 Part of the transformative power of the Wood Badge experience is the effective use of metaphor and tradition to reach both heart and mind . In most Scout associations , " working your ticket " is the culmination of Wood Badge training . Participants apply themselves and their new knowledge and skills to the completion of items designed to strengthen the individual 's leadership and the home unit 's organizational resilience in a project or " ticket " . The ticket consists of specific goals that must be accomplished within a specified time , often 18 months due to the large amount of work involved . Effective tickets require much planning and are approved by the Wood Badge course staff before the course phase ends . Upon completion of the ticket , a participant is said to have earned his way back to Gilwell . 
