Wood Badge

Wood Badge is for all leaders in Scouting America. It has been developed for Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, and Venturing leaders, as well as council and district leaders. The course content and leadership principles learned will provide a common foundation of leadership skills to be used throughout all program areas.

There are two parts to Wood Badge training: the practical course and the application phase. Both must be completed to receive the Wood Badge recognition – two wooden beads to be worn around the neck on a leather thong.

The practical part is a two-weekend experience to demonstrate as practically as possible the aims and methods of Scouting. The course is a multifaceted presentation of leadership skills, organizational tools, and participatory activities based on the best Scouting traditions and the latest in team development theory. In addition, participants enjoy the fellowship of learning with many other Scouters, and along the way we have a great deal of fun!

The application part of Wood Badge is a period of up to 18 months during which the participant practices and demonstrates a working knowledge of the leadership principles presented during the course. This is accomplished by the use of the Wood Badge “ticket,” which represents the participant’s commitment to complete a set of personal goals related to his/her Scouting position. Completing these goals significantly strengthens the program in which the participant is involved.

Each participant is assigned a ticket counselor who serves as a resource, mentor and Scouting friend. When the counselor and participant determine that the new skills are understood and can be applied to his/her Scouting position, a recommendation is made for the Wood Badge to be awarded.

The Wood Badge Course is limited to 48 participants. After the first 48, applicants will be placed on a waiting list. Acceptance from the waiting list will first be given to fully paid registrations.