What Is Wood Badge?
Wood Badge is the premier adult leadership training course offered by the Boy Scouts of America. 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.
The purpose of Wood Badge is to develop skilled leaders who can strengthen Scouting units in achieving the mission of the Boy Scouts of America. 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
Although the course is different today, what Baden-Powell said in 1919 still applies:
“One of the purposes of Wood Badge training is to get Scouters to think about the practice of Scouting, to meet together, to exchange experiences, and to live together in the spirit of the Scout Oath.”
What are the Themes of Wood Badge?
- Living the Values
- Growing
- Connecting
- Guiding
- Empowering
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 five days over two full weekends (all day Friday, Saturday & Sunday for weekend 1, Saturday/Sunday for Weekend 2) at camp.
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.”
Who Should Participate?
Wood Badge is designed for Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scout leaders at the unit level, as well as district and council volunteers and professionals. 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:
- Be a registered adult member of the Boy Scouts of America. (There is no minimum tenure requirement.)
- Have completed the basic position-specific training courses for their Scouting role. Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills is required for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters.
- Complete Parts A, B, and C of the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record form. No exceptions.
A significant portion of the course is spent outside, so you should be comfortable with overnight camping. Of course, if you have any special needs, we will work with you to accommodate them.
Why Should I Attend Wood Badge?
You want to participate in a Wood Badge course because of the things you will learn and do. Here are some of the benefits:
- Stronger Units. You will make your Scouting unit—and your sons’ and daughters’ units—stronger.
- What and why of Scouting. You will have a deeper understanding of what Scouting is and why we do it.
- Experience. You will learn and experience things that will stay with you in Scouting and the rest of your life.
- Fun. You will have fun and you will meet interesting people.
- Other groups. You will make your other groups, like work, church, even family, stronger.
Where and when is the next course in Narragansett Council?
Weekend 1: 28-30 April 2023 at Camp Norse, Kingston, MA.
Weekend 2: 20-21 May 2023 at Camp Yawgoog, Rockville, RI.
Throughout Wood Badge, you’ll master leadership skills, meet new friends, develop a network of resources, challenge yourself in new ways, and have fun!
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