Wood Badge is the pinnacle leadership training course for adult leaders in all of Boy Scouting's program areas. Through hands-on experience and interaction, it teaches skills that are useful in Scouting, work, family and elsewhere. The focus of the course is on leadership, team-building, and fun, not on outdoor skills.

Leaders from every part of the BSA are encouraged to attend Wood Badge - not just Boy Scouting, but Cub Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing, as well as all Council and District leaders. This includes assistant leaders, committee members, and "just parents" in all areas.

What exactly is the Wood Badge course?

The Wood Badge course is broken into two phases: practical and application. The practical phase consists of two three-day weekends of hands-on learning packed with fun activities and new friends. The application phase is a period of eighteen months after the end of the practical phase, in which each participant demonstrates the skills and knowledge they have gained via their "ticket" - a set of individually defined goals specific to that participant’s registered Scouting position. Upon completion of the application phase, the participants graduate from the program and earn their Wood Badge beads - two wooden beads worn on a leather thong around the neck.

A Unique Opportunity

Wood Badge Training offers a unique opportunity for learning and for leadership. Participants live and work together in a team with other Scouters. Participants have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the values and the methods of Scouting through fun and adventure. With other Scouting leaders and an experienced staff setting the example, they try to live Scouting at its best.

Many consider Wood Badge to be a peak experience in their Scouting careers. The experience and memories created over the short period last a lifetime. It has served as a source of training and inspiration to thousands of Scouters, and in their turn, these leaders have positively affected the lives of millions of America’s youth.