What is it?

Wood Badge is an advanced, national leadership course open to leaders from all areas of Scouting. Wood Badge draws upon the most current leadership models used by corporate America, academic circles and organizations throughout the country.

Purpose of Wood Badge

The purpose of Wood Badge is to develop skilled leaders who can strengthen Scouting units in achieving the mission of Scouting America.

Wood Badge-trained leaders are committed to the organization we serve, Scouting America, and to the organization's mission, vision, and values. We are committed to developing ourselves and others to become better people as well as better leaders. We recognize the power of our personal example and tremendous impact such a role model can have on others -- those we lead as well as on those we serve in Scouting and in the entire community.

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 will you do and learn at Wood Badge?

1. Examine your own leadership skills by recognizing your own strengths.
2. Practice and improve your leadership skills.
3. Communicate effectively and build relationships and teams.
4. Guide youth and other adults in the development of their leadership skills.
5. Strengthen your commitment living and teaching the Scout Oath and Law.

Why do you want to go?

You want to participate in a Wood Badge course because of 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.
• Understanding Scouting. You will have a deeper understanding of what Scouting is and why we do it.
• Self-development. You will examine and grow your own leadership skills.
• 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.

Courses Available

• Wood Badge 148 - Camp Wisdom 
  February 6-8, 2026 and February 21-22, 2026
  Register Now!
  
  
• Wood Badge 149 - Philmont Scout Ranch 
  August 2-8, 2026
  Register Now!

• Wood Badge 150 - Trevor Rees-Jones Scout Camp 
  October 23-25, 2026 and November 7-8, 2026
  Register Now!

FAQS

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