Be Prepared to Lead the Way
The Scouting program has specific objectives, commonly referred to as the “Aims of Scouting.” They are character development, leadership development, citizenship training, and personal fitness.
Leadership development is also one of Scouting’s eight methods contributing to both good character and good citizenship.
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an exciting, action-packed program designed to provide youth members with the opportunity to learn leadership skills and gain experience they can use in their home units and in other situations that would benefit from a leadership role.
Course Overview
A constant refrain of NYLT is, “If you can see it, you can be it.” The 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 team goes on a Quest for the Meaning of Leadership.
MTC NYLT is a seven-day course, patterned after a month in the life of a unit. The course 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 skills and confidence to lead well. During an NYLT course, team members find themselves going through the stages of team development. Their challenges heighten the team development process, enabling them to use their awareness of the stages to build a highly effective team that can reach its full potential.
Who Should Attend
Scouts BSA and Venturers who currently hold a key leadership role in their home unit or the unit leader feels has the potential to hold a key leadership position in the future. In order to attend an NYLT course, a youth MUST have the following qualifications by the start of the course, per National Council guidelines:
- Must be a registered member of a Scouting unit – Troop, Crew, or Ship.
- Scouts BSA members (male and female) must be at least 13 at the start of course.
- Scouts BSA members MUST complete Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops.
- Scouts BSA members MUST have earned the rank of First Class
- 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.
- Venturers and Sea Scouts MUST have completed Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews or Ships.
- All participants must have a unit leader recommendation.
- All participants must provide a current BSA Health and Medical Record form parts A, B, and C.
All Participants
- All Scouts MUST agree to spend the entire scheduled week participating in the National Youth Leadership Training Course.
- All Scouts should have held a leadership position in his or her unit, if possible, or be considering a position in the near future.
- All participants are recommended to 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. The entire week is completed outdoors and the patrols are responsible for cooking most meals during the week.
What is the Involvement of the Unit Leader?
NYLT is intended to strengthen the relationship between the youth leader and unit leader. The unit leader is highly encouraged to have a pre-course and post-course conference with the participant to discuss their vision and goals for future success of their home unit.
Code of Ethics
Every course operates according to the principles of the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, and the Outdoor Code. Each participant and staff member is welcomed, appreciated and valued. There is no room for hazing or for any activities that do not add to a positive learning experience for everyone.