🎯 About the Course
What is the purpose of Wood Badge?
The mission of Wood Badge is to develop skilled, confident leaders who can strengthen Scouting units and help Scouting America deliver on its mission to prepare young people for life.
What is Wood Badge?
Wood Badge is an advanced, immersive leadership course focused on small-group dynamics, communication, team building, and strategic planning. While the course features hands-on activities, presentations, and games, every element is designed with a clear purpose.
After the course weekend(s), participants complete a personal goal set called a “ticket.” Working your ticket allows you to apply what you’ve learned directly to your home unit, district, or council—while also building leadership skills you can use in your career, community, and personal life.
Who is Wood Badge for?
Wood Badge is not just for Troop leaders! It is designed for adult volunteers across all Scouting programs:
Cub Scouting
Scouts BSA
Venturing
Sea Scouting
District and Council Leaders
Attending Wood Badge helps you understand how all Scouting America programs interlock and equips you with practical tools to provide youth with the best possible Scouting experience.
What are the main benefits of attending?
Stronger Units: You will bring back actionable skills that improve your local unit and elevate youth engagement.
Deeper Understanding: Discover the “why” behind Scouting’s methods and philosophy.
Practical Experience: Gain real-world leadership and project-management insights that stick with you for life.
Networking & Fun: Build lasting friendships and network with passionate Scouters across the region.
📋 Eligibility & Requirements
Who may attend Wood Badge?
To participate in Wood Badge, leaders must:
Be a registered adult member of Scouting America (Youth leaders aged 18–20 may attend provided appropriate Safeguarding Youth Protection guidelines are followed).
Have completed the Basic Training courses for their current Scouting position.
Be capable of functioning safely in an outdoor camp environment.
Complete and submit a current Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A, B, and C).
Are there specific training prerequisites?
Yes. Prior to the start of the course, you must have completed:
Safeguarding Youth Protection Training (SYT)
Position-Specific Basic Training for your current role.
For Scouts BSA Leaders: Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) is required. Leaders in other programs are encouraged (but not required) to take outdoor training appropriate for their position.
What uniform do I need?
Participants wear the full Scouting America Field Uniform for their current leadership position (official shirt with proper insignia/patches, Scout pants/shorts, Scout belt, and Scout socks).
A course-specific t-shirt and cap will be provided as part of your course materials. Additional course apparel may be available for purchase prior to or during the course.
Camp Logistics & Accommodations
Where and when is the next course held?
Location: Hosted in partnership with Patriot’s Path Council at local council camp facilities using both indoor training spaces and outdoor campsite areas.
Please refer to the Council Calendar for dates
Where will I sleep?
Participants sleep in tents on-site at camp to foster team building and the outdoor Scouting experience. Modern restroom and hot shower facilities are readily accessible throughout the course.
How are meals handled?
All meals, snacks, and beverages are included in your course fee. Meals are either served family-style or provided as ingredients for your patrol to prepare together as part of team-building exercises.
What if I have special dietary needs?
We accommodate health-related, allergy, and religious dietary needs whenever possible. You will receive a Personal Resource Questionnaire several months before the course where you can detail any dietary restrictions or medical needs.
What gear should I bring?
A comprehensive packing list will be provided upon registration. You will likely already own or be able to easily borrow most required gear (tent, sleeping bag, personal clothing, etc.).
Registration, Cost & Refunds
What is the cost of Wood Badge?
Course fees are set to cover all training materials, meals, facility usage, course apparel, and recognition items while maintaining an accessible rate for volunteers. (See the Registration Page for current pricing details.)
What is the refund policy?
Deposit: A $100 non-refundable deposit is required at registration to cover pre-course materials and supplies.
Cancellations: If you need to cancel your registration, please notify the Course Director or Staff Adviser prior to March 1.
Refund Method: Approved refunds are issued as CW Account Credits (no cash/credit card refunds).
Late Cancellations: If your vacated spot is filled by a new participant prior to the course, the balance of your deposit may be credited following the completion of the course.
Have More Questions?
We are here to help you take the next step in your leadership journey! Reach out to our course leadership team:
- David McIntyre – Wood Badge 2027 Course Director
- Shannon Pullaro – Council Training Chair
