What is Wood Badge?
Reflecting the best of more than a century of Scouting experience, Wood Badge dra
ws upon the most current leadership models used by corporate America, academic circles and successful organizations throughout the country.
Wood Badge training was begun by Baden Powell in 1919 to ensure that the leaders of Scout troops were properly trained. Since then Wood Badge has been held worldwide, providing advanced leadership training to thousands of Scout leaders.
Wood Badge builds upon the best traditions and experiences of the Boy Scouts of America and draws from a wide range of courses within and beyond the bounds of Scouting to present the latest in leadership theory and team development.
Why Attend?
By taking Wood Badge, Scouters will acquire valuable tools such as listening, communicating, conflict management, project planning and leading change. Participants will better learn to understand and appreciate diversity and differences in our society. They will learn skills that will make them a better Scout leader. Units with trained leaders can deliver an improved program and a more meaningful experience for the youth Scouting serves.
By attending Wood Badge, the participants will internalize the 5 themes of Wood Badge: Living the Values, Growing, Connecting, Guiding and Empowering.
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 member of the Boy Scouts of America. (Youth 18 and older may attend as long as the appropriate Youth Protection guidelines are followed. They do not need to be registered in an adult leadership role.)
- 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 Record form.
When is the Wood Badge Course?
Wood Badge is the embodiment of Scouting Spirit. Associations and friendships made during the course often last a lifetime. Wood Badge recipients now number more than 100,000 and can be found in all corners of the world. So, don’t delay become the next Wood Badge participant by registering today for the New Birth of Freedom Wood Badge course scheduled for Friday, March 27, 2026, at 7:00am to Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 5:30pm, at Camp Tuckahoe; and Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 7:00am to Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 4:00pm at Hidden Valley.
What does Wood Badge Course cost?
The course fee is $320 if paid in full by February 26, 2026. After this date, the fee is $370 and refunds for the course cannot be guaranteed. All food, instructional materials and recognitions are included. A $50 non-refundable deposit reserves your place on Gilwell Field. The course is limited to only 48 participants, so don’t delay. Because when the available spots are gone, they’re gone.
Please register at nbf.tentaroo.com.
For more information about the course or Wood Badge, please contact Roger Chatell, Council Training Committee Advisor, at (717) 620-4515 or by email at roger.chatell@scouting.org.
**Note: You must attend both weekends to complete the Wood Badge training.
Wood Badge Registration and Scholarship Forms:
- 2026 Wood Badge Registration (coming soon)
- Annual Health and Medical Record
- Wood Badge Information for Employers
- Wood Badge Scholarship Form
- VFW Scholarship Application
(The First Scoutmasters’ Course at Gilwell Park, September, 1919).