More than a year of planning. Six months of meetings and staff development. The growth of a team coming together to work on a major project for the first time. And we did it! We successfully executed the Wood Badge leadership course 9-433-24, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved.
Our participants, 25 in total, arrived with open hearts and minds for days 1-3 in September, ready to grow as leaders and serve their communities. And to our great relief, all 25 returned for days 4-5 in October—we didn’t scare anyone off! They completed the course with enthusiasm, each one walking away with five SMART goals to guide their personal leadership development over the next 18 months.
Throughout the 5-day experience, participants engaged in hands-on activities that brought leadership concepts to life. They planned and executed a campfire program, complete with songs, skits, and laughter—a fun yet purposeful way to practice teamwork and creativity. They participated in team-building activities designed to help them experience the stages of team development in real time and strengthen their collaboration skills. On the final day, they presented their personal takeaways from the Wood Badge experience, sharing moments of growth, lessons learned, and commitments to becoming better leaders.
The last 2 days of the course brought an added layer of teamwork as patrols worked together to set up camp, cook meals, and break camp. These activities demanded collaboration, problem-solving, and time management—key skills they had been developing throughout the course. Every patrol had to coordinate responsibilities, navigate challenges, and support each other to accomplish their shared goals. These practical tasks weren’t just about camping; they reinforced leadership principles in a real-world environment.
This course wasn’t just about lectures and theory; it was about doing leadership. Every activity was intentional, with the goal of reinforcing what they learned through action. The entire experience was “fun with a purpose,” helping participants grow comfortable stepping out of their comfort zones. Whether they were leading an outdoor activity or reflecting on a challenge, they were practicing skills they could use long after the course ended.
As a Guide, I had the privilege of leading the Bobwhite Patrol—a diverse group that grew closer with each task, learning how to communicate effectively, live their values, and support one another. Watching them progress from individuals to a cohesive team was truly inspiring. They came in as strangers and left as friends, bonded by shared experiences and a deeper understanding of what it means to lead with heart.
One of the most rewarding parts of Wood Badge is that it provides a safe environment for participants to learn and be vulnerable. They weren’t just completing tasks—they were reflecting, trying new things, and practicing leadership in a way that allowed them to take risks without fear of failure. These moments of vulnerability created powerful connections, helping participants see leadership as more than just skills—it’s about relationships, trust, and being authentically yourself.
By the end of the course, it was clear that we had accomplished more than just delivering a program. We equipped these 25 leaders with tools, confidence, and community to carry forward into their personal and professional lives. As they begin their 18-month journey to complete their goals, we look forward to seeing the ripple effect of their leadership unfold in their families, workplaces, and communities.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll pull back the curtain and share what it took to prepare for this incredible experience.
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