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Wood Badge
Elevate Your Leadership: Join Us for Wood Badge 2026!
WHAT IS WOOD BADGE?
Wood Badge is advanced leadership training for Scout leaders, combining nearly a century of Scouting experience with modern leadership practices from business, academia, and successful organizations. Founded by Baden-Powell in 1919, it equips leaders with the skills and strategies to strengthen their troops and teams.
WHY ATTEND?
By attending Wood Badge, Scouters gain skills in communication, listening, conflict resolution, project planning, and leading change. They learn to value diversity, strengthen their leadership, and enhance their unit’s program. Participants also internalize the five Wood Badge themes: Living the Values, Growing, Connecting, Guiding, and Empowering.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Wood Badge is for all Scouters seeking advanced leadership skills—especially unit leaders (Cub leaders, Scoutmasters, assistants, Venturing Advisors, committee members) and district or council volunteers.
Requirements:
Be a registered member of Scouting America (youth 18+ may attend with Youth Protection guidelines).
Complete basic training for your position.
Be able to function safely outdoors and submit the Annual Health and Medical Record.
Hear from the 2025 Wood Badge Course Director
UPCOMING WOOD BADGE COURSES
2026 Wood Badge - Adult Leadership Training
Weekend #1 R-C Scout Ranch
September 18–20, 2026
Weekend #2 R-C Scout Ranch
October 3–4, 2026
⚠ Must attend both weekends to complete the course
🏕 Camping required during Weekend #2
Dedra Wadsworth
2026 Wood Badge Course Director
mcwads@msn.com
Wood Badge FAQ
- Yes, participants will spend two nights in tents during the second weekend. You and your patrol are responsible for your gear and for transporting it to and from the campsite.
- First weekend: Meals are prepared by a cook crew in the dining hall.
- Second weekend: Patrols will prepare meals based on a menu they decide. Please notify us of any special dietary restrictions.
he Ticket is a series of projects or goals that participants work on after completing the outdoor portion of the course. The goals are designed to help apply leadership skills in your Scouting role and support the program at various levels. You will have up to 18 months to complete your Ticket.
- Yes, participants will wear both the field uniform (Class A) and activity uniform, which includes a Scouting t-shirt or polo with uniform pants or shorts.
Typically, only once. Alumni often return as staff to help teach future courses.