For six days in two three-day weekends, you take part in numerous presentations, discussions, and activities that explore and advance a wide range of leadership philosophies and tools. You also live, learn, and work with other Scouters, giving you opportunities to develop knowledge and practical understanding of these leadership skills. You clarify what you want to accomplish in your Scouting position, and learn how to apply these skills to your Pack, Troop, Crew, Team, District or Council.

First Weekend: The first three days of the course will be presented as a series of sessions and meetings both indoors and outside.  The format is based on the Boy Scout Troop model with ties to Cub Scout Packs and Venturing Crews. The Boy Scout Troop provides a natural bridge between the various programs in Scouting and emphasizes the importance of transitions between the three programs.  Participants will be housed in a standard site at Camp Dittmer and staff will prepare the meals.

Second Weekend: The last three days of the course will be presented in an outdoor Troop/Crew camping experience setting at Camp Sam Wood.  Participants will camp out in their own tents and practice Leave No Trace camping techniques. Menus will be planned and food will be purchased by the individual patrols. Participants will prepare their own meals.

With the help of a ticket counselor, you develop a list of five personal goals designed to significantly strengthen the Scouting program in which you are involved.  This list is called a “Ticket”, and it provides a structure for the practice of the new skills you are learning.

As a result of attending Wood Badge Leadership Training, you will be able to:

• View Scouting globally, as a family of interrelated, values-based programs that provide age-appropriate activities for youth.
• Recognize the contemporary leadership concepts utilized in corporate America and leading government organizations that are relevant to our values-based movement.
• Apply the skills you learn from your participation as a member of a successful working team.
• Revitalize your commitment to Scouting by sharing in an overall inspirational experience that helps provide Scouting with the leadership it needs to accomplish its mission on an ongoing basis.

Themes covered include:

• Living the values (developing your personal mission and vision)

• Bringing the Vision to Life (communication skills, coaching and mentoring, valuing people and leveraging diversity)

• Models for Success (how your style of leadership should relate to the skills of your team)

• Tools of the Trade (project planning and problem solving, managing conflict, assessing team performance, managing change, celebrating team success)

• Leading to Make a Difference (leaving a legacy and secrets of leadership)

For most participants, the Wood Badge experience is the embodiment of everything that is Scouting -- fun, fellowship, sharing, and spirit…truly a Journey that lasts a lifetime!