Woody Youngs
Woody has been engaged with Trail Life's Board of Directors for the past ten years, serving as Chairman of Trail Life's National Advisory Council. He has been a Point Man and Troopmaster since the launch of Trail Life. He has served as Chairman/Camp Director for five National Summer Adventures, was the Chairman for the Nationwide Leadership Conference in 2023 and introduced/conducts Trail Life's Thriving Troop Survey and supporting qualitative research. Woody has served in numerous leadership roles in his church and several other Christian ministries (Child Evangelism Fellowship, Christian Motorcyclist Association, TTT Christian Youth Ministries). He was ordained as a deacon in 1990 and continues to serve in that role and was licensed to the ministry in 2017. Today he leads a men's ministry group and teaches bible study at First Southern Baptist Church in Evansville, IN. Professionally, Woody has been a research consultant since 1977 and for the past five years has led the Insights Team for the fastest growing fiber optics service provider in the nation as Director of Customer Experience. He has served on several government and non-profit boards in the past.
Prior to the launch of Trail Life, Woody was highly engaged as a Scout leader for 23 years, launching a half dozen Packs, Troops, and Crews, leading district and council level activities and high adventure treks. He served as District Chairman for several years, was Scoutmaster to the National Jamboree in 2013, and was awarded Scouting's Silver Beaver award. Best experience in Scouting: serving as Chaplain for summer camps and promoting religious growth of young men.
Woody and his amazing wife Carol have been married for 42 years. They have one son (Matthew). Trail Life is a family affair in their family. Carol is the Troop Ministry Liaison for their Trail Life Troop and Charter Representative for their American Heritage Girls Troop. Matt (the Eagle Scout and Freedom Rangeman in their family) serves as Committee Chairman for our Trail Life Troop (IN-0364).
Wood is a lifetime leaner. He holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of Evansville, the Insights Professional Certification (Master Level), and a Master's and PhD in Christian Organization Leadership. He has completed five certifications in emotional state analysis, human subjects testing certification, an eclectic array of outdoor skills certifications - and enjoys serving as a guest lecturer at several universities. He often says "best version of Woody is when he is camping!" Woody is a lifetime member of Trail Life, focused on helping our leaders build strong Troops - and deliver more minutes of ministry to the young men we serve.