National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is a 5-day leadership experience for youth registered in Scouts BSA, Venturing, or Sea Scouts. It’s designed for Scouts who want to grow as leaders and for units that believe in a strong, youth-led program. Many troops even require NYLT for Senior Patrol Leaders because it helps youth leaders understand not just what leadership is, but how to live it. We find that many troops will cover 50-100% of the participant fee as a way of investing into the troop's health.

At NYLT, participants don’t just sit and listen to presentations. They learn by doing. The course is built to feel like a well-run Scout unit, where youth work together in patrols and take on real leadership challenges. Along the way, Scouts explore the core leadership ideas of Be, Know, Do, building skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making. There’s plenty of hands-on activity, teamwork, and fun woven into the week.

One of the most powerful parts of NYLT is that it is truly youth-led. The course is run by a highly trained youth staff, with adults serving as advisors in the background. This gives participants a clear picture of what a youth-led troop looks like and the confidence to bring that mindset back home. The leadership skills learned at NYLT don’t stop with Scouting; they help Scouts succeed in school, future jobs, and life.

NYLT is not an outdoor skills course, but participants should be comfortable with basic camping and outdoor cooking so they can fully take part in the experience. Before registering, please be sure to get a troop leader recommendation.

Attendance: Participants must attend the entire course, from the morning of June 8 through the afternoon of June 12. Scouts may arrive after 5:00 PM on Sunday, June 8 and stay overnight before the course begins if they wish.

A complete Leader’s Guide and all required forms are included in the Welcome Letter found in the attachments section.

Registration Fees & Shirt Sizes: The cost of the course includes all meals from Monday to Friday, 2 t-shirts, hat, handbooks, recognition materials, and camping supplies. The early bird fee is $225 and is available through April 1, 2026. Scouts who register by this date are guaranteed their selected shirt size. After April 1, the regular registration fee increases to $275. Scouts who register after the early bird deadline may still select a shirt size, but availability cannot be guaranteed.

NYLT is more than just a training course; it’s an experience that helps Scouts step up, lead with confidence, and bring the true spirit of youth-led leadership back to their unit.