WOOD BADGE for the21st Century

GTC Class of 2009:

Week long course, August 10 - 15, runs from Monday morning to Saturday Afternoon.

GTC Class of 2011

Weekend course,
Session 1 - mid-August, Friday morning through Sunday evening
Session 2 - mid September, Saturday morning through Monday evening

Wood Badge began in 1919, when Baden-Powell took Scout leaders to Gilwell Park for advanced leader training. Wood Badge came to America in 1948, and has evolved since then to become the BSA’s premier leadership training event for adult Scouters. Wood Badge teaches contemporary leadership skills in an outdoor setting. Its five central themes are:

    • Models for Success
    • Bringing the Vision to Life
    • Leading to Make a Difference
    • Tools of the Trade
    • Living the Values

Wood Badge is appropriate training for all currently registered BSA adult Scouters, regardless of program level (Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, Venturing, district, and Council Scouters) who have completed their training (Fast Start, New Leader Essentials, and Leader Specific Training). Wood Badge participants are expected to set a proper Scouting example by wearing their complete BSA Field Uniform while at Wood Badge. A Trading Post will be available during the course that will stock drink and snacks, along with Wood Badge memorabilia.

    • To attend Wood Badge, Scouters must Be registered members of the Boy Scouts of America.
    • Have completed the basic training courses for their Scouting position. [see note 1]
    • Have completed the outdoor skills training program appropriate to their Scouting positions. [see note 2]
    • Be capable of functioning safely in an outdoor environment.
    • Successful completion of the BSA class 3 physical is required for all participants.
  • [note 1]
    • Scouting’s Basic Leader Training Courses
    • New Leader Essentials
    • All adult leaders
    • Leader Specific Training for:
      • Den leaders
      • Cubmasters
      • Webelos leaders
      • Tiger Cub leaders
      • Pack committee members
      • Troop committee members
      • Scoutmasters and assistant scoutmasters
      • Varsity Scout Coaches and assistant Coaches
      • Venturing leaders
  • [note 2]
    • Scouting’s Outdoor Skills Training
    • Introduction to Outdoor Leader skills (required for Scoutmasters, assistant Scoutmasters, and all Varsity Coaches and assistants)
    • All participants are encouraged to complete the Introduction to Outdoor Leader skills training before attending a Wood Badge course, but it is not required.
  • What will be required of me as a participant?
    • Complete, proper BSA Field uniform for your position
    • Full participation at both 3-day weekend sessions or all 6 days of the full week session
    • A completed BSA Class 3 medical form
    • A great Scouting attitude!

FAQ

Is ther any difference between the Wood Badge course prier to 2000 and the course now taught?

Yes! In the past, the emphasis was on the Boy Scout program only, with emphasis on outdoor skills, and leadership skills for a Scoutmaster.

The present course is for all phases of Scouting, from Cub Scout leaders, to those in leadership through Regional offices. This is a training course for leaders of all facets of Scouting, concentrating on giving a skill-set of tools that can create a strong, dynamic team, whether it is in the committee, the patrol, the district, or the council. It also gives a full understanding of how all the parts of Scouting come together to make a whole, how Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturing all fit into the program toghther. There are still some outdoor skills taught, but to a lesser degree than previously.

If I took Wood Badge prier to 2000, can I take "Wood Badge for the 21st Century"?

Yes!