From Eden to Elmira, our council has expanded. We have yet to meet so many new members of our Scouting family!

We invite you to expand your Scouting family by taking Wood Badge 2026. 

Wood Badge is a hands-on training experience that develops you as a leader and welcomes you into a community of servant leaders committed to sustaining Scouting. I am proud to be one of them.

But John, you say, time is precious. Yes, we are asking for a three-day weekend in April and a two-day weekend in May.

To meet the best friends you never knew you had. To find a community of people who are truly passionate about Scouting.

To reinvigorate your Scouting journey and find support, wisdom, friendship, and more!

Do you need to recruit more leaders? Train the ones you have?

Do you need your Scouting youth to take on a greater leadership role in Scouting?

Do you need to engage and recruit more volunteers?

Wood Badge can show you how. 

Wood Badge leads to the highest quality units, which drives engagement, retention, advancement, and recruitment all over again.

In short, fully-trained leaders are the most successful. Wood Badge delivers the leadership training that makes units possible!

But John, you say, $350 is a lot of money.

Yes, and we have scholarships! We recommend that your unit contribute if possible, since your unit will benefit! We even have a letter for companies to explain the value of Wood Badge. We are asking you to make an investment in yourself, your unit, and in the future in Scouting by joining us!

But John, you say, I don't have the right background.

Minimum years? NO! Prior Scouting experience? NO! 

Requirements? Here they are, ready? (1) register as a Scouting America member (2), be 18 years old or older, (3) complete the basic position-specific training for your role, and (4) submit a BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A, B, C). 

We've been calling, but here's a chance to put you in control: pick one or more of the following zoom sessions to learn more from our staff:

Wednesday 3/18/26 7-8pm Fact vs. Myths of Wood Badge as a Q&A with Jim Eick Assistant SPL and John Rutigliano, SPL. Jim has over a decade of NYLT experience and shows how Wood Badge for adults and NYLT for youth makes a great combination.

Monday 3/23/26 7-8pm Q&A with Jennifer Pedicone and John Rutigliano. Here's your last chance to get early bird pricing and answer any last-minute questions! Ask us anything! 

Please email us to set up a call! We can't wait to welcome you!

Topic: Fact vs Myths of Wood Badge

Time: Mar 18, 2026 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81782852128?pwd=nZvSWnySWQC6kbN9erOU6YNjadLcMO.1

Meeting ID: 817 8285 2128

Passcode: 475289

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