What is Wood Badge?
Reflecting the best of over a century of Scouting experience, Wood Badge draws upon the most current leadership models used by corporate America, academic circles and successful organizations throughout the country.

Wood Badge training was begun by Baden Powell in 1919 as a way to ensure that leaders of Scout troops were properly trained. Since then, Wood Badge has been held worldwide, providing advanced leadership training to thousands of Scout leaders. Wood Badge builds upon the best traditions and experiences of the B.S.A. and also draws from a wide range of courses within and beyond the bounds of Scouting to present the latest in leadership theory and team development.

Why Attend?
Whether you are a new or longtime Scouting leader, this course is for you. Wood Badge is the ultimate leadership training program for the adult leaders of the B.S.A. Similar corporate-focused courses cost thousands of dollars per attendee and may not offer the same depth.

Wood Badge is a modern format of training that delivers the latest in leadership skills that will help you be the best leader possible. These are skills that will become part of your everyday life. You will use these skills at home, career, religious institution, and anywhere leadership is needed. The course is made to provide the highest quality training with a highly experienced staff to a diverse audience. We promise you friendship, camaraderie, knowledge, personal awareness, and, most of all, fun!

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

By attending Wood Badge, participants will internalize the five themes of Wood Badge: Living the Values, Growing, Connecting, Guiding, and Empowering.

Who Should Attend?
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, Sea Scout skippers and mates, and unit committee chairs and members. Also, Scouters serving at the district and council levels can achieve greater effectiveness through Wood Badge.

To attend Wood Badge, individuals must:

1. Be registered members of the B.S.A. at least 18 years old. (Members ages 18-20 do not need to be registered in an adult leadership role.)
2. Have completed the basic training courses for their Scouting position.
3. Be capable of functioning safely in an outdoor environment. Everybody must complete the Annual Health and Medical Record form, parts A, B & C.

Program: 
The Wood Badge program consists of two parts: Practical Training and the Application Phase.

The Practical Training is a five-day experience where the Scouter lives as a member of a patrol, practices skills of leadership, and learns how these skills apply in the role of the adult leader in developing youth through the Scouting program. Through living in this setting for an extended period of time, they develop a Scouting spirit and zeal for the program that motivates them to do a better job in the Scouting position they have
accepted.

During the Practical Training, all participants develop a “Ticket.” This Ticket will help you develop a vision for your contribution to the mission of Scouting, and then help you develop goals and execute a plan to achieve that vision.

A Ticket Counselor from your council will be appointed to provide assistance and guidance as this Ticket is worked. The “working of the ticket” is called the Application Phase of Wood Badge.

Living Arrangements & Equipment:
On the first weekend of the course, meals and lodging will be provided. The second weekend will be in an outdoor setting where participants
will sleep in their own tents and cook for themselves by patrol. Food will be provided as part of the course fee. An equipment list will be sent to you after receipt of your application.

Uniform:
All participants must wear a B.S.A. field uniform appropriate for their primary role in Scouting. An activity uniform will be optional during portions of the course.

Physical Requirements:
Wood Badge has a fair amount of strenuous physical activity. If there is any question of your ability to take part, contact the course director before
applying. A BSA annual medical form, #680-001_ABC, dated after November 10, 2023, is required for attendance; it should be submitted by August 27, 2024. (The form will be sent to you after receipt of your application.)

Recognition:
Upon successful completion of the ticket, participants are entitled to receive recognition, which consists of the Wood Badge beads (two wooden beads on a leather thong), a tan neckerchief, a leather woggle (neckerchief slide), and a certificate. The recognition items not only identify a
Scouter who has completed advanced training, but remind the wearer of an ongoing commitment to continued service to Scouting.

Course Details
Conducted By: Greater New York and Greater Hudson Valley Councils, B.S.A.

Location: Alpine Scout Camp, Alpine, NJ

Dates: (Both weekends required.)
8:00 a.m. Friday, September 27 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, September 29 and 8:00 a.m. Saturday, November 9 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, November 10

Cost: The course costs $350, with a special Early Bird rate of $325 if fully paid by July 1. You can hold a place with a deposit of $100,