National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is the premier youth leader training experience offered by the Boy Scouts of America.  NYLT, Pack and Paddle adds value to the NYLT leadership training syllabus by executing the course of instruction in the context of a wilderness backpack and canoe trek, where participants put leadership theory to immediate, real world practice.  Participants learn to set a personal vision, establish goals, and lead themselves, and others..in addition to picking up a few wilderness skills in the process.  They will return to their home Troops, and Crews with the tools, and enthusiasm necessary to help lead their units, using the Patrol Method.  For many, NYLT, Pack and Paddle is a mountaintop experience from which they will benefit the rest of their lives.

Participants must be Venturers, Explorers, or Scouts BSA members who are at least 13 years old and are First Class Rank or above by the time of the Course.  Participants must have passed a BSA Swimmer's Test within the last year, or be able to pass it upon arrival.  Participants must have the recommendation of their unit leader, be able to live and work in a rugged environment, (including the ability to eat 9 days worth of backpacking food), and should successfully complete the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops, or Crews.  Participants should also have the emotional stability to readily work in a team environment for an intense and extended period of time.