We are making every effort to offer in-person NYLT and Wood Badge Course Director Conferences (CDCs) within your territory so that you have meaningful opportunities to connect, collaborate, and prepare for your course leadership role. These conferences are designed not only to provide important information, but also to build relationships, share best practices, and strengthen the overall experience for your participants.

We strongly encourage all Course Directors and Back-up Course Directors to plan ahead and attend a CDC well before an urgent need arises. Early participation allows you the time and space to fully engage in the learning process, ask questions, and gain insights that will help you feel confident and supported as you move forward in your course planning.

Please partner closely with your Territory Training Coordinators to determine whether a conference is being offered within your area or geographic range. If a nearby course is not available, you are absolutely welcome and encouraged to attend any CDC listed on the NYLT and Wood Badge website. Wood Badge / NYLT Course Director Conference Registration—2026 | Scouting America Many participants find great value in attending conferences outside their immediate area, as it broadens perspectives and fosters wider Scouting connections.

To further expand access, virtual CDCs will also be offered during the Spring and Fall months. These sessions are intended to provide flexible opportunities for those who may not be able to travel to an in-person event. While the virtual format is an option, participation will be limited to maintain a high-quality, interactive experience. Priority placement will be given based on individual need for the conference.

Our goal is to ensure that every Course Director and Back-up Course Director is fully equipped with the preparation, resources, and support needed to deliver an exceptional NYLT or Wood Badge experience. We sincerely appreciate your commitment to training, your dedication to developing strong leaders, and your proactive approach to planning ahead so you can make the most of these valuable conferences.

*The Spring Virtual NYLT Course is scheduled for April 21, 23, 28,30, 2026, and the Spring Virtual Wood Badge Course is scheduled for April 18, 2026.

Streamlined Wood Badge Reporting Processes

Over the last several months, a dedicated project team has redesigned the Wood Badge reporting suite. The objective of this initiative was to enhance user experience and simplify administrative workflows while maintaining data integrity for both national and local council requirements.

Key Improvements & Changes:

• Reduced Complexity: The current five-document post-course filing system has been consolidated. For example, reports due 30 days after course completion now consist of a single unified form submitted to the Territory Training Coordinator.
• Clearer Distribution: Forms are now categorized into two distinct groups: those to be submitted to the Territory Training Coordinator and those maintained exclusively for local council records.

Upcoming Informational Webinars: To ensure a smooth transition, we will host instructional webinars. These sessions are intended for 2026 Course Directors, Council Wood Badge Coordinators, and other key stakeholders to review the new formats and filing procedures.

Two opportunities to attend the webinar:

Wednesday, March 4 – Use this link to register to attend

 Thursday, March 12 – Use this link to register to attend

2025 Wood Badge Impact Report

Last year, the Wood Badge program showed continued strength with 131 registered courses, 114 of which were successfully conducted—an 87% completion rate. Reports to date indicate that 2,244 participants concluded a Wood Badge course this year, but we are awaiting results from about half of the courses.

Acronyms

“The SPL told the PLC today that she wants all the PLs to go to NYLT this summer at STSR. She is going to NAYLE at PTC when the SM goes to PLC. She also congratulated the ASPL who was elected to the OA. The ASM introduced the new COR.”

We imagine many of you understand everything we wrote in that sentence. But some Scouters out there do not – Cub Scouters moving to Scouts BSA, parents, new leaders, or community members, for example.

In all communications, but especially in a learning environment, there will be people in the audience with diverse levels of experience. If you use an acronym, even one that is widely used in parts of our organization, there will be folks who will not understand. Some of whom may be afraid to ask what the acronym stands for. Consequently, they will not receive all the information you are sending.

Communication is much better when both the sender and the receiver understand the message.

As the author and speaker Simon Sinek, who does not allow acronyms in his organization, says, “We do not want people to feel dumb.”

Acronyms often become a barrier to learning and communication that are not worth the time, words, or letters you save by using them.

Even worse, sometimes acronyms have an entirely different meaning outside of your group, or they may have no meaning at all.

One example might be NYLT. That acronym is meaningless outside of Scouting, or even at times inside of Scouting. When we created the title of the course, it was intended to be something noteworthy a Scout could put on a college or job application – “I have completed the National Youth Leadership Training course.” Using the acronym is meaningless in that setting.

As trainers and leaders, we need to set the example. Please avoid acronyms when you communicate and/or facilitate learning!

—Mark Griffin

Training Reminder

In the winter/spring edition of the Training Times, we reported that Training Code S21 was retired early in 2025 following Scouting America’s updates to the current requirements for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters. The new trainings are covered by S11 (Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills) and S24 (Scoutmaster Specific Online or Facilitated Training). These courses were separated to provide greater flexibility and accommodate individual schedules. All Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters, including those who previously completed S21, will need to complete the latest training to be shown as trained!

We believe in lifelong training. Staying up to date with new training when it is released ensures you are well-equipped to deliver the program as designed and effectively support the Scouts in your care.

Warmest Wishes to Kathy Craig

It is with deep appreciation and warm congratulations that Scouting U announces the retirement of Kathy Craig, who has served as our Volunteer Development Specialist and a dedicated member of the Scouting movement for an incredible 40 years.

Before joining the National Service Center and Scouting U, Kathy served in multiple roles with the Denver Area Council, building strong program foundations and supporting volunteers across the region. Her longstanding commitment to developing leaders, strengthening training programs, and championing volunteers has shaped the experience of countless Scouters nationwide.

During her time with Scouting U, Kathy has been a trusted colleague, thoughtful collaborator, and passionate advocate for high-quality volunteer development. Her impact can be seen throughout our training systems, the volunteers she mentored, and the teams she strengthened.

As Kathy begins the next chapter of her journey, we celebrate her legacy of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the mission of Scouting.

Please join us in thanking Kathy Craig for her extraordinary contributions and wishing her a joyful and fulfilling retirement!