Updated info: 2025 Course!
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Wood Badge 2025
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WOOD BADGE: THE BSA’S BEST LEADERSHIP TRAINING

AUGUST 23-24-25 AT CAMP SEQUASSEN AND SEPTEMBER 21-22 AT HOYT SCOUT RESERVATION

What is Wood Badge?

Simply stated, Wood Badge is advanced leadership training for adult scout leaders.

Baden-Powell took the first steps in training Scouting’s adult leaders by organizing a series of lectures. The first Wood Badge training was held in 1919 at Gilwell Park, near London. Since then, Wood Badge has continued to evolve to meet Scouting’s needs. Wood Badge focuses on preparing adult leaders to deliver the mission of Scouting.

By attending this Wood Badge training program, you will:

  • Learn contemporary leadership concepts and discover how these apply to our value-based program
  • Understand Scouting as a family of interrelated programs providing age appropriate activities for youth
  • Revitalize your commitment to Scouting, sharing in an inspirational experience

What others are saying:

“The staff is very upbeat and is united in purpose. Not very often in the real world do you have so many individuals in one place who really want to help others without secondary gain. This was refreshing.” – Steve Cousins, N2-72-17 Participant

“Compelling, creative program and excellent delivery” – Jacob Cedusky, N2-72-17 Participant

“I had no idea how much of the stuff I needed to learn to run my troop in a fun and better way was included in this course. It was exactly what I needed as a Scoutmaster, and I wish I had this knowledge two years ago.” – Thane Grauel, N2-72-17 Participant

Wood Badge Themes:

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

Wood Badge Presentation:

Wood Badge is presented in two phases. The first part of the program is the practical phase. This consists of five days over two weekends at camp (all day Friday, Saturday & Sunday of the first weekend, and all day Saturday and Sunday of the second weekend). The second part of the program, the application phase, occurs after the completion of the two weekends and consists of applying the skills you learn at Wood Badge to your position in Scouting. This phase is also referred to as “working your ticket.”

What is a Ticket?

The primary purpose of the Wood Badge experience is to strengthen Scouting in our units, districts, and local councils.  During the course, the Wood Badge Staff will help you set some personal goals, things you would like to accomplish in your Pack, Troop, Crew, Ship, or your District. These goals are referred to as the Wood Badge “Ticket”. The Ticket represents your commitment to complete a set of five personal goals, which you establish, related to your Scouting position. These goals should be designed to significantly strengthen the Scouting program in which you are involved. In addition, the Ticket gives you an opportunity to practice and demonstrate the leadership skills presented during the Wood Badge course. Many participants set Ticket goals that can be completed in 6 to 12 months, but you must complete your Wood Badge Ticket goals no later than 18 months after the course ends. All Ticket goals are developed with this time limit in mind.

How are Scouters Recognized?

Upon completion of your Wood Badge Ticket (your five goals), you will be presented with the Wood Badge Training Award: neckerchief, woggle, beads, and Wood Badge certificate at an appropriate ceremony.

Many Scouters consider Wood Badge to be one of the highlights of their Scouting careers. Wood Badge has served as a source of training and inspiration to thousands of Scout leaders. In return, Wood Badge participants have positively influenced the lives of countless numbers of America’s youth.

Who Should Participate?

Wood Badge is designed for Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts and Exploring Leaders at the unit level, as well as district and council leaders. The course content and leadership principles introduced during the course apply to Scouters in all leadership positions. These skills provide a common leadership foundation that is beneficial for all program areas. To attend a Wood Badge course, you must:

  • Be a registered adult member of the Boy Scouts of America. (There is no minimum tenure requirement.)
  • All adult leaders must complete Leader Specific Training for their primary registered position. Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills is required for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters.
  • Successful completion of the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record is required for all participants (parts A, B and C). No exceptions.

What are the Dates and Location of the Course?

The first weekend in 2024 is August 23-24-25 at Camp Sequassen; the second weekend is September 21-22 at Hoyt Scout Reservation. The first weekend begins 7:30 AM on Friday morning; the second weekend session begins at 7:30 AM on Saturday morning; both weekends end around 4:30 PM on Sunday. Participation and attendance at both weekends, a total of five full days, is required for the successful completion of the Wood Badge course.

When is the deadline for registration?

For the Staff to be prepared for the appropriate number of participants, registrations should be received at the Council Resource Center in Milford:

  • Before March 1st, the Early Bird fee is $279
  • Between March 1st and April 30, the Regular fee is $330
  • Between May 1st and August 22, the fee is $360
  • Anyone requesting a Scholarship to cover Wood Badge course fees should submit their application for the course and a Scholarship Application ASAP.
  • AND…any participant who invites and registers a friend to Wood Badge will earn a $10.00 credit for themselves and the friend towards purchases at the Wood Badge Trading Post, which offers snacks and Wood Badge paraphernalia during both weekends of the course

Where Can We Get More Information?

For information on the 2024 course, contact: