No Registration Needed

What is Wood Badge?

Wood Badge is Scouting America's premiere adult leadership training program, and it is recognized by Scouting organizations worldwide.

Why would I be interested in spending time and money to attend Wood Badge?

Have you, your spouse, or your coworker ever wished you were:

• A better listener
• A better communicator
• Better able to manage conflict
• Better at planning
• A stronger team member

If the answer to any of these is yes, you must attend Wood Badge.  These are just a portion of the leadership skills presented during the course.  The purpose of Wood Badge is to help you develop many new leadership skills and techniques to deliver the highest quality Scouting program and more assertive leadership for America.

How much time will Wood Badge take?

Participants in Wood Badge attend a five-day course.  It is offered in two sessions: three days the first weekend and two days the second weekend.

Wood Badge is a two-step process, beginning with the outdoor experience, which consists of living the Scout program. Those participating are exposed to leadership and scouting skills applied to both adults and youth.

Living in a Scouting atmosphere for an extended period of time, scouters develop a deeper understanding of the Scouting program, which can have a profound influence on the lives of youth in our communities.

To demonstrate an understanding of the leadership skills taught in the course, each participant writes a contract outline planning how they will apply the lessons learned through their role in Scouting after the course.  This is called a ticket.

The outdoor experience is followed by up to eighteen months during which the scout applies the skills learned during the practical experience in their Scouting position—at the unit, district, or council levels. During this period, each scout is assigned a counselor who acts as a resource, evaluator, and Scouting mentor to assist the participant in putting into action those points discussed during the course. The process known as working your ticket demonstrates this.

The Wood Badge Award is presented once the ticket is completed to the mutual satisfaction of the participant and the counselor.

What do I Wear?

For the course, scouts will need a complete Field Uniform (Class A) for the program they are registered for, including a shirt, shorts (or pants), appropriate socks, and a belt. Information on other clothing and equipment needs will be provided to each registered participant prior to the course.

What are the qualifications for taking Wood Badge?

Wood Badge is designed to meet the advanced leadership needs of all Scouters, particularly Cub Leaders, Boy Scout Leaders, Venturing Crew Advisors, and other unit, district, and council Scouters.

To qualify, you must:

• Be a registered adult member of the Scouting America
• Have not previously attended a Wood Badge Course
• Complete the basic training courses for your Scouting position
• Complete the outdoor skills program if there is one appropriate for your Scouting position
• Be capable of functioning safely in an outdoor environment
• Have completed a BSA- A, B, and C Physical form before the start of the course

There is NO tenure requirement

What is the course registration fee?

The course fee is $300 (or $275 if paid in full by the Informational Dinner). This includes a $50 deposit, which must be enclosed with the application to hold a place on a course. If the course is paid in full less than 30 days before the course, the late fee, which is $325, will apply.