 On completion of the course , participants are awarded the Wood Badge beads to recognize significant achievement in leadership and direct service to young people . The pair of small wooden beads , one on each end of a leather thong ( string ) , is worn around the neck as part of the Scout uniform . The beads are presented together with a taupe neckerchief bearing a tartan patch of the Maclaren clan , honoring William de Bois Maclaren , who donated the £ 7000 to purchase Gilwell Park in 1919 plus an additional £ 3000 for improvements to the house that was on the estate . The neckerchief with the braided leather woggle ( neckerchief slide ) denotes the membership of the 1st Gilwell Scout Group or Gilwell Troop 1 . Recipients of the Wood Badge are known as Wood Badgers or Gilwellians . 
