In 1911, Baden-Powell took the first steps in training Scouting’s adult leaders by organizing a series of lectures for Scouters.  He made great strides in the years that followed, culminating in 1919 with the establishment of Wood Badge training.  Wood Badge recipients number more than 100,000 and can be found in all corners of the world.

A Scouter participating in Wood Badge has the opportunity to:

• Understand Scouting as a family of interrelated, values-based programs providing age-appropriate activities for youth.
• Recognize contemporary leadership concepts and discover how they are relevant to the Scouting movement.
• Apply the skills learned as a member of a successful working team.
• Revitalize their commitment to Scouting by sharing in an inspirational experience that provides Scouting with renewed leadership. 
• Many Scouters consider Wood Badge to be a peak experience of their Scouting careers.  It has served as a source of training and inspiration to thousands. 

The Wood Badge Experience:

• There are two parts to Wood Badge in the Boy Scouts of America, the practical part and the application period.  Both must be completed to receive the Wood Badge – 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 will enjoy the fellowship of learning along side many other Scouters, and along the way will have a great deal of fun! 
• The application part of Wood Badge is a period of up to 18-month during which the participants practice and demonstrate 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 their Scouting position.  These goals will significantly strengthen the program in which the participant is involved. 
• Throughout the period of application, each participant is assigned a counselor who serves as a resource, an evaluator and a Scouting friend.  When the counselor and the participant determine that the new skills are understood and can be applied to their Scouting position, a recommendation is made for the Wood Badge to be awarded.

When does Wood Badge happen?

• The course is a 5 day course held over two weekends.
• Weekend #1 will be Friday morning, September 19, 2025 to late Sunday afternoon, September 21, 2025.
• Weekend #2 will be Saturday morning, October 18, 2025 to Sunday afternoon, October 19, 2025.
• Patrols are also required to meet at least once in the interval between the two weekend sessions.

Attendance is required at both FULL weekends to receive credit for the course.

Who may attend Wood Badge?

• Wood Badge is for all leaders in the Boy Scouts of America.  It has been developed for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout and Venturing leaders, as well as council and district leaders. 
• The course content and leadership principles introduced apply to Scouters of all leadership positions and will provide a common foundation of leadership skills to be used throughout all program areas.

Qualifications:

Each Scouter invited to participate in Wood Badge training must be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America, at least 18 years of age, have completed the basic training courses for their Scouting position and must successfully complete an Annual Health and Medical Record form, Parts A, B, and C.

Course Limit:

48 participants.  There will be a waitlist for those registering after the course maximum has been reached.  If openings become avaialble waitlisted individuals will fill in order of registration. 

Location: Camp Minsi, 106 Camp Minsi Rd, Pocono Summit, PA 18346.  

Cost:  $395

• $295 for participants registered with Minsi Trails Council. Financial support has been provided to Minsi Trails' scouters through the MTC Wood Badge Fund
• $395 for all other non-Minsi Trails council registered participants
• $50 early registration discount will apply to all registrations paid in full by January 31, 2025
• $50 deposit is due at time of registration
• Payment in full is due for all participants by July 31, 2025
• AFTER JULY 31, 2025  ALL REGISTRATIONS ARE NON REFUNDABLE, NO EXCEPTIONS

Medical Examination:

• Wood Badge requires a medical examination within one year prior of the course start date.  Use BSA Annual Health and Medical Record form, Parts A, B, and C.
• Click Here for a downloadable copy of BSA Annual Health and Medical Record form.

Course Director:  

Mr Bernie Suess, scoutmaster@minsitrailswoodbadge.org

Please have the following information available to hold your reservation.

• Confirmation of meeting the criteria for Wood Badge.
• Name , Telephone Number/s – Home/Cell
• Full Physical Address
• E-mail
• Unit Number
• District, Council
• Scouting Position 
• Year completed basic training for your primary position
• Tee shirt size

For more information, please contact Ed Schaefer at edward.schaefer@scouting.org