Wood Badge 2024

WOOD BADGE: THE BSA’S BEST LEADERSHIP TRAINING

AUGUST 23-24-25 AT CAMP SEQUASSEN AND SEPTEMBER 21-22 AT HOYT SCOUT RESERVATION

What others are saying:

“The staff is very upbeat and is united in purpose. Not very often in the real world do you have so many individuals in one place who really want to help others without secondary gain. This was refreshing.” – Steve Cousins, N2-72-17 Participant

“Compelling, creative program and excellent delivery” – Jacob Cedusky, N2-72-17 Participant

“I had no idea how much of the stuff I needed to learn to run my troop in a fun and better way was included in this course. It was exactly what I needed as a Scoutmaster, and I wish I had this knowledge two years ago.” – Thane Grauel, N2-72-17 Participant

Wood Badge Themes:

By attending Wood Badge, the participants will internalize the five themes of Wood Badge: Living the Values, Growing, Connecting, Guiding, Empowering.

Wood Badge Presentation:

Wood Badge is presented in two phases. The first part of the program is the practical phase. This consists of five days over two weekends at camp (all day Friday, Saturday & Sunday of the first weekend, and all day Saturday and Sunday of the second weekend). The second part of the program, the application phase, occurs after the completion of the two weekends and consists of applying the skills you learn at Wood Badge to your position in Scouting. This phase is also referred to as “working your ticket.”

What is a Ticket?

The primary purpose of the Wood Badge experience is to strengthen Scouting in our units, districts, and local councils.  During the course, the Wood Badge Staff will help you set some personal goals, things you would like to accomplish in your Pack, Troop, Crew, Ship, or your District. These goals are referred to as the Wood Badge “Ticket”. The Ticket represents your commitment to complete a set of five personal goals, which you establish, related to your Scouting position. These goals should be designed to significantly strengthen the Scouting program in which you are involved. In addition, the Ticket gives you an opportunity to practice and demonstrate the leadership skills presented during the Wood Badge course. Many participants set Ticket goals that can be completed in 6 to 12 months, but you must complete your Wood Badge Ticket goals no later than 18 months after the course ends. All Ticket goals are developed with this time limit in mind.

How are Scouters Recognized?

Upon completion of your Wood Badge Ticket (your five goals), you will be presented with the Wood Badge Training Award: neckerchief, woggle, beads, and Wood Badge certificate at an appropriate ceremony.

Many Scouters consider Wood Badge to be one of the highlights of their Scouting careers. Wood Badge has served as a source of training and inspiration to thousands of Scout leaders. In return, Wood Badge participants have positively influenced the lives of countless numbers of America’s youth.