Welcome to

Transatlantic Council's

Wood Badge 2026

Course 11-802-26

Quest. Learn. Lead.

Course Dates: August 8-15, 2026 

Staff Dates: August 2-8, 2026

Camp Freedom, Oberdachstetten, Germany

Wood Badge is designed to meet the advanced leadership needs of all Scouters, particularly unit level Scouters, such as Cub Scout 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.

To attend the Wood Badge course, individuals must:

1.    Be registered members of Scouting America. (Youth 18 and older may attend as long as the appropriate Youth Protection guidelines are followed. They do not need to be registered in an adult leadership role.)

2.    Have completed the basic training courses for their Scouting position. If you have questions about which training(s) should be completed prior to course, please email the Course Director David Ruiz

3.    Be capable of functioning safely in an outdoor environment. All participants are required to complete the Annual Health and Medical Record form.

By taking Wood Badge, Scouters will acquire valuable tools such as listening, communicating, conflict management, project planning, and leading change. Participants will learn to better understand and appreciate diversity and differences in our society. They will learn skills that will make them better Scout leaders. Units with trained leaders can deliver an improved program and a more meaningful experience for the youth Scouting serves.

This year’s theme, "Quest. Learn. Lead." pays homage to the Lord of the Rings and Frodo's epic quest across Middle Earth. He went on this journey to do something important, with a fellowship of companions that were new to him. The Fellowship succeeded by working together and leveraging each other.  In the end, Frodo's legacy was felt across Middle Earth. He made the world a better place.

Come join our Fellowship in the Quest for the Meaning of Leadership. Learn and strengthen the skills to help you succeed in Scouting and in life. Leave a Legacy as you mentor the next generation of leaders. 

Course Attendance

Attendance for the entirety of the course is required. Check in will be on Saturday, August 8 after 3:00pm at Camp Freedom (Frankenkaserne) near Oberdachstetten, Germany. Pre-course modules will be presented at 8 pm on Saturday evening. The course will end August 15th with departures after noon that day. 

Getting the time off Work

Many companies will authorize time off to attend Wood Badge as part of training for your current or future work position, rather than requiring you to use your accrued personal time off.

For those in the US military, a request for permissive TDY can also be granted for time being given to a volunteer organization. Check with your commanding officer for details by your branch of service.

Likewise, civilians associated with the US government, administrative leave can be granted for time being given to a volunteer organization. Check with your supervisor or human resource office for details.

To obtain a copy of the permissive TDY request letter, or to obtain a copy of the civilian letter to present to your employer requesting time off to attend Wood Badge, please email the Course Director David Ruiz.

Course Fee

The 2026 course fee for participants is $350. Register by May 31st, the cost will be $325.00. Register by March 31st and get a free t-shirt!

Paying for Wood Badge

You can pay for your registration all at once or by installments; a $100 deposit reserves your spot. If you need assistance in paying for Wood Badge, consider the following sources to pay for all or part of your registration fee:

• Your Scouting unit/Chartered Organization. The knowledge you gain will directly impact and benefit both, making it a valuable investment for them.

• Your place of employment. All leadership skills taught at Wood Badge are transferable to other areas of life. Your place of employment will also benefit from the skills you gain. Completion of your Wood Badge ticket can also be applied towards a certificate in Project Management or from the Project Management Institute, or continuing education hours.

• Financial Assistance (Camperships) is available for those who demonstrate a financial need to attend the course.This assistance is provided through the Eric Cooley Campership fund. Priority is given to youth camper requests.

For more information about what Wood Badge has to offer, click here.

Do you have questions about the 2026 Wood Badge Course? 

Please contact Course Director David Ruiz

Special Note: National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), is the current youth leadership development training offered by the Scouting America. NYLT 2026 is being conducted at Camp Freedom during the same week as Wood Badge 2026. If you are coming to Wood Badge, maybe consider bringing youth with you to NYLT as well!