Weekend One - April 20-22, 2012 - Camp Augustine

Weekend Two - May 4-6, 2012 - Camp Augustine

Course Information

The History of Wood Badge

Lord Robert Baden-Powell founded Scouting early in the 20th century, and in just a few short years, the movement exploded in popularity. Baden-Powell quickly recognized the need for adult leaders to complete training in a hands-on outdoor environment.

On Monday, September 8, 1919, twenty men clad in shorts and knee socks gathered around a flagpole at Glial Field near London. Organized into three Patrols, these men launched the precursor for what eventually had become Wood Badge for the 21st Century.

Baden-Powell's Scouting for Boys and Aids to Scoutmastership were "textbooks" for this outdoor classroom, and during the 11 day course, the Scouters learned the skills to pass on to their eager Scouts: Troop organization, campcraft, pioneering, woodcraft, signcraft, games, fieldworks, study circle work and pathfinding.

Upon completion of the course, Baden-Powell awarded each of the Scouters a hand-carved bead tied to a leather thong, the beads a prize he collected from Zulu Chief Dinizulu during the British Ashanti Campaign in 1888.

The Boy Scouts of America conducted its first official Wood Badge course in the United States in 1948. Since that time, training professionals and volunteers have updated the Wood Badge syllabus to provide the best methods to adult Scouters for teaching leadership and program delivery.

What is Wood Badge for the 21st Century?

Wood Badge for the 21st Century is the premier adult leadership development course for the Boys Scouts of America. It teaches contemporary leadership and team-building skills where learners become members of their own Troop. Wood Badge for the 21st Century was designed for leaders from all the current BSA programs (Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Venturing) and is now taught in place of the old Cub Scout Leader and Boy Scout Leader Wood Badge courses.

Wood Badge's effectiveness as a leadership development experience has been applauded by industry training professionals. Its positive influence on graduates' individual unit-level programs is unparalleled.

What is the purpose of Wood Badge?

Wood Badge for the 21st Century is the advanced training program for all BSA program leaders. It is designed to train adult volunteer and professional Scouters, using the latest leadership skills.  Techniques and skills learned during this course will make you a better leader. Beginning in 1919 and continuing though until today, Wood Badge remains the preeminent leadership training offered by the Boys Scouts of America.

Who may attend Wood Badge?

To attend a Wood Badge course you must:

1. Be a registered member of the Boys Scouts of America. There is no tenure requirement.

2. Have not previously attended and completed a Wood Badge for the 21st Century course. (Scouters who have attended the previous Cub Scout or Boy Scout Leader Wood Badge Program may attend)

3. Be fully trained in your current registered position.

4. Be capable of functioning safely in an outdoor environment.

5. Complete a BSA Annual Health and Medical Record.

Because of the advanced nature of this training the requirements must be met. It is strongly recommended that participants have at least some camping experience.

Applications

If you are interested in attending this training and meet the requirements please complete the Wood Badge Application and submit along with your deposit fee to the Overland Trails Council. Reserve your spot soon as space is limited.

Scholarships

Local council scholarships and national scholarships are available. See the scholarships link above.