Wood Badge for the 21st Century

In 2003, a new curriculum was introduced: Wood Badge for the 21st Century. The course has evolved into the core leadership skills training course for the BSA. The new Wood Badge focuses on strengthening every volunteer's ability to work with and lead groups of youth and adults and is less focused on outdoor skills, which are more effectively addressed in other courses.
The Wood Badge course is separated into two phases: the practical phase and the application phase. Both must be completed before a participant graduates from the program and earns their Wood Badge beads - two wooden beads worn on a leather thong around the neck.
The practical phase of Wood Badge consists of two three-day weekends of hands-on instruction and learning. The purpose of this phase is to demonstrate the aims and methods of Scouting. The course is a multi-faceted presentation of leadership skills, organizational tools, and participatory activities based on Scouting tradition. During this phase, participants will be formed into groups with which they will participate in all activities together, including camping, cooking meals, and team-building games.
The application phase of Wood Badge is a period of six to eighteen months after the practical portion is completed. In this period, the participant practices and demonstrates the skills and knowledge gained during the practical portion. This application is accomplished via the participant’s "ticket" - a list of individually set goals specific to each participant's registered position. Throughout this phase each participant is given a counselor who will serve as a resource, evaluator, and friend through which to accomplish their ticket.

Course Objectives

  • To enable you to view Scouting globally, as a family of interrelated, values-based programs that provide age-appropriate activities.
  • To help you recognize contemporary leadership concepts that apply to our values-based movement.
  • To apply the skills learned as a member of a successful working team.
  • To revitalize your commitment to Scouting by sharing in an overall inspirational experience.

Central Themes

Wood Badge for the 21st Century encompasses five themes, with the supporting content in each theme giving the participant the contemporary leadership models for today's leaders.
  • Living the Values
    • Values, mission, and vision
    • Aims and methods
  • Bringing the Vision to Life
    • Listening to learn
    • Communicating
    • Giving and receiving feedback
    • Valuing people and leveraging diversity
    • Coaching and mentoring
  • Models for Success
    • Team development model
    • Situational Leadership
  • Tools of the Trade
    • Project planning and problem solving
    • Managing conflict
    • Assessing team performance
    • Managing change
    • Celebrating team success
  • Leading to Make a Difference
    • Leaving a legacy
    • Learning the greatest leadership secret