WOOD BADGE
Wood Badge for the 21st Century has been developed for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing Leaders, as well as council and district leaders. The course content and leadership principles introduced apply to scouters in all leadership positions and provide a common foundation of leadership skills to be used throughout all program areas. The object of a Wood Badge course is to demonstrate as practically as possible the aims and methods of scouting. Six days in duration, the course is a presentation of leadership skills, organizational tools, and activities based on the best of Scouting traditions and the latest in team-development theory. In addition, participants will enjoy the fellowship of learning alongside many other volunteer and professional Scouters, and along the way will have a great deal of fun! Upon successful completion of all course requirements, each participant receives a certificate and the Wood Badge - two wooden beads to be worn around the neck on a leather thong. Participants will:
- Understand Scouting as a family of interrelated, values-based programs providing age-appropriate activities for youth.
- Recognize contemporary leadership concepts used in America and discover how those concepts are relevant to our values-based movement.
- Apply the skills as a member of a successful working team.
- Revitalize commitments to scouting by sharing in an inspirational experience that helps to provide Scouting with renewed leadership to accomplish its mission.
Many Scouters consider Wood Badge to be a peak experience of their Scouting careers. It has served as a source of training and inspiration to thousands. In return, Wood Badge participants have positively affected the lives of millions of American youth. To attend a Wood Badge course, you must:
- Be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America. (There is no minimum tenure required.)
- Have not previously attended a Wood Badge course (contact course director for details).
- Have completed the basic training courses for your Scouting position:
- New Leader Essentials or "This Is Scouting" for all leaders.
- Position specific training for all leaders.
- The appropriate training course(s) taken prior to the 2001 training curriculum change are still valid for this requirement.
- Have completed the outdoor skills training programs appropriate for your Scouting position.
- Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills for Boy Scout Leaders (others may take this course if desired).
- Scoutmaster Fundamentals are valid for this requirement if taken in 2001 or earlier.
- Be capable of functioning safely in an outdoor environment. Successful completion of the Boy Scouts of America Class 3 Physical is required for all participants.