Wood Badge

Course Invitation

Course Application

Wood Badge FAQs

More Information

>> Participant Resources (new 07/01/2009) <<

August 28 - 29 - 30 and October 2 - 3 - 4, 2009

Camp Sequassen

Wood Badge Course NE-II-188

 

What is Wood Badge?

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 for the 21st Century focuses on preparing adults to deliver the mission of Scouting. As a result of attending Wood Badge training you will:

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

What are the Themes of Wood Badge for the 21st Century?

• Living the Values
• Building the Vision to Life
• Models for Success
• Tools of the Trade
• Leading to Make a Difference

How is Wood Badge Presented?

Wood Badge consists of two phases. The first part of the program is the practical phase. This consists of six days over two full weekends (all day Friday, Saturday & Sunday) at camp plus one or two mid-week patrol meetings between the weekends. The second part of the program, the application phase, occurs after the weekends and consists of “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. The Wood Badge “Ticket” represents your commitment to complete a set of five personal goals, which you establish, related to your Scouting position. These goals will significantly strengthen the program in which you are involved. In addition, the ticket gives you an opportunity to practice and demonstrate a working knowledge of the leadership skills presented during the course. You should complete your Wood Badge ticket no later than 18 months after the course. Many participants complete their own tickets in 6 to 12 months.

How are Scouters Recognized?

Upon completion of your Wood Badge ticket (your five goals), as certified by  your Troop Guide, you will be presented with the Wood Badge Training Award: Wood Badge certificate, neckerchief, woggle, and beads at an appropriate ceremony. Click here for more details. Many Scouters consider Wood Badge to be one of the highlights of their Scouting careers. It has served as a source of training and inspiration to thousands. In return, Wood Badge participants have positively influenced the lives of millions of America's youth.

Who Should Participate?

Wood Badge for the 21st Century is designed for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturing, Sea Scout, and Varsity Leaders at the unit level, as well as District and Council Leaders. The course content and leadership principles introduced apply to Scouters in all leadership positions. These skills provide common a leadership foundation that is beneficial for all program areas. To attend a Wood Badge course, you must:

What’s the Date and Location of the Course?

The course location is Camp Sequassen. Each weekend session begins early on Friday morning and ends late afternoon on Sunday. For 2009, the first weekend is August 28-29-30, and the second weekend is October 2-3-4.

In 2010, the first weekend is August 27-28-29, and the second weekend is September 24-25-26.

Where Can We Get More Information?

We've developed a series of FAQs (frequently asked questions). Please look through them first.

Additional information can be found at the Connecticut Yankee Council Service Center in Milford. You can also contact  the 2009 Course Director, Ray Moncevicius, at cycwoodbadge@gmail.com, or John Ralbovsky, Staff Adviser, at 203-876-6868, ext. 236 or john.ralbovsky@scouting.org.

Important Downloads

• Wood Badge Invitation Flyer (PDF)
• Wood Badge Course Application (PDF)
• Wood Badge Course Frequently Asked Questions
• "Dear Employer" Letter About Wood Badge (PDF) also in DOC format

Scholarship Opportunities

• Connecticut Yankee Council Wood Badge Scholarship Application
• AFL-CIO Wood Badge Scholarship Application
• VFW Wood Badge Scholarship Application

Wood Badge Links of Interest

• Short Biography of Lord Laden-Powell (PDF)
• Another Short Biography of Lord Laden-Powell
• The Origins of Wood Badge (PDF)
• The Origins of Wood Badge
• The Origins of the Woggle (PDF)
• A Brief History of Wood Badge
• A Detailed History of Wood Badge
• A History of Wood Badge in the United States [BSA Publication] (PDF)
• A History of Wood Badge in the United States - Appendix - [BSA Publication] (PDF)
• Patrol Colors and Patrol Patch History
• Wood Badge Course History
• After the Wood Badge Course is Over