Wood Badge is Scouting’s premier training course. It’s the ultimate leadership training experience designed to meet the leadership needs for all Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, and Venturing leaders, as well as Council and district leaders and Scouting professionals.
Lord Baden-Powell originally designed it so that Scouters could learn, in as practical a way possible, the skills and methods of Scouting. It is first and foremost, learning by doing.
Wood Badge has evolved into the core leadership skills training course for the BSA. The Wood Badge course focuses on strengthening every volunteer’s ability to work with and lead groups of youth and adults and is less focused on outdoor skills, which are more effectively addressed in other courses. This course is offered in two parts. You must attend both weekends.
Wood Badge Courses
Registration for our Fall course is currently open. We are asking for all payments to be made online and to be paid in full before the course date. There are no provisions for paying for your registration at camp.
2026 Wood Badge Courses
- 2026 Fall Course – August 28–30, 2026 (Fri-Sun) and September 12–13, 2026 (Sat–Sun) at McNeil Scout Ranch. Step forward in your Scouting journey! Spend two engaging weekends sharpening your leadership tools, exploring the heart of servant leadership, and building friendships with Scouters who share your passion for making a difference. Led by Course Director Josh Guttormsen and Senior Patrol Leader Mel Heesacker, the Fall 2026 Wood Badge course is your opportunity to invest in yourself so you can better invest in others. Whether you’re looking to grow personally, strengthen your unit, or mentor the next generation of leaders, Wood Badge is the next step in your Scouting journey.
- Scholarship Request Form
2027 Wood Badge Courses
- 2027 Spring Course – April 2–4, 2027 (Fri–Sun) and April 17–18, 2027 (Sat–Sun) at McNeil Scout Ranch. Take your Scouting leadership to the next level! Join fellow Scouters for two engaging weekends focused on communication, team development, and servant leadership. Led by Course Director Luis Alvarez and Senior Patrol Leader Enrique Ramirez, the Spring 2027 Wood Badge course provides practical leadership skills you can immediately apply in Scouting, your career, and your community. Early Bird registration is $350 through February 16, 2027; registration after that date is $375.
- 2027 Summer Course – June 6–11, 2027 at McNeil Scout Ranch. Experience Wood Badge in an immersive week-long format while developing leadership skills that will strengthen your impact in Scouting, your career, and your community. Led by Course Director Bill Plaehn and Senior Patrol Leader Mike Duncan, the Summer 2027 course combines team development, communication, servant leadership, and practical leadership tools in a dynamic camp environment. Special accommodations are available for adults traveling with youth attending NYLT Session 1. Early Bird registration is $375 through April 22, 2027; registration after that date is $400.
Events
Wood Badge Up and Coming Events
Fall 2026 WB Breakfast:
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- Date: October 17, 2026
- Is your unit looking for a fundraising activity? We are looking for a host unit for this event. The $10/person fee goes directly to the host unit. Contact Kathy Allen, Wood Badge Breakfast Coordinator, with questions or to sign up.
Connect
Who Should I Contact?
- Pattie Nortman – Greater Colorado Council Wood Badge Coordinator
