Woodbadge

VAHC’s next course is being held Sep/Oct 2025 at Camp Shenandoah. We’ll publish more information soon. Are you interested in being on staff?  The VAHC Council Training Chair will maintain a list of interested Woodbadgers.  If you’re ready to serve, please email training@virginiaheadwaters.org with the following information: (1) when was your course, (2) in which Council, (3) what is your critter, and (4) if you’ve completed Trainer’s EDGE; (5) if you’ve staffed before, indicate the Council/Course and what position(s) you’ve served.

What is Wood Badge?

Wood Badge is the Boy Scouts of America’s ultimate leadership training designed to meet the advanced leadership needs of Scouters in all aspects of the BSA, whether unit, district, or council level – from assistant den leaders to Scoutmasters, from Cubmasters to Venturing Advisors, from committee members to commissioners. It is a fun, energetic, and inspiring course guaranteed to infuse your unit with fun and meaning – all designed to fulfill the mission of the BSA, and ensure our youth are getting everything they are promised from the program.

Reflecting the best of over 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. Participants can expect to develop skills in many areas, including leadership theory, team building, problem-solving, communication, project planning, and more.  These skills can be taken back to packs, troops, crews, and ships to help leaders guide youth in dynamic Scouting programs.  Scouters will find these skills invaluable in their business and personal lives as well.

Wood Badge consists of two parts:

• The first part is the initial group training, which is five full days and usually held over two weekends – the first weekend Friday through Sunday, and the second Saturday and Sunday.
• The second part requires participants to apply the skills they learned by completing a 5-part plan (called a “ticket”) over the following 18 months, leading towards the individual participant’s vision of a better Scouting future.

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 the Boy Scouts of America (Youth 18 and older may attend as long as 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 the Annual Health and Medical form (A, B, & C).
• Commit to both weekends and developing your tickets and completing them.

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. You will learn skills that will make you a better Scout leader. Units with trained leaders can deliver an improved program and a more meaningful experience for the youth Scouting serves.

By attending Wood Badge, you will internalize the five themes of Wood Badge: Living the Values, Growing, Connecting, Guiding, and Empowering.