Wood Badge is a fun, challenging, and inspirational Scouting experience for all volunteers looking to improve their leadership skills.
What is Wood Badge?
Wood Badge is a six-day, advanced training program spread over two different weekends which gives participants a greater understanding of Scouting aims and methods, while developing true Scout spirit. Those who complete Wood Badge training will continue to work actively in the Scouting program to make the most of their skills.
Wood Badge provides firsthand knowledge showing how teams develop and achieve excellence. Take part in an active learning process through involvement in planning, development, presentation, and assessment. Enjoy a world-class learning experience that will strengthen your commitment to Scouting.
Who may attend?
All registered adult Scouters from Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts over age 18, who meet the following eligibility requirements may attend Wood Badge:
- Have completed the basic training courses for their Scouting position.
- Have completed the outdoor skills training programs appropriate for their Scouting positions.
- Be capable of functioning safely in an outdoor environment. A BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A, B, C) is required.
- Attend all sessions. There are no make-up opportunities. If an attendee has to miss any of the sessions they will be dropped from the course and asked to return to attend the entire program.
Financial Assistance
If finances are an obstacle for a volunteer considering Wood Badge, there are a number of sources for financial support. Please review the Wood Badge Financial Aid Application for information about these resources.
Employer Sponsorship for Wood Badge
Employers may be willing to financially support their employee's attendance at Wood Badge, as a workplace will also benefit from the leadership skills learned. Please share the Wood Badge Employer Letter with your employer to learn whether they might financially sponsor your Wood Badge attendance.
Serve on Staff
Individuals can show their interest in serving as a Wood Badge staff member by submitting the Wood Badge Staff Interest Form, which can be found in the Forms section of this page..
Help the Committee
If you attended Wood Badge and earned your beads and would like to help with Wood Badge Committee events such as the Wood Badge Breakfast, please email the Wood Badge Coordinator and let us know.
Course Director Application
All eligible Scouters are invited to apply as a Wood Badge Course Director. Applications are due by May 1 each year. Questions can be directed to the Wood Badge Coordinator or training@northernstar.org. The Wood Badge Course Director Application is available on this page.