Wood Badge
Wood Badge is the premier, national leadership course for Scouting volunteers and professionals. Whether you are a leader in Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts, or Exploring—or a district or council Scouter—you belong here.
This immersive course helps you understand how all Scouting programs integrate while providing high-level leadership tools designed to give our youth the best possible Scouting experience.
Pro Tip: There is no better time to attend Wood Badge than while you are a Cub Scout Leader. The skills you learn now will benefit your unit for years to come as your Scouts grow through the program.
April 16-19 & May 1-3, 2026 at Camp Baker
Why Attend Wood Badge
Wood Badge is more than just a training—it is a life-changing experience. Participants walk away with:
- Stronger Units: You will gain the skills necessary to make your home unit—and your children’s units—more effective and sustainable.
- The “What” and “Why” of Scouting: Develop a deeper understanding of Scouting’s mission and the “why” behind our traditions and methods.
- Life-Long Skills: You will experience personal growth and learn leadership techniques that apply to your professional life, your place of worship, and your family.
- Networking & Fun: You will meet a diverse group of interesting people and build a support network of Scouters that lasts a lifetime.
The Purpose of Wood Badge
The primary goal of Wood Badge is to develop skilled leaders who can strengthen Scouting units in achieving the mission of Scouting America.
Because the mission of Scouting is realized at the unit level, our focus is simple: We train leaders to strengthen units.
As our founder Robert Baden-Powell said in 1919:
“One of the purposes of Wood Badge training is to get Scouters to think about the practice of Scouting, to meet together, to exchange experiences, and to live together in the spirit of the Scout Oath.”
Wood Badge consists of two stages:
- The first stage is the initial group training, which takes place over five full days of training, held over two weekends.
- The second part requires participants to apply the skills they learned by completing a five-part plan (called a “ticket”) over the next 18 months, leading each participant to developing a vision for a better Scouting future.
Requirements
- Be a registered member of Scouting America.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have completed basic position-specific training for your Scouting role.
- Be capable of functioning safely in an outdoor environment.
- Complete the Annual Health and Medical Record.
Cost & Registration
The cost to attend Wood Badge is $295 with a $75 deposit due at the time of registration.
Registration closes March 16, 2026!
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to applicants to help reduce the financial burden of the course. Assistance may also be available through your unit, chartered partner, or employer.
Questions
For questions regarding the Pacific Crest Council’s Wood Badge course, please contact course director Carl Yergen at olgriznmamabear@msn.com.
