Wood Badge is Scouting's premier training course. It's the ultimate leadership training experience designed to meet the leadership needs for all Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing leaders as well as council and district leaders and Scouting professionals.

Lord Baden-Powell originally designed it so that Scouters could learn, in as practical a way possible, the skills and methods of Scouting. It is first and foremost, learning by doing.

Wood Badge has evolved into the core leadership skills training course for the BSA. The Wood Badge course focuses on strengthening every volunteer's ability to work with and lead groups of youth and adults and is less focused on outdoor skills, which are more effectively addressed in other courses.

The object of the Wood Badge course is to demonstrate, as practically as possible, the aims and methods of Scouting. Upon successful completion of the course the participant receives a certificate and the Wood Badge - two wooden beads worn on a leather thong around the neck. These beads replicate the beads found by Baden-Powell during a campaign in Africa in 1888. They belonged to Dinizulu, an African chieftain. In searching for a suitable recognition for those who completed the first course in 1919, Baden-Powell remembered the beads and decided to present a bead to each participant. At that time, the course was called Wood Badge.

Learning Objectives

As a result of attending Wood Badge training, participants will be able to do the following:

View Scouting globally, as a family of interrelated, values-based programs that provide age-appropriate activities for youth.
Recognize the contemporary leadership concepts utilized in corporate America and leading government organizations that are relevant to our values-based movement.
Apply the skills learned from their participation as members of a successful working team.
Revitalize their commitment by sharing in an overall inspirational experience that helps provide Scouting with the leadership it needs to accomplish its mission on an ongoing basis.

Curriculum and Leadership Skills

Wood Badge training consists of two parts - a practical phase and an application phase. The practical phase is conducted as a troop in a camping setting. Here leadership skills can be learned and practiced as part of life in a troop. The application phase happens at the conclusion of the practical phase for a period of not more than 18 months. During both phases of the Wood Badge course, five central themes are developed:

Living the Values
Bringing the Vision to Life
Models for Success
Tools of the Trade
Leading to Make a Difference

Course Delivery

The practical phase of the Wood Badge course reflects unit meetings and also uses a unit camping activity as its delivery model. During the course the model Boy Scout troop will serve as the foundation for training purposes. This is done for several reasons.

The Boy Scout troop simulation provides a good framework in which to practice leadership skills introduced in the course.
Boy Scouting provides a natual bridge between the various programs in Scouting and leaders should understand the importance of transition.
It would be difficult, and most likely confusing, to simultaneously model Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing in one course.

It should be noted that although this foundation is utilized, the course content and leadership principles introduced apply to Scouters in all leadership positions and will provide a common foundation of leadership skills to be used throughout all program areas.

Who May Attend Wood Badge

Wood Badge is advanced leadership training for anyone registered with the BSA and over the age of 18. This includes adult leaders in all of Boy Scouting’s program areas - Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing - as well as council and district leaders. This includes assistant leaders, committee members, and “just parents” in all areas.

All leaders are encouraged to attend Wood Badge; there is no minimum tenure requirement.

Since it is advanced training, though, there are some important requirements. You must...

Be a registered as an adult leader of the Boy Scouts of America and be active in a Cub Scout pack, Boy Scout troop, Varsity team, Venturing crew, or a district or council position.
Have not previously attended a Wood Badge course.
Have completed basic training for the position you currently hold.
Have completed the outdoor skills training programs appropriate to your Scouting position.
Be capable of functioning safely in an outdoor environment and have a BSA Annual Health and Medical Record - Parts A, B & C, valid through the beginning of the course. Use this link to download the fillable form:  http://www.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/680-001_ABC.pdf 

COST:  The cost  for the Camp Rotary course is $275. Registrations paid less than 30 days from start of course may incur a $25 fee to cover last minute supplies.  A $50 deposit is required at the time of registration.  This fee is refundable (less a 15% administration charge) up to 30 days prior to course start date.

*Note- If paying by credit card you will incur a 2.75% convenience charge at checkout that will be added to your fee each time you make a payment.  If you pay using electronic check, you will NOT pay this fee.

 Other 2018 Wood Badge Courses Offered

To register for the 2018 Spring course at Camp Munhacke (April 20-22, May 4-6) click here

To register for the 2018 Summer Course at Silver Trails (August 13-18)  click here

To Register for the 2018 Fall Course at D Bar A (Sept 20-22, Oct. 18-20) (2 weekends)    click here