What is Wood Badge?

Wood Badge is an advanced training course offered by Quivira Council and by Scouting groups throughout the world.  This course was substantially revised in 2001 and is now available to adult leaders in all programs of the BSA - Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing, as well as council and district leaders, and professionals. This new contemporary training program focuses on leadership and "people" skills, and not Scoutcraft or outdoor skills. Participants will learn techniques to make them better leaders, and also how to lead groups to achieve objectives. Participants take part in an active learning process through involvement in planning, development, presentation and assessment. The 21st Century Wood Badge incorporates the best of nearly a century of Scouting experience in addition to drawing upon the most current leadership models used by corporate America, academic circles, and successful outdoor leadership organizations throughout the country. Skills developed from Wood Badge training will help a volunteer leader do a better job in any BSA program or at any level of involvement. Some of the activities covered are:

  • Camping as a patrol.
  • Putting the patrol method into practice by camping, cooking and working as a group.
  • Leadership skills development.
  • Learning games and activities that will work well in your unit.
  • Developing friendships that will last a lifetime.
  • Conduct patrol meetings (not at camp) between your first and second weekends at camp.
    This advanced training is presented in two parts:
  • An advanced learning experience presented over two long (three-day) weekends. The format of the Wood Badge course is usually two 3-day weekends (Friday morning through Sunday evening, or Saturday morning through Monday evening), separated by two to four weeks.  In Quivira Council, the first weekend is scheduled at Camp Kanza.  All meals will be served in the dining hall and participants will sleep in their own tents.  For the second weekend, the course will move to Quivira Scout Ranch where participants will cook their own meals and sleep in their own tents. Participants may also be required to attend interim patrol meetings during the time between the first and second weekends of the course.
  • An application phase of several months during which the leaders apply the specific skills they have learned at Wood Badge to their Scouting responsibilities. During the course, each participant will develop a "ticket" which is a list of projects or goals to be completed after the course.  Participants have 18 months in which to finish their tickets.

Leaders who successfully complete both parts of the training are recognized with the Wood Badge beads, woggle slide, and neckerchief.

Objectives

As a result of attending Wood Badge, participants will be able to:

1.       View Scouting globally, as a family of interested, values-based programs that provide age-appropriate activities for youth.
2.       Recognize contemporary leadership concepts that are relevant to our values-based movement.
3.       Apply the skills they learn from their participation as a member of a successful working team.
4.       Revitalize their commitment to Scouting by sharing in an overall inspirational experience that helps provide Scouting with the leadership it needs to accomplish its mission on an ongoing basis.

The themes that encapsulate the course content:
  Living the Values
          - Values, Mission, and Vision
  Bringing the Vision to Life
          - Listening to Learn
          - Communication
          - Inclusiveness
          - Valuing People and Leveraging Diversity
          - Coaching and mentoring
  Models for Success
          - Stages of Team Development
          - The Leading EDGE / The Teaching EDGE
  Tools of the Trade
          - Project Planning
          - Leading Change     
          - Decision Making and Problem Solving
          - Managing Conflict
          - Self-Assessment
  Leading to Make a Difference
          - Leaving a Legacy

Who May Attend
 You qualify to participate in this exciting experience if you are a registered adult Scouter and have earned the Trained patch for your position. This includes Scouters who serve Packs, Troops, Teams, Crews, the District or Council. Primary Registered Scouting Position.

 If you have not earned your "Trained" patch, see requirements at this  What It Takes to Be Trained link.

Scouters who attended under previous Wood Badge syllabi are permitted to attend as long as they don’t take the slot away from a 1st-time participant. You may register on provision.

Recognition
Although Wood Badge is a training course, not a recognition program, completion of Wood Badge does serve to recognize leadership. Recognition for the successful completion of Wood Badge consists of a parchment certificate, a distinctive Wood Badge neckerchief with a woggle and the Wood Badge (two wooden beads worn on a thong around the neck). The Wood Badge is recognized worldwide as a symbol of practical training and leadership experience. There are two parts to a Wood Badge Training Course in the Boy Scouts of America, the practical course and the application period.

The Practical Course
For two 3-day week-ends, you will live, learn, and work with other Scouters while being exposed to the leadership skills applicable to the development of both adults and youth. Through this living and working experience, you will develop knowledge and practical understanding of these leadership skills. During this time you will develop a set of goals to be completed in the next 6 to 18 months called a ‘Ticket’.

The Application Period
During the application period you will apply the leadership skills that you have learned by working towards the goals (your Ticket) established during the practical portion of the course. Throughout this period, each person is assigned a Troop Guide who acts as a resource, a counselor, and a Scouting Friend. Your guide will help you complete your Ticket and accomplish your goals in Scouting by applying what you have learned. A maximum of 18 months is allowed between the practical experience and final certification.

Uniforms
The Wood Badge course is a uniformed activity. The uniform you wear will be that which is required for your primary registered position in your unit and will include shirt, pants (or shorts), belt, socks, and cap. More information regarding uniforming will be reviewed at a Pre-course meeting to be held at Roundtables.

A Question of Money?
Some dedicated Scouters find the financial obligation of training a true burden. Help is available through several sources. Be sure to check for this support from your unit, sponsoring organization, or even your employer. Civic organizations often have funds available. A limited amount of scholarship funds are also available. If needed, please contact the Course Director.

Tax Deductions
Some costs related to participating in this course may be Federal Income Tax deductions such as costs of uniforms, transportation, course fee, and meal costs away from home overnight. Please consult your tax advisor.

Registration 
 The course fee includes training materials, food, and recognition items. In addition, you will need to provide personal camping gear and complete uniforms. Details will be mailed or made available on the web site.

Participants will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis until the course reaches capacity. Alternates will be placed on a stand-by list.  You can click here to register online, with the options to pay by debit, credit card, or send payment to the Scout Shop.