Great Trail Council, Scouting America

April 17-19, 2026, Camp Manatoc
and
May 16-17, 2026, Camp Butler
(must attend both sessions)

"Wood badge reminded me not only that Scouting is important but why it is important. They gave me the skills to improve myself, the community to inspire me, and the blaze necessary to push forward."

-Morgan Loesch, Troop 101 Barberton

Having only been in Scouts for 8 months, I feel so much more confident and self assured having taken Wood Badge.

- Kate Stavely, Pack 3265 Aurora

What is it?

Reflecting the best of nearly a century of Scouting experience, Wood Badge draws upon the most current leadership models used by corporate America, academic circles, and successful organizations throughout the country.

Wood Badge Training was begun by Baden Powell in 1919 as a way to insure that the leaders of Scout troops were properly trained. Since then, Wood Badge has been held worldwide, providing advanced leadership training to thousands of Scout leaders.

Wood Badge builds upon the best traditions and experiences of Scouting America and also draws from a wide range of courses within and beyond the bounds of Scouting to present the latest in leadership theory and team development.

I left the course with a new definition of leadership, more confidence, and many new leadership skills to take back to my troop.

- Zac Tharp, Troop 1/321 Hudson

Who should attend?

Wood Badge is designed to meet the advanced leadership needs of all Scouters, particularly unit level Scouters, such as Cub leaders, Scoutmasters and assistants, Venturing Crew Advisors, Committee Chairs and members. Additionally, Scouters serving at the district and council levels can achieve greater effectiveness through Wood Badge. To attend a Wood Badge course, individuals must:

Be registered members of Scouting America. (Youth 18 and older may attend as long as the appropriate Youth Protection guidelines are followed. They do not need to be registered in an adult leadership role.)
Have completed the basic training courses for their Scouting position.
Be capable of functioning safely in an outdoor environment. All participants are required to complete Parts A and B of the Annual Health and Medical Record form.

Why Attend?

By taking Wood Badge, Scouters will acquire valuable tools such as listening, communicating, conflict management, project planning, and leading change. Participants will better learn to understand and appreciate diversity and differences in our society. They will learn skills that will make them a better Scout leader. Units with trained leaders are able to deliver an improved program and a more meaningful experience for the youth Scouting serves.

By attending Wood Badge, the participants will internalize the 5 themes of Wood Badge: Living the values, Growing, Connecting, Guiding, Empowering.