National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
The NYLT course centers around the concepts of what a leader must BE, what they must KNOW, and what they 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.
NYLT is a six-day course for youth troop, crew, and ship leaders. 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 processed 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. The course goal is to prepare young men and women to become superior leaders in their local unit and in the future.
Built on the legacy of past JLCT successes, the new 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, the 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.
The course is led and taught by some of the best youth leaders in the council; all of whom are graduates of the NYLT program and typically have staffed multiple courses. The adult advisors who assist the Youth Staff are Wood Badge trained.
In order to attend a NYLT course, a youth must have the following qualifications by the beginning of the course:
- Must be a registered member of a Scouting unit
- Must have a current BSA Health and Medical Record form parts A, B, and C (found here)
- As of March 1, 2019, Scouts BSA members (male and female) must be at least 13 years old. They must have completed the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops/Crews/Ships (found here)
- All youth registered in Scouts BSA are required to earn the First Class rank before attending
- Venturers and Sea Scouts (male and female) must be at least 14, or 13 and have completed eighth grade, and fall within the maximum age allowance for their program. They must have completed Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews or Ships (found here). It is recommended that they have had at least one year of camping experience
- While NYLT is not an outdoor skills course, it is important that each participant have basic camping and outdoor cooking experience
- Must have unit leader recommendation
Requirements for Youth Staff
- Minimum Age 14
- Minimum Life Rank or Crew Leadership
- Graduated from NYLT
- Hold a Unit level leadership position
- Scoutmaster or Advisor approval
- Council approval
- Parent permission
- Attend Trainer’s EDGE
Interested in staffing, click here.
2025 Dates
- Session 1&2 - Camp Wisdom - June 2-7, 2025 - Register
- Session 3&4 - Camp James Ray - July 14-19, 2025 - Register
- Session 5&6 - Camp Wisdom - December 26-31, 2025 - Register
2026 Dates
- Session 1&2 - Camp Wisdom - June 8-13, 2026 - Register
- Session 3 - Camp James Ray - July 13-18, 2026 - Register
- Session 4&5 - Camp Wisdom - December 26-31, 2026 - Register
Cost and Registration
- $325 per participant
- $150 per staff
Resources
Financial Assistance
If you are in need of financial assistance please fill out the Scholarship form (updated form coming soon) and send to Daniel Murphy.
Additional information will come from the Scoutmaster of your course about 30 days before your course begins. This will include all the instructions you need for the course.
Council Course Director / Chair
NYLTCircleTen@gmail.com
National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE)
- Exciting program of the Philmont Training Center in Cimarron, New Mexico where young men and women enhance their leadership skills in the Philmont backcountry.
- Scouts will expand upon the team-building and ethical decision-making skills learned in National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT).
- NAYLE uses elements of the Philmont ranger training as well as advanced search-and-rescue skills to teach leadership, teamwork, and the lessons of selfless service.
- NAYLE will offer Scouts an unforgettable Philmont backcountry wilderness experience where they live leadership and teamwork, using the core elements of NYLT to make their leadership skills intuitive.
- Boy Scout participants must be at least 14 years of age to participate.
- Venturing youth must be at least 13 (and have completed the 8th grade) to participate.
- All participants must be approved by their unit leader to participate in NAYLE.
- NYLT is a prerequisite for participation in NAYLE.
What can you expect?
NAYLE a special experience. Scouts will live in a patrol setting and use their leadership skills to resolve exciting and challenging situations.
What are the benefits?
NAYLE will equip youth leaders to be better unit leaders, NYLT staff members, and/or superior camp staff members. It will help guide their journey to become true servant leaders, able to develop the members of any team they lead. NAYLE provides life skills for now and the future.
Who can come?
Scouts must be 14 but not yet 20 years old, hold a unit leadership position, and have completed NYLT.
Philmont NAYLE
Philmont offers participants an unforgettable backcountry experience where they use their NAYLE leadership skills to resolve exciting and challenging issues. Participants are introduced to and have an opportunity to build upon the legacy of Waite Phillips, the benefactor of Philmont Scout Ranch.
More information | Scholarship Application
Summit Bechtel Reserve NAYLE
Participants will attend this course in the summer while experiencing all that the Summit offers.
Space is limited.
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