Wood Badge Training Course
Offered in Fall 2012

Each year Los Padres Council and Ventura County Council of the BSA ofer a joint Woodbadge Course. WoodBadge is the ultimate adult leadership training program. The material taught in this course costs over $1,000 to present in the corporate world. Within our Scouting network we offer this program at a fraction of that price. In addition to all the leadership training one receives, the networking and sharing of ideas between Scouters of the two Councils is of great benefit to the youth we serve.

What is Wood Badge?

Wood Badge is a leadership course that completes Scouting's Basic Leadership Training program for all levels of Scouting (Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturing).

Who Should Attend Wood Badge?

Wood Badge for the 21st Century 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.

When Is Wood Badge?

The course will be conducted over two weekends (Thursday through Saturday), requiring six full days of participation.

Rancho Alegre - September 27 - 29Camp Three Falls - October 18 - 20

Program begins at 7:30 am Thursday and ends at 5:00 pm on Saturday each weekend.  Attendance is required for all six program days.

Prerequisites for Participants

• Be a registered member of the BSA
• Complete New Leader Essentials and Leader Specific Training for your registered position
• Be capable of functioning safely in an outdoor environment
• A medical phyical is required.

Is Wood Badge Expensive?

Not really! Total course fee is $240.00 which covers the two weekends.  These fees cover cost of training materials, food, and insurance. A $75 deposit is due with your reservation and the balance must be paid 45 days prior to the start of the course. Fees are transferrable, but not refundable.  Course fee will be $270 if not paid by 30 days prior to start of course.

What are the Goals of Wood Badge?

• Provide a common leadership foundation for all our audlt leaders.
• Assist us to view Scouting globally as a family of interrelated values-based programs that provide age appropriate activities for youth,
• Assist us in learning valuable leadership concepts which may be applied, not only in our Scouting roles, but also in our homes and workplace.
• Apply the skills learned from our participation as a member of a successful working team.
• Revitalize our commitment by sharing in an overall inspirational experience that helps provide Scouting with the leadership it needs to accomplish its mission.

How Does the Program Work?

On the first weekend, participants are trained in and practice leadership skills to better serve the Scouting units in which they are involved. Through this experience each person develops knowledge and understanding of these leadership skills. This team development and leadership model will provide an invaluable tool in all aspects of your Scouting, personal, and business life. You will develop an intense personal motivation to apply these skills in your Scouting position.

On the second weekend, participants will put into practice the leadership skills learned by completing a set of commitments made during the course. Throughout this phase you will be guided by a counselor who will serve as a mentor and a Scouting friend. The time period before your final certification is a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 18 months. Upon successful completion of these commitments, the participant will have earned their Wood Badge Certification.

Brief History of Wood Badge

Wood Badge leadership training was originally presented by Lord Baden-Powell for Scouters throughout the world. In recognizing the first Scouters to complete the program, he awarded each individual a wooden bead on a leather thong to be worn around the neck. Today, upon successful completion of the Wood Badge training, a Scouter receives his or her certificatation, two beads on a leather thong, and becomes a permanent member fo the worldwide Gilwell Troop 1.

For More Information or to Register

Please contact the Course Director, Larry Basham, at drbuzz2@aol.com or (805) 967-8995, or Asst. Course Director David Gulbransen dgulbransen@teledyne-si.com at  or (805) 493-1943.

To download an informational brochure or registration form on Woodbadge, click here.

If you are ready to make that commitment to improve your Scouting leadership responsibilities, download a copy of the course brochure.