What is Wood Badge?

The program is for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing leaders, as well as council and district leaders.

Wood Badge has five central themes:

1. Living the values
   • Values, Mission, and Vision
2. Bringing the Vision to Life
   • Listening to Learn
   • Communicating
   • Inclusiveness
   • Valuing People and Leveraging Diversity
   • Coaching and Mentoring
3. Models for Success
   • Stages of Team Development
   • The Leading EDGE / The Teaching EDGE
4. Tools of the Trade
   • Project Planning
   • Leading Change
   • Decision Making and Problem Solving
   • Managing Conflict
   • Self-Assessment
5. Leading to Make a Difference
   • Leaving a Legacy

Who Is Eligible To Attend Wood Badge?

You may attend Wood Badge if you are registered as an adult in Boy Scouts of America, trained for your position, and medically able to handle the program.

Scouters who attended an earlier version of Wood Badge are welcome to come again, with the understanding that you will participate fully and work your ticket. Talk with a course director about the special requirements for you.

Here are some more details:

Tenure

You do not have to have been a Scout leader for any minimum number of years.

Trained

If you are eligible to wear a "Trained" patch, that meets this requirement.  That means outdoor skills are required for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters, and Varsity coaches, but not for others. If you have questions about this, call the course director or click here to check out What Makes A Trained Adult Leader.

Medical

The course includes some walking around the camp. The second half of the course involves camping out, but it is in the camp, not hiking into the wilderness. If you are medically unable to do it (or it would be unwise), talk to a course director. ALL participants must turn in the BSA "Medical and Health Record" form, which can be downloaded online by clicking here.