Wood Badge 2027 Course Director Announced
Forty years ago, a young Cub Scout in Glendale, California walked into his first Pack meeting. Today, that same Scout is stepping up to lead one of the most respected leadership courses in the movement.
The Transatlantic Council has selected Curtis Koenig as Course Director for Wood Badge 2027, happening 18–24 July 2027, at Camp Freedom in Marktbergel, Germany (Course 12-802-27).
Wood Badge is Scouting America’s premier advanced leadership course for adult volunteers, a week-long, immersive experience that has shaped Scouting leaders worldwide since 1919. Under Curtis’s direction, the 2027 course will carry that legacy forward for leaders across the Transatlantic Council, equipping them with the tools, vision, and “Ticket to Leadership” plan to strengthen their units for years to come.
A Lifelong Scouting Journey
Curtis Koenig’s connection to Scouting spans four decades and three generations.
His journey began in 1980 as a young Cub Scout in Pack 131, Glendale, California, part of the Verdugo Hills Council. He earned his Arrow of Light and joined Troop 118 in 1984, going on to earn the rank of Eagle Scout with Bronze Palm in 1989. That same era saw him join the Order of the Arrow and serve as a Patrol Leader at the 1987 National Jamboree.
After nearly two decades away from active involvement, Curtis returned to Scouting in 2008, this time as a leader. Over the past fifteen-plus years, he has served youth in both Kentucky and California, holding nearly every adult leadership role along the way: Cubmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Crew Adviser, and District Commissioner, among others.
His service has been recognized at the highest levels, including the Silver Beaver Award in 2014, Scouting’s top council-level volunteer honor, along with the Bronze Pelican and District Award of Merit.
But for Curtis, the proudest part of his Scouting story isn’t a badge or an award. It’s watching the tradition continue through his own children. From a young Cub Scout in Glendale to a father raising his own Eagle Scouts, Curtis’s story is a powerful reminder of what Scouting can mean across generations.
Curtis currently serves in serveral roles in the Transatlantic Council – from being an active part in the Commissioner team, Venturing and as the Black Eagle Lodge Mantowagan Chapter (Charlemagne District) Adviser, continuing his commitment to youth leadership within the Transatlantic Council’s Order of the Arrow program.
About Wood Badge 2027
Wood Badge is a transformative leadership experience built around patrol squadrons, hands-on challenges, and leadership models used across business, education, and Scouting alike. Participants leave with a concrete plan to put their new skills to work in their units.
Course details:
- Dates: 18–24 July 2027
- Location: Camp Freedom, Marktbergel, Germany
- Course Number: 12-802-27
Registration details, course fees, and staff opportunities will be announced in the months ahead. Leaders interested in serving on staff under Curtis’s direction are encouraged to complete the online interest form.
Join us in congratulating Curtis Koenig on this appointment, and get ready. Wood Badge 2027 is coming to Camp Freedom.
