Wood Badge Training

2026 Wood Badge Course: October 10-12 & October 24-25, 2026

Co-hosted by Los Padres Council & Ventura County Council

What is Wood Badge?

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

Wood Badge builds upon the best traditions and experiences of the Boy Scouts of 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.

A brief history of Wood Badge

Scouting founder Robert Baden-Powell conducted the first Wood Badge course in 1919 at Gilwell Park in England. Nearly three decades later, the BSA decided its volunteers would benefit from this training, too.

“Green Bar Bill,” the Scouting legend you can read about in detail here, was Scoutmaster for the first two American Wood Badge courses in 1948. Each course was nine days long — three days longer than they are today.

The first was July 31, 1948, at Schiff Scout Reservation in New Jersey. Twenty-nine men from 12 states showed up to learn about Scout skills, Scoutcraft and pioneering.

The second was Oct. 2, 1948, at Philmont in New Mexico. This time it was 35 men from 19 states in attendance. They gathered at the Villa Philmonte before traveling to Cimarroncito for the actual course.

These Wood Badge courses were conducted by the BSA National Council’s Volunteer Training Division. Councils began conducting their own courses in 1953.

In 1973, the focus of Wood Badge shifted from Scoutcraft to leadership development. In 2000, Wood Badge for the 21st Century debuted to give leaders the latest leadership tools.  And in 2021, the course was updated again to incorporate improvements and advancements to deliver the course materials effectively.

Who Should Attend Wood Badge?

Wood Badge is for all Scouting leaders. The course content and leadership skills introduced apply to all leadership positions – both within and outside of Scouting. These skills provide a common leadership foundation that is beneficial for all youth program areas.

Wood Badge is designed to meet the advanced leadership needs of all Scouters, particularly unit level Scouters, such as Den Leaders, Cubmasters and assistants, Scoutmasters and assistants, and Committee Chairs and members.

Additionally Scouters serving at the district and council levels can achieve greater effectiveness through Wood Badge.

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.

When Is Wood Badge?

The course will be conducted over two weekends; three days during weekend 1 (early Saturday morning through late Monday afternoon), and two days during weekend 2 (early Saturday morning through late Sunday Afternoon).  Attendance is required all 5 days.  Opportunities exist to drive up and spend the night the evening before the course, to enable an on-time start each Saturday morning.

  • Weekend One:   October 10-12, 2026   
  • Weekend Two:    October 24-25, 2026   
To register:  https://scoutingevent.com/053-2026WoodBadge

WHERE:

Rancho Alegre, 2680 Hwy 154, Santa Barbara CA

COST:

Early Bird             $ 300 – before July 1, 2026

Standard Rate     $ 350 –  before September 1, 2026

Late Fee              $ 400 – after September 1, 2026


For more information contact
Course Director Evan Hess (Ventura County Council): hessbsa@gmail.com

Assistant Course Director Bob Putney (Los Padres Council):  bobanddaunputney@sbcglobal.net

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