Advanced Leadership Training
 |
Join us at our next course 24–26 Sep & 16–17 Oct 2027 at Camp Shenandoah.For any Wood Badge questions, email: woodbadge@virginiaheadwaters.org |
What is Wood Badge?Wood Badge is Scouting America’s ultimate leadership training designed to meet the advanced leadership needs of Scouters in all aspects of Scouting America – from assistant den leaders to Scoutmasters, from Cubmasters to Venturing Advisors, from committee members to commissioners and beyond. It is a fun, energetic, and inspiring course guaranteed to infuse your unit with fun and meaning – all designed to fulfill the mission of Scouting America and ensure our youth are getting everything they are promised from the program. |
 |
Reflecting the best of over a century of Scouting experience, Wood Badge draws upon the most current leadership models used by corporate America, academic circles, and successful organizations throughout the country. Participants can expect to develop skills that can be applied both in Scouting and in life. You’ll meet and forge lasting relationships with people from both inside and outside the Council and best of all, you’ll apply all your skills – new and old – to walk through the career of the scout in a fun, yet meaningful way.
What is the time committment?
Wood Badge consists of two parts:
- The first part is the initial group training, which is five full days held over two weekends – the first weekend Friday through Sunday, and the second Saturday and Sunday.
- The second part requires participants to apply the skills they learned by completing a 5-part plan (called a “ticket”) over the following 18 months, leading towards the individual participant’s vision of a better Scouting future.
Who Should Attend?
Wood Badge is designed to meet the advanced leadership needs of all Scouters, particularly unit-level Scouters, such as Cub leaders, Scoutmasters and assistants, Venturing Crew Advisors, Committee Chairs and members. Additionally, Scouters serving at the District and Council levels can achieve greater effectiveness through Wood Badge.
To attend a Wood Badge course, individuals must:
- Be registered adult members (age 18 and older) of Scouting America.
- Have completed the basic training courses for their Scouting position.
- Be capable of functioning safely in an outdoor environment. All participants are required to complete the Annual Health and Medical form (A, B, & C).
- Commit to both weekends and developing your tickets and completing them.
Why Attend?
In addition to learning new leadership skills (or refreshing old ones), Wood Badge helps build relationships. It provides leaders with an opportunity to fill their Scouting “cups,” reminding them why they serve the youth they serve.
