Wood Badge is the Boy Scouts of America's ultimate leadership training designed to meet the advanced leadership needs of Scouters in all aspects of the BSA, whether unit, district, or council level – from assistant den leaders to Scoutmasters, from Cubmasters to Venturing Advisors, from committee members to commissioners. It is a fun, energetic, and inspiring course guaranteed to infuse your unit with fun and meaning – all designed to fulfill the mission of the BSA, and ensure our youth are getting everything they are promised from the program.
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. Participants can expect to develop skills in many areas, including leadership theory, team building, problem-solving, communication, project planning, and more. These skills can be taken back to packs, troops, crews, and ships to help leaders guide youth in dynamic Scouting programs. Scouters will find these skills invaluable in their business and personal lives as well.
Wood Badge consists of two parts:
- The course begins with five full days of group training usually held over two weekends - the first weekend is Friday through Sunday, and the second is Saturday and Sunday.
- The second part of the course requires participants to apply the skills they learned by completing a five-part plan (aka., ticket) over the following 18 months, leading towards the individual participant’s vision of a better Scouting future.
Requirements for attending Wood Badge:
Be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America and age 18 or older.- Have completed the basic position-specific training courses for your Scouting role.
- Be capable of functioning safely in an outdoor environment. All participants are required to complete the Annual Health and Medical Record. Parts A, B, and C are required including the physical.
Individuals who have attended Wood Badge, a different version of Wood Badge training, or who did not complete the course may attend Wood Badge provided that (1) they agree to write and work a Wood Badge ticket; and (2) they agree not to wear Wood Badge beads while they are attending the course.
Registration
The registration fee is $300 for courses during 2023, unfortunately the fee increases to $325 for courses during 2024. This fee covers meals and training materials. A minimum (non-refundable) deposit (25%) is due with registration, and then full payment is due 45 days before the start of the course. Wood Badge courses are limited to 48 participants. Per national guidelines, any course not having 30 fully paid participants 30 days prior to the start of the course is subject to cancellation. Payment is made online with a credit card or electronic check. (Finance Assistance Request; Council Refund Policy)
Course
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Dates
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Participant Registration
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Jacket Order
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| 24-1 |
Weekend 1: March 22-24, 2024 (begins Friday at 7 am, ends Sunday at 5:15 pm), and
Weekend 2: April 6-7, 2024 (begins Saturday at 7:30 am, ends Sunday at 4:20 pm) |
Register |
Order Jacket |
| 24-2 |
Weekend 1: October 11-13, 2024 (begins Friday at 7 am, ends Sunday at 5:15 pm), and
Weekend 2: October 26-27, 2024 (begins Saturday at 7:30 am, ends Sunday at 4:20 pm) |
Register |
Order Jacket |
Course Format
The course is held over two weekends at Camp Strake (2020 Camp Strake Rd., Coldspring, TX 77331). Both weekends are camping activities where the participants provide their own tent and other personal camping equipment. During the first weekend, all meals are provided. During the second weekend, participants cook their own meals with food and cooking gear provided by the Wood Badge patrols (participants).
Wood Badge Fleece Jacket
Purchase a special keepsake to preserve the amazing Wood Badge experience and wear it proudly! Current and past participants of Wood Badge may order a jacket. Jackets are black, 100% spun soft polyester fleece (non-pill finish surface) with front-zip pockets. The lightweight jacket is comfortable and highly breathable. The Wood Badge logo is embroidered on the left-front side of the jacket; the logo is not course-specific. Jackets ordered by participants and staff members on an upcoming course (prior to the deadline) will pick up their jacket during the course. Jackets ordered by customers who are not participating in an upcoming course (e.g., previous course participants) will receive their jacket through the mail (for an additional charge).
Jacket orders are placed twice per year, about January 1 each year, prior to the spring course, and about August 15 each year, prior to the fall course.
The next jacket order will be placed on January 3, 2024.
Order a Jacket
Wood Badge Staff
The Wood Badge course staff members contribute to the growth of each participant, the strength of all the participants' units, and the improvement of all those units' communities. The staff members, therefore, make a big difference in the lives of many people. Staff members also benefit directly by growing in leadership and in an understanding of Scouting. Staffers make new friends -- serving together on Wood Badge creates a deep bond. Moreover, the Wood Badge program is very rich, so every time you staff, you learn more about what it offers. If you are interested in serving on Wood Badge staff, please complete an application.
Wood Badge Staff Application