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WOOD BADGE – ULTIMATE TRAINING PROGRAM

Wood Badge is the ultimate leadership training program for the adult leaders of the Boy Scouts of America. Similar courses on the corporate side cost thousands of dollars per attendee and may not offer the same depth. Wood Badge is a modern format of training that delivers the latest in 12 leadership skills that will help you be the best leader possible. These are skills that will become part of your everyday life. You will use these skills at home, church, and anywhere leadership is needed. The course is made to provide the highest quality course with the most experienced staff to a diverse audience. We promise you friendship, camaraderie, knowledge, personal awareness, and most of all fun!

WOOD BADGE INFORMATION

Wood Badge ThemesWood 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:

            1. Be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America
            2. Completed the basic training courses for their Scouting position
            3. Capable of functioning safely in an outdoor environment. All participants are required to complete the Annual Health and Medical Record form.

The program is divided into 5 central themes:

  • Living the Values
  • Growing
  • Connecting
  • Guiding
  • Empowering

Learning Outcomes:

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 Wood Badge trained leaders are able to deliver an improved program and a more meaningful experience for the youth Scouting serves.

WHY TAKE WOOD BADGE?

Wood Badge ScoutsBy 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 that Scouting serves.

WOOD BADGE SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

In some circumstances, our dedicated Scout Leaders may need financial assistance to attend Wood Badge. All eligible Scouters are invited to apply for a Wood Badge Scholarship. Questions can be directed to the Council Training Chair or Council Program Chair. The Wood Badge Scholarship Application is available here.

2025 Dan Beard Council Wood Badge Dinner

Who: Anyone interested in learning more about Wood Badge!

What: Fun, Fellowship, Recognition, Food, and Auctions
All proceeds from Auctions go towards Wood Badge Camperships

When: Saturday, February 22, 2025 | 5pm-9pm

Where: Camp Friedlander Dining Hall

Volunteer to Help with Dinner!

If you attended Wood Badge and earned your beads and would like to help with Wood Badge Dinner, please email the Council Training Chair and let us know.

WOOD BADGE COURSE DIRECTOR INFORMATION

All eligible Scouters are invited to apply to serve as a Wood Badge Course Director. Applications are due by March 31 each year. Questions can be directed to the Council Training Chair or Council Program Chair. The Wood Badge Course Director Application is available here.

WOOD BADGE INFORMATION

September 5-7 & 20-21, 2025

(Friday thru Sunday during the first weekend, Saturday thru Sunday the second weekend. Participants must attend BOTH weekends!)

Orientation Meeting for Registered Participants (AKA 30-Day Out)

Saturday, August 2, 2025 | 8:30am – 11am
Camp Michaels Eagle Lodge

  • Early Bird rate: $320 (November 11, 2024 – May 16, 2025)
  • Regular rate: $350 (May 17- August 1, 2025)
  • Late rate: $365 (August 2 – August 31, 2025)
  • $75 deposit to register

Balance required to be paid in full by August 1, 2025.

Cathleen Owen
Course Director
cro21cfr@gmail.com

Michelle Byrne
Program Director
michelle.byrne@scouting.org
513-577-7686

Mark Corsmeier
Council Training Chair
mark.corsmeier@gmail.com

David Harman
Council Program Chair

WOOD BADGE MEDIA

COUNCIL REFUND POLICY: Individuals or groups that cancel a program reservation 30 days prior to the date of the event, will receive a refund of fees paid, less a $75 administrative charge per participant. No refunds will be made after the 30-day cancellation deadline.

For questions, please contact Michelle Byrne, Program Director, at (513) 577-7686 or michelle.byrne@scouting.org.