Wood Badge is BSA’s premier leadership training program that was started in 1919 by Lord Baden-Powell, founder of Scouting and Wood Badge’s first Course Director. This program came to America in 1948 and is continually adapted to reflect current BSA policies and best practices for leadership development, and utilizes the best training techniques available.

Reflecting the best of nearly 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.

I highly recommend taking Wood Badge and taking is earlier in your Scouting career, rather than later.
-Chas Clifton, Port Neches, TX

Wood Badge opened my eyes to the vast diversity within Scouting and how Scouting helps all people.
-Carson Holmes, Garland, TX

Through Wood Badge, my unit became more youth focused and youth led.
-Jim Grossman, Chesterfield, MO

Purpose of Wood Badge

The purpose of Wood Badge is to develop skilled leaders who can strengthen Scouting units in achieving the mission of the Boy Scouts of America.

When we accomplish the mission of Scouting, we do it in the units. Therefore, the short form of the purpose is, the purpose of Wood Badge is to strengthen units.

Although the course is different today, what Baden-Powell said in 1919 still applies:

One of the purposes of Wood Badge training is to get Scouters to think about the practice of Scouting, to meet together, to exchange experiences, and to live together in the spirit of the Scout Oath.

Why Attend?

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, the participants will internalize the 5 themes of Wood Badge: Living the Values, Growing, Connecting, Guiding, Empowering.

Course Details

Wood Badge consists of two parts:

• The course begins with five full days of group training held over two weekends
  • The first weekend is Friday through Sunday, April 22-24, 2022, and will be held at Camp Ware, Horseshoe Scout Reservation.
  • The second is Saturday and Sunday, May 21-22, 2022, and will be held at Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation.
• The second part of the course requires participants to apply the skills they learned by completing a five-part plan (called a “ticket”) over the following 18 months, leading towards the individual participant’s vision of a better Scouting future.

Costs and Contact

2022 Course Dates: April 22-24, 2022 and May 21-22, 2022

Early Discount Cost: $295.00 (by January 15, 2022)
Regular Cost: $325.00 (starting January 16, 2022)

Course Director: Terry Troutman