National Youth Leadership Training is an exciting, action-packed program designed for councils to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF NYLT?

The purpose of NYLT is to support the Unit Adult’s training of the youth leaders. The objectives of the course are to: 

• Provide a toolbox of leadership skills
• Relate these skills to leading in their unit
• Instill knowledge and confidence to run the unit program
• Enhance the relationship between the Scout and their unit
• Share ideas and experiences with other Scouts
• Experience Scouting at its best
• Have fun!

The NYLT course centers around the concepts of what a leader must BE, what a leader must KNOW, and what a leader must DO. The key elements are then taught with a clear focus on HOW TO. The skills come alive during the week as the patrol goes on a Quest for the Meaning of Leadership.

Requirements to participate in the 2025 NYLT  Course include: 

• All participants must be members of a Scouts BSA troop, a Venture Crew, or a Sea Scout Ship.
• All participants must be 13 years old or older by the first day of Course. 
• All participants must have achieved a First Class Rank (or program equivalent) or above by the first day of Course. 
• All participants must have a recommendation from their unit leader. 
• All participants must have completed the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops or Crews.

NYLT is a six-day course. Content is delivered in a troop and patrol outdoor setting with an emphasis on immediate application of learning in a fun environment. Interconnecting concepts and work processes are introduced early, built upon, and aided by the use of memory aids, which allows participants to understand and employ the leadership skills much faster.

NYLT integrates the best of modern leadership theory with the traditional strengths of the Scouting experience. Through activities, presentations, challenges, discussions, and audio-visual support, NYLT participants will be engaged in a unified approach to leadership that will give them the skill and confidence to lead well. Through a wide range of activities, games, and adventures, participants will work and play together as they put into action the best Scouting has to offer.

Please see the attached Participant Registration Packet for more details about the course.  This packet includes a course overview, packing list, and required forms to be completed by the participant, parent, and unit leader.