnight outing, which he turned into an annual Pack 672 family tradition.
2. Develop a pack Wood Badge scholarship.
3. Become a merit badge counselor in automotive, woodworking and wood carving merit badges and provide opportunities for youth to earn the badges, which he offered these to Scouts in Troop 672 and others.
4. Attend six Scout Leader monthly roundtables.
5. Host a parent training night to help orient new families. He hosted a parent night in June for feedback from current families, then offered a more formal training night at the end of August for new and returning families.
The Wood Badge training course was started in 1911 in England. The curriculum has been revised over the years. Participants join patrols with other participants, and all get a turn as patrol leader. The groups spend 24 hours a day with people they have just met, forming bonds that last beyond the course. The next Wood Badge course offered by Pine Tree Council is Sept. 2-4 and Oct. 7-8 at Camp Hinds, Raymond. Participants must complete both weekends.
