Wood Badge Centennial Update pilot courses let you experience the future

By Bryan Wendell | November 5, 2017

Registration is now live for a pair of 2018 national Wood Badge Pilot Courses that precede a 2019 update to the BSA’s premier leadership training program for adults.

The update, known as the Wood Badge Centennial Update, will be released in 2019 for use in 2020 and beyond. It’s timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Wood Badge.

In 1919, Robert Baden-Powell was among the instructors at the first-ever Wood Badge course, held at Gilwell Park in England.

These days, any adult involved in Scouting — Cubmasters and committee members, assistant Scoutmasters and Venturing advisors — is welcome to the six-day training course. The course is typically held over two three-day weekends and gives adults skills that will help them in Scouting, their career and at home.

All Wood Badge training courses are special, life-changing experiences. The Wood Badge Pilot Courses? They’ll offer a unique chance to earn your beads while shaping the future of Wood Badge for those who follow you on Scouting’s trail.

One word of note: These pilot courses are intended to generate feedback about the Wood Badge Centennial Update. Because of that, only Scouters who have not attended any previous Wood Badge course may attend.

When are the Wood Badge Pilot Courses?

There are two Wood Badge Pilot Courses, each offering the 2019 Centennial Update. You can choose either one.

The courses will be staffed by Wood Badge Task Force members who have been working on the Centennial Update for the past two years.

Florida Sea Base: Jan. 28 to Feb. 3, 2018

Participants should arrive on Sunday, Jan. 28. The course will start at 8 a.m. Jan. 29 and conclude around 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 2.

Philmont Training Center: March 25 to 30, 2018

Participants should arrive on Sunday, March 25. The course will start at 8 a.m. March 26 and conclude around 4:30 p.m. on March 30.

How much do the Wood Badge Pilot Courses cost?

Each is $625.

This cost covers program and training materials, all food, participant T‐shirt and cap, and a Wood Badge presentation kit (upon completion of the program). The cost does not include transportation to and from Sea Base or Philmont.

What are the requirements to participate?

Registered adult member of the Boy Scouts of America.
Completed basic training courses for Scouting position.
Be capable of functioning safely outdoors.
Complete parts A, B and C of the Annual Health and Medical Record.
Have not attended a previous Wood Badge course.

How do I register?

Click here. Email [email protected] with your questions.

Will this ‘poach’ participants from local council courses?

The expectation is that no more than one or two Scouters from any particular council will attend one of these pilot courses.

Volunteers who prefer to take Wood Badge over two weekends instead of one week, or who prefer a course that’s less expensive or closer to home are encouraged to contact their council for more information.

What is the Wood Badge Centennial Update all about?

Think of it like an update — not a rewrite.

It will incorporate volunteer feedback and the latest leadership lessons to give leaders the tools they need to do their Scouting jobs.

After the 2018 pilots, the syllabus will be distributed in fall 2019 at the course director’s conference. All courses held in 2020 and beyond will use the new syllabus.