Won't You Be Our Neighbor at Wood Badge This Summer?

What is Wood Badge?
Wood Badge is an inspiring program that focuses on personal growth and modern leadership skills you can use to strengthen your unit, succeed in your career, and benefit your personal life. It is Scouting America’s most advanced leadership training course. Over five days, you will join a supportive community, practice team-building skills, and develop a personal vision for your role in Scouting. This is an investment in yourself that will pay dividends for years to come in your unit and beyond.

Who is it for?
Wood Badge is for all registered adult volunteers, Cubmasters, Den Leaders, Scoutmasters, Advisors, committee members, and district or council Scouters, who have completed their position-specific training and want to become helpers who can make a greater impact.

Wood Badge is uniquely designed to provide Cub Scout leaders with firsthand experience of the youth-led Scouts BSA program, including transitioning from the Cub Scout Pack to the Scouts BSA Troop and experiencing the patrol method in action, enabling you to better mentor your Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts.

As Mr. Rogers said, "What really matters is helping others win too". At Wood Badge, you will:

• Develop crucial skills in communication, conflict management, and project planning.
• Connect with your fellow Scouting neighbors and build a lasting network of support.
• Learn to create positive change and empower youth in your unit.
• Renew your commitment and find new inspiration for your Scouting journey.
• Have fun!

Course Details:

Dates: June 29, 2026 – July 3, 2026

Location: Rainbow Scout Reservation, 2600 Winterbottom Rd., Morris, IL 60450

Requirements:

• Registered as an adult member of Scouting America.
• Completed Safeguarding Youth Training and all position-specific training for your registered role.
• Capable of functioning safely in an outdoor environment.
• Complete Annual Health and Medical Record Parts A, B, and C.

Cost:

• $50 Deposit due at time of registration, remaining balance due by April 30, 2026.
• $250 for the first 30 to register
• $275 early bird registration rate until April 6, 2026
• $300 for registrations between April 7, 2026 and May 28, 2026
• Registration deadline is May 28, 2026

• A limited number of scholarships are available.
• Employers may be willing to compensate for this training. A letter to employers is available on request.
• Members of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, or Sons of the American Legion may apply for a Wood Badge scholarship with the Illinois American Legion.
• Scholarships are also available for members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and members of the VFW Auxiliary.
• Continuing Education / Professional Development credits may be available. This is a goal for our course.

We believe learning and growing is a lifelong journey, and we're so grateful for the chance to share it with you. Won’t you please be our neighbor?

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help.

Contact:

woodbadgeneighborhood@gmail.com