About

What is Wood Badge?
Reflecting the best of nearly a century of Scouting experience, Wood Badge draws upon the most current leadership models used by corporate America, academic circles and successful organizations throughout the country.

Wood Badge training was begun by Baden Powell in 1919 as a way to insure that the leaders of Scout troops were properly trained. Since then Wood Badge has been held world- wide, providing advanced leadership training to thousands of Scout leaders.

Wood Badge builds upon the best traditions and experiences of the Boy Scouts of America and also draws from a wide range of courses within and beyond the bounds of Scouting to present the latest in leadership theory and team development.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Wood Badge is designed to meet the advanced leadership needs of all Scouters, particularly unit level Scouters, such as Cub leaders, Scoutmasters and assistants, Venturing Crew Advisors, Committee Chairs and members. Additionally, Scouters serving at the district and council levels can achieve greater effectiveness through Wood Badge.

QUALIFICATIONS: Each participant must be a registered adult leader and have completed Youth Protection Training and the Leader Specific Training appropriate to his/her position in Scouting. Attendance at all five course days is required. Because of the advanced nature of Wood Badge, these requirements WILL NOT be waived.

WHY ATTEND? By attending Wood Badge, Scouters will acquire valuable tools such as listening, communicating, conflict management, project planning and leading change. Participants will better learn to understand and appreciate diversity and differences in our society. They will learn skills that will make them a better Scout leader. Units with trained leaders are able to deliver an improved program and a more meaningful experience for the youth Scouting serves. By attending Wood Badge, the participants will internalize the 5 themes of Wood Badge: Living the Values, Growing, Connecting, Guiding, Empowering.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Course participants will sleep in tents, move about the camp on unimproved trails and actively participate in normal Scouting activities. If there is any question of your ability to take part, please get in touch with the Wood Badge Course Director before submitting your application. Scouting activity does not fall under the guidelines of the American Disabilities Act. A current BSA Annual Health and Medical Record is required for attendance and is available for download at: https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/healthsafety/pdf/680-001_abc.pdf

RECOGNITION: Upon successful completion of the ticket, the participant is entitled to receive special recognition, which consists of the Wood Badge beads (two wooden beads on a leather thong), a taupe neckerchief, a leather woggle (neckerchief slide), and a course certificate. Recognition items not only identify a Scouter who has completed advanced training, but also remind the recipient of an ongoing commitment to a continued service to Scouting.

COURSE LODGING & EQUIPMENT: Course participants will sleep in tents setup by the staff the first weekend of the course and will enjoy meals prepared by the Quartermaster Staff. During the second weekend, participants will sleep in their own tents and will be given the opportunity to prepare their own meals as a patrol with food being provided.
Prior to the start of the course, participants with special dietary restrictions must let the Course Director know. In some cases it may be necessary for the participant to make provisions for their own food.

PRE-COURSE MEETING: It is strongly recommended that all participants attend the pre-course meeting. Important information will be shared as you work to get the most out of this course and help you to “BE PREPARED”.