The Explorer pedagogy encourages children to take charge of their progression through the step system. In the timber wolf section, the progression is marked in a booklet called the "Mowgli."
Upon joining the unit, the child puts on the uniform, which is identical to that of the other timber wolves. It is a sign of belonging to the "happy family." They also equip themselves with the 5 items: the string, the game neckerchief, the pencil, the notebook, and the bead string. These items are used for playing and participating in big games.
After two or three outings, Akela assesses if the child is integrating well and then, in a simple ceremony, presents them with their "pelt," which is their green and white neckerchief. The child is welcomed into the wolf pack, becomes a "tender foot," and starts preparing for their promise.
Several months after joining the unit, and after completing the tenderpaw challenges such as daily good deeds, observing the law of the jungle, and the wolf motto, the child can make their promise.
This is a very important step as it is often the child's first personal commitment. During an official ceremony that brings the entire unit together, with the permission of their parents and the blessing of God, and saluting Akela hand in hand, the timber wolf makes their promise:
I promise to do my best,
to be faithful to God, my parents, my country, the law of the pack
and to do a good deed to someone every day.
After making their promise, the child can earn their stars. The child's progression is respected so that each can grow at their own pace. The first star is placed to the right of the promise wolf on the beret, and the second star is placed to the left. Akela determines if the child is ready to receive their first or second star. A wolf with two stars is called a "senior wolf".
The steps leading to the acquisition of the first and second star allow the child to gradually acquire different skills, open up to the world around them, and grow in faith.
Badges allow the senior wolves to continue their progression. Badges represent specific technical skills. The child chooses the badges they are interested in and, with the help of the leadership team, works to earn them.
In line with the five aims of the Explorer pedagogy, the badges are divided into five categories:
- White badges: Service to God
- Red badges: Service to others
- Green badges: Physical skills
- Blue badges: Intellectual openness
- Yellow badges: Manual dexterity
After four years in the timber wolf section, the children aged 11-12 are ready to move on. As their attraction to the imaginary world decreases, they are prepared to join their older peers: the Explorers in the Company or the Troop.
The ceremony of moving up, usually held on the first outing after the summer break, formalizes this transition. On this occasion, the entire timber wolf section bids farewell to the child with a final howl. The child then removes their ribbons from the pack flagpole and joins the Explorers.
The patrol that welcomes the child will be their new unit. They will have a specific role in the patrol where they can apply their experience to serve the group.
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