What Takes Place?

There are two parts to the Wood Badge training: the course itself and then the practice of the leadership skills in your Scouting position after the course. This combination of hands-on, direct experience, and application of leadership skills has proven effective in getting the most of your training experience.

This six-day course meets over two three-day weekends with at least one patrol meeting in between. April 11-13, 2008 (early Friday morning through Sunday late afternoon) are the dates at Camp John H. Ware III in Peach Bottom, PA. May 3-5, 2008 (early Saturday morning through Monday late afternoon) are the dates at Camp Horseshoe in Rising Sun, MD.

Part I: The Practical Experience:
Course attendees begin their Wood Badge experience as Cub Scouts, bridge into Boy Scouting and form as a patrol for the majority of the course. Venturing is introduced at the end of the second weekend. Through training sessions and application opportunities, participants learn about and develop leadership skills applicable to their own Scouting position.

By the conclusion of the practical experience, each person will develop a “contract” or Ticket outlining how he or she will apply the skills learned during the two weekends to their role in Scouting.

Part II: The Application Phase
Following the practical phase, each participant has up to 18 months to complete the 5 goals included in their Ticket. These 5 goals will demonstrate the participant’s leadership skills in their own Scouting position while bringing their personal vision to life. When the ticket is successfully completed, the participant will be awarded their Wood Badge beads and certificate.