What is Wood Badge Training?

Wood Badge is Scouting's premier training course for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing Leaders, as well as council and district leaders.  The primary purpose of the Wood Badge experience is to strengthen Scouting in packs, troops, crews, districts, and the council.

Wood Badge was originally presented by Lord Baden-Powell as a means of strengthening and preserving the Scouting movement throughout the world.  Since its inauguration in the United States in 1948, thousands of Scouters have participated in Wood Badge and have considered it a mountaintop experience in their Scouting Careers. Today, Wood Badge Courses provide advanced leadership development for all Scouting programs; Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Venture.  The objective of Wood Badge is to demonstrate in a practical way the “aims and methods” of Scouting and to develop Scout spirit through a program of activities. You will live Scouting and be exposed to the application of leadership and Scouting skills as they are applied in the development of leaders and youth.

There are two parts to Wood Badge in the Boy Scouts of America: the practical course and the application period.

The Practical Course
The object of the Wood Badge course is to provide an opportunity for Scouters to learn the aims, skills, and methods of Scouting in as practical a way as possible.  It is, first and foremost, learning by doing.

This is a two weekend or week long (6 days) outdoor experience where you will live Scouting. Those participating are exposed to the application of leadership and Scouting Skills as they are applied in the development of Scouts and Scouters.  Through living in a Scouting atmosphere for this period of time, you develop a scouting spirit and zeal for the program that motivates you to do a better job in the Scouting task you have accepted.

The uniqueness of Scouting is the patrol method where six or eight boys elect their own leaders, then plan and carry out many of their own activities. This is where young men learn the give and take of working with people, which they must do all their lives. Here, too, they are given leadership and learning opportunities that prepare them for their future roles as citizens. That is why Wood Badge training follows the patrol method precisely.

The Application Period
A maximum of eighteen months is allowed between the practical experience and the final certification. During this period the Scouter applies what they have learned and are evaluated on their performance. Through the period of application each person is assigned a ticket counselor who acts as a resource evaluator and a Scouting friend.

Uniforms
The Wood badge course is a uniformed activity. The uniform you wear will be the official Class “A” field uniform for your registered Scouting position and will include shirt, pants (or shorts), belt, and socks. A course hat will be provided. More information regarding uniform and equipment needs will be reviewed at the Course Pack meeting

Medicals
While wood badge is not a survival course, you will be outdoors with lots of exercise and activity.

You must have a current Annual BSA Health and BSA Physical Form (new 2009)completed prior to the course.

Tax Deductions
Participants are authorized to include in their federal income tax deductions the cost of uniforms, transportation, and the course fee. Meal costs away from home overnight are also deductible.

A Question of Money?
Some dedicated Scouters may find the financial obligation of this training experience to be a true burden. Help is available through several areas. Be sure to check for this support from your unit committee, sponsoring organization, or even your employer. Do not let this keep you from attending.

Who May Attend
You are invited to attend Wood Badge if you are at least 18 years of age and are a registered Scout leader.  This includes Men and Women Scouters in a Pack, Troop, Crew, Team, District or Council position that have completed the basic training courses: "This is Scouting" (replaced New Leader Essentials in 2009) and Position Specific for your scouting position in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Venture Scouting.