In 1911, Scouting’s founder, Lord Baden-Powell, took the first steps in training Scouting’s adults by organizing a series of lectures. He made great strides in the years that followed, culminating in 1919 with the establishment of Wood Badge training. Wood Badge recipients now number more than 100,000 Scouters around the world.

Wood Badge for the 21st Century is intended for all registered adults in Scouting—Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing, volunteer and professional. The focus is on leadership, not out-of-door skills. The object is to demonstrate the Aims and Methods of Scouting through the presentation of leadership skills, organizational tools, and a variety of activities based on the best of Scouting traditions and the latest in team-development theory. Additionally, participants enjoy the fellowship of sharing with other Scouters, while having a great deal of fun.

Participants must be trained to their current Scout position. There are ample opportunities to meet the training requirements needed to satisfy the prerequisite of being “trained to position”. The following are the required “trained to position” modules for attendance at Wood Badge:

FOR CUB SCOUT Adults
- Youth Protection
- Leader Specific (by position)

FOR BOY SCOUT / VARSITY SCOUT Adults
- Youth Protection 
- Leader Specific (by position)
- Introduction to Outdoor Leaders Skills
          (for Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster and Varisity Team Coaches/ Assistant Coaches)

FOR VENTURING Advisors
- Youth Protection (Venturing version) 
- Leader Specific (by position)
- Introduction to Outdoor Leaders Skills 
        (Crews with Outdoor Programs only)

If you are unsure if you are trained to position, contact your District Training Chair.

By participating in our upcoming Wood Badge course, you will have the opportunity to:

• Understand Scouting as a family of interrelated, values-based programs providing age-appropriate activities for youth,
• Recognize contemporary leadership concepts and discover how these concepts are relevant to our values-based movement,
• Apply the skills you learn from your participation as a member of a successful working team, and
• Revitalize your commitment to Scouting by sharing in an inspirational experience that helps to provide Scouting with renewed leadership to accomplish its mission.

Many Scouters consider Wood Badge to be the peak training experience of their Scouting careers. It has served as a source of training and inspiration to thousands. In return, Wood Badge participants have positively affected the lives of millions of America’s youth.

The next MCC course will be conducted at Belk Scout Camp in two three-day sessions.  the dates are Friday, March 22 - Sunday, March 24, 2013 and Saturday, April 27 - Monday April 29, 2013.

The cost of the course is $250, to be submitted as follows: deposit with application, $100; balance $150 due by February 15, 2013.  (Please contact Bill Rose, Course Director, if you have any issues about attending due to cost or would like to seek an alternative payment schedule.)

Course enrollment is limited.  I encourage you to return the Letter of Intent for Attendance to Wood Badge S5-415-13 as soon as possible to reserve your spot.

I sincerely hope that you can participate.  I am confident that you will enjoy Wood Badge and benefit from the sessions immensely.  The Wood Badge experience will enable you to make an even greater contribution as you help to deliver the promise of Scouting.

Should you need more information, I would be glad to talk with you.  Please feel free to contact me via my email address: br855fox@carolina.rr.com.

I urge you to return the Letter of Intent for Attendance to Wood Badge S5-415-13 to the Council Service Center as soon as possible.

Yours in Scouting,