What is Wood Badge?

Wood Badge is Scouting's premier training course. Baden-Powell designed it so Scouters could learn, in as practical a way possible, the aims and methods of Scouting. It is first and foremost, learning by doing, using the patrol method.

Wood Badge for the 21st Century is leadership training for all scout leaders including Cub Scouters, Boy Scouters, Varsity Scouters and Venturing Advisors along with all levels of BSA professional staff. This course draws on the leadership skills developed by the Boy Scouts of America as well as on current leadership and team development models used by major corporations. As a participant in this course, you will learn and develop leadership skills that will enhance your ability to “Deliver the Promise” of scouting to your youth membership by learning about:

  • Living the Values
  • Bringing the vision to life
  • Models for Success
  • Tools of the Trade
  • Leading the Make a Difference

Wood Badge consists of two phases. The first is the practical phase. This consists of two full weekends at camp plus a patrol meeting between the weekends. The second, or application phase, occurs after the weekends and consists of “working your ticket”. In the Application Phase, participants will use the leadership skills that were learned and developed during the Practical Phase. Each scouter will work with a Troop Guide to help them successfully accomplish the goals that they developed within a 6 to 18 month time period.

Wood Badge participants who successfully complete their “ticket” will be presented the distinctive neckerchief with the MacLaren tartan, a leather slide called a woggle, and two small wooden beads on a leather thong – your Wood Badge. Lord Baden-Powellgave each of the original Wood Badge participants one of the beads, which he had captured from the African chieftain Dinizulu. Thus did the course name develop, for its symbol was literally a badge of wood.

Wood Badge History

In 1911, Baden-Powell took the first steps in training Scouting’s adult leaders by organizing a series of lectures for scouters. He improved the program in the years that followed and, in 1919, established the Wood Badge training course. Wood Badge recipients now number in the hundreds of thousands and can be found in all corners of the world.

Wood Badge in the United States

In 1936, an experimental Wood Badge course was conducted in the United States at the SchiffScout Reservation. Then, in 1948, the first American Wood Badge course was introduced inthe United States as advanced training for trainers of Boy Scout leaders. Later, theprogram was extended to include troop committee members, commissioners, andExplorer leaders.

Experiments began in the late 1960s with a leadership development Wood Badge course emphasizing 11 leadership skills or “competencies.” This program was launched in 1972 in support of a major revision of theBoy Scout phase of the program. In 1978, an evaluation of the Boy Scout Leader Wood Badge course revealed a need for greater emphasis on the practical aspects of good troop operation. The result was the development of a course that would provide a blend of Scoutcraft skills and practical troop operation, mixed with a variety of

leadership exercises.

In 2001, the new Wood Badge for the 21st Century was introduced. It was developed for all Scouters: Cub Scout leaders, Boy Scout leaders, Venturing leaders, and council and district leaders. The focus is on leadership skills,not outdoor skills. The first part of the new Wood Badge course reflects unit meetings, while the second part of the course uses a troop camping activity as its delivery model.

Why Should I Go?

Wood Badge provides participants with practical tools to fulfill the aims and methods of the Scouting program. The quality of the scouting experience for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts and Venturers depends on the skills, knowledge, and commitment of those adult leaders who have given their time and energy to the Scouting movement.

Wood Badge offers, in two three-day sessions, an immersion in the theory, practice, and experience of effective skills for leading others within Scouting and in many environments beyond the BSA. Like many intense training experiences, it guides participants through learning activities where they work together, organize, and develop an enthusiasm and team spirit to accomplish the tasks and challenges placed before them.

The Objectives of Wood Badge

Wood Badge has four specific objectives. As a result of attending Wood Badge, participants will be able to:

  • Acquire a global view of Scouting as a family of interrelated values-based programs providing age-appropriate activities for youth.
  • Become familiar with contemporary team leadership concepts.
  • Experience the stages of team development and practice leadership approaches for those stages.
  • Have a great deal of fun in the company of like-minded individuals.
  • Develop a renewed commitment to provide Scouting with the best possible leadership it needs to accomplish its mission on an ongoing basis.

What Will I Learn?

Leadership skills, and how to apply them in Scouting and in life. The course covers team building, listening and communicating, project management, how to manage change, conflict management and resolution, coaching and mentoring, and evaluating.

In addition to classroom instruction, there are a variety of fun projects and games that will allow you to practice the skills you will be learning.

Finally, Wood Badge is the embodiment of Scouting spirit. Carried out in context of Scouting ideals and service to young people, the course brings out a deep dedication and spirit of brotherhood and fellowship in most participants. Associations and friendships made during the course often last a lifetime.

Wood Badge Course Overview:

Wood Badge for the 21st century may be delivered to all Scout leaders. It has been developed for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing leaders, as well as council and district leaders. Its focus is on leadership, not out-of-door skills. The following information is designed to provide you with key information and to help your council roll out the new course

Course Delivery:

The first part of Wood Badge course reflects unit meetings, while the second part of the course uses a unit camping activity as its delivery model.During Wood Badge, the model Boy Scout troop will serve as a laboratory for training purposes. This is done for a couple of reasons:

  • The Boy Scout troop simulation provides a good framework in which to practice the leadership skills introduced in the course.
  • Boy Scouting provides a natural bridge between the various programs in Scouting, and leaders should understand the importance of transition.

What is a Wood Badge Ticket?

During the years preceding Scouting, British soldiers who were stationed overseas had to earn their passage, or ticket, home after their term of service was complete.

A Wood Badge ticket is a contract between you and a member of the staff usually referred to as a Troop Guide or Ticket Counselor. This contract is your commitment to practice using the Leadership Skills taught at Wood Badge in the performance of your Scouting job.

When is Wood Badge?

The course will be held May 30 – June 1, and June 13 – 15.

Where will Wood Badge be held?

The course will take place at Camp Carlquist near Eagle River outside Anchorage.

How much does Wood Badge cost?

The course is $250, which includes Wood Badge publications, materials, meals for six days and other related supplies.

Why is Wood Badge so expensive? Isn’t a Scout supposed to be thrifty?

Being thrifty is exactly why you SHOULD take Wood Badge this Spring If you were to take seminars covering the same subjects, it would cost you thousands of dollars! Compare theseprices with a popular training company:

Course / Pryor Seminars® / Wood Badge
Course Title / Total: $1,600 over 9 days / Total: $250 over 6 days
Conflict Management / $150 / Included
Managing Multiple Priorities / $150 / Included
Leadership (2 day seminar) / $400 / Included
Ethical Leadership / $200 / Included
Project Management / $200 / Included
Coaching and Mentoring / $150 / Included
Communication / $150 / Included
Diversity / $200 / Included

Meals are included at Wood Badge and you spend six days and four nights at scenic Camp Carlquist on Edmonds Lake. The feecovers all your training materials, licensing fees for the course, plus your neckerchief, woggle and beads when you complete your ticket. Realistically speaking, WoodBadge could be the best investment you make in your Scouting and professional career. Your chartering organization may be willing to fund your Wood Badge experience. Your employer may be willing to help pay for a portion or all of your Wood Badge training. If you need helpconvincing the boss, visit the Wood Badge page at the Great Alaska Council web site ( ), download the “Letter to Employer,” and provide it to your employer. Many Wood Badge participants in previous courses have had their course fees paid by their employers, including state and municipal agencies.

Who May Attend Wood Badge?

Wood Badge for the 21st Century is open to all adult leaders who have completed the basic training requirement for their primary registered position. Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity, and Venturing leaders will benefit equally from attendance.