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Why Wood Badge?! Part 1: More Fun Than You Think

from the desk of Katie Espinosa Newton - Council Commissioner

It's that time of year that we partner up with the High Desert Council to offer the advanced leadership training course called Wood Badge. As a Wood Badger myself, I would like to share why more leaders should the course and more details about it.


What is Wood Badge?

Wood Badge is an advanced leadership training course for registered adult leaders in Scouting America. It aims to develop skilled leaders who can strengthen Scouting units and enhance the Scouting program for youth. The course emphasizes leadership principles, team building, and Scouting values, and participants implement their learning through a personal action plan called a "ticket."

wood badge training

Who is it for?

Everyone! It's open to all adult leaders, regardless of their position, big or small.


Why should I take this?

Wood Badge is truly one of the best leadership programs available in the country. No, I'm not just saying that because I've completed it or because it’s a Scouting America program. This type of training is something you can add to your resume, and companies will take notice. It’s because it is a leadership program that extends beyond scouting and teaches skills you will use in your community, career, and daily life in the most fun and interactive way.


fun moment wood badge training

There is no way another training is fun.

Call me a liar if you want, but this was by far one of the best experiences of my life. I have taken numerous leadership courses throughout my life, and I was initially hesitant to enroll in this course. But I finally agreed to take it with my Den Leader.


I found a group of people who were just as passionate about scouting as I was, and it was like we were kids at summer camp, having the ti

me of our lives. We met well after the course was done, and we were working on our Tickets and still keep in touch years later. Shout out to the Republic of Canadia Foxes of WD 137 Circle 10.


Also, that Den Leader who dragged me along became one of my lifelong friends and my first real friend in Hobbs. Thank you, Kandace. It was the reason I joined the Conquistador Council Executive Board and sparked the passion I have for Scouting now.

Upcoming Course


The 2025 High Desert and Conquistador Council’s Wood Badge course is coming up.

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Scout Law

Scout Law

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

Scout Oath

Scout Oath

On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my Country,
and to obey the Scout Law, to help other people at all times
to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

Accessibility Statement

Conquistador Council, Scouting America

Conquistador Council, Scouting America is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for everyone. We strive to ensure that our website and digital content can be accessed and used by people of all abilities.

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Our Commitment

We are continually working to improve the accessibility and usability of our website. Our goal is to follow recognized accessibility best practices, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and to make information about Scouting programs, events, resources, and opportunities available to all members of our community.

Our accessibility efforts may include:

Providing alternative text for meaningful images and graphics.
Using clear headings and logical page structures.
Maintaining readable text and appropriate color contrast.
Providing descriptive links and buttons.
Supporting keyboard navigation whenever possible.
Providing important information contained in flyers or graphics in accessible text formats when possible.
Reviewing digital documents and other resources for accessibility.
Ongoing Improvements

Accessibility is an ongoing effort. As our website, programs, and digital resources change, we will continue to review and improve accessibility wherever possible.

Some content on our website may be provided by third parties or link to external websites and resources that are not controlled by Conquistador Council. While we encourage accessible digital experiences, we cannot control the accessibility of third-party content.

Need Assistance?

If you experience difficulty accessing any part of our website, encounter an accessibility barrier, or need information provided in an alternative format, please contact Conquistador Council.

When contacting us, please describe the page, document, or information you were attempting to access and the accessibility issue you encountered. We will make reasonable efforts to provide the information or assistance you need.

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Conquistador Council, Scouting America
2603 N Aspen Ave.
Roswell, NM 88201
Phone: (575) 622-3461
Email: info@nmscouts.org

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We welcome feedback about the accessibility of our website and appreciate your help as we continue working to make Scouting information and opportunities accessible to everyone.

Last reviewed: August 2026

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