Wood Badge

Course Invitation	Course Application	Wood Badge FAQs	More Information
Wood Badge Participant Resources
Register online for Wood Badge 2013

Handouts from 2012 Course

(Song Book, Staff Guide, Interfaith Service, Ticket Workbooks

Calendar of Upcoming Beading Ceremonies
 

2013 Wood Badge Course

(Course Number N2-72-13)

August 23 - 24 - 25 and September 27 - 28 - 29

What is Wood Badge?

Simply stated, Wood Badge is advanced leadership training.

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 adults to deliver the mission of Scouting. As a result of attending Wood Badge training you will:

• Learn contemporary leadership concepts and discover how these apply to our 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?

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

How is Wood Badge Presented?

Wood Badge is presented in 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 two patrol meetings between the weekends. The second part of the program, the application phase, occurs after the 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 unit or 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 complete their tickets in 6 to 12 months, but you must complete your Wood Badge ticket no later than 18 months after the course ends. All tickets are developed with this time limit in mind.

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: neckerchief, woggle, beads, and Wood Badge certificate 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 of Scout leaders. In return, Wood Badge participants have positively influenced the lives of millions of America's youth.

Who Should Participate?

Wood Badge 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 2013 course location is Camp Pomperaug. Each weekend session begins 7:30 AM on Friday morning and ends 4:30 PM on Sunday.  The first weekend in 2013 is August 23-24-25, and the second weekend is September -27-28-29. Participation and attendance at both weekends, a total of six full days, is required for the successful completion of the Wood Badge course.

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. For information on the 2013 course, contact the Course Director, Caroline Griffin, at twinsand@snet.net or the Staff Adviser, Tony Vogl, at tony.vogl@scouting.org or (203) 876-6868, ext. 259.

For questions about the 2012 course please contact the Course Director, John Neary, at jneary42@sbcglobal.net.

For questions about the 2011 course, please contact the Course Director, Jay Lubin, at woodbadge2011@gmail.com or 203-431-7735 (home)

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 Baden-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