Purpose and Program

Wood Badge was originally presented by Lord Baden-Powell in 1919 as a means of strengthening and preserving the Scout movement in each country throughout the world. Wood Badge came to the United States in 1938 as a Boy Scout Leaders only, Leadership Development course.

Today in the United States, Wood Badge combines a leadership development program with the opportunity to sharpen personal outdoor/camping skills, open to all Scout Leaders who meet minimum requirements. The leadership skills one learns in Wood Badge are not only applicable to Scouting, but also to the growth of the individual and the roles in life they fill, professionally and at home.

To the Scout Leader, Wood Badge often makes the difference between offering a mere form of entertainment — or providing a program which will have a profound influence on the lives of boys and girls.

To all Scouters, the Wood Badge experience teaches those skills of leadership and management that enable us to become truly effective in our work with others. 

Contact 2010 Course Director Tom Duffy for more information.

How a Scouter Qualifies

There are two parts m the Wood Badge program — the practical phase and the application phase. Both must be completed prior to the final recognition.

Practical Phase

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The practical phase of Wood Badge Training is a six-day experience consisting of living the Scouting program as a member of a Cub Scout Den, Boy Scout Patrol, and/or Venture Group. Those participating are exposed to the application of leadership skills, outdoor experiences, and team building in all Scouting experiences as they are applied to both adults and youth members. Courses taught are based upon the best practices of today’s business world. Communications, Conflict Management, and Time Management skills are taught and experienced. Through living in the Scouting atmosphere for this extended period of time, participants develop a great Scouting spirit and zeal for the Scouting program. 

Application Phase

Here, you apply the knowledge gained during the practical phase. There is no minimum time that must elapse between the practical experience and the final certification. However, following the practical experience, the Scouter must apply and demonstrate what he or she has learned and will be evaluated on his or her performance.

Through the period of application, each candidate is assigned a coach/counselor who acts as a resource, evaluator, and a Scouting friend. When the counselor determines that the candidate fully understands the leadership skills and can apply them to the betterment of the Scouting program in which he or she has agreed to serve, a recommendation that recognition for completion is given.

Recognition

Successful completion is noted by the awarding of a parchment certificate, a distinctive Wood Badge neckerchief, Woggle, and the Wood Badge Beads.... two wooden beads worn on a leather thong around the neck.

Location

Hidden Valley Scout Camp, Griswold Scout Reservation
Gilmanton Iron Works, New Hampshire 

Course Dates

Friday, Saturday & Sunday 
September 17-19, 2010

Friday, Saturday & Sunday
October 1-3, 2010

 Arrive Friday 8 A.M. / Depart Sunday 5:00 P.M.

Cost

$235 if payment if received by June 1, 2010 (includes food, camping and administrative costs).  Cost for course is $265 after June 1, 2010.

Who Attends Wood Badge

The 21st Century Wood Badge is designed to meet the advanced training needs of the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venture Crew leaders. For this reason, participation in the 21st Century Wood Badge Program is intended for registered Cub Scout leaders, Boy Scout leaders, and other Scouters directly related to Unit Scouting activities. District/council and professional positions supporting the Boy Scout program also qualify.

Qualifications

Each Scouter must be fully trained in their primary registered position; having completed Basic Leader Training for their position and any other required supplemental training. Scouters must also be active Cub Scout, Boy Scout or Venture Group leader or in a position directly related to these operations.

Remember, qualified training is the best guarantee of excellence in all Scouting programs. All courses  are open to qualified male and female Scouters.