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National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)

Providing Scouts with invaluable leadership skills and the experience they need to become leaders.

Building the next generation of leaders

What is NYLT? National Youth Leadership Training is an action-packed program designed to provide Scouts with leadership skills and experiences they can use in their home units and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others. This program is the centerpiece of the Council’s youth training opportunities, providing local Units with outstanding youth leaders and giving those participants the tools and leadership ideals that will serve them well in whatever they do.

Course Overview

NYLT is a six-day course. Content is delivered in outdoor troop and patrol settings with an emphasis on immediate application and learning in a fun environment. Scouts are first introduced to interconnecting concepts and work processes. These ideas are then built upon and reinforced using memory aids to allow participants to understand and employ their newfound 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 are engaged in a unified approach to leadership that will give them the skills and confidence to lead well. Through a wide range of activities, games and adventures, participants work and play together as they put into action the best Scouting has to offer.

Crossroads of America Council offers NYLT in a weeklong and a two-weekend course format. For two-weekend courses, participants must attend both weekends to complete their training. 

Register for NYLT

April 12-14 & April 26-28, 2024
September 6-8 & September 20-22, 2024

*Registration opens September 4, 2023

Who should attend?

Youth in Scouts BSA and Venturers who currently hold a key leadership role in their home Unit, or youth with leadership potential who have been recommended by the Unit leader. 

Scouts BSA members must be First Class rank and at least 13 years old. They must have completed Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops.

Venturers and Sea Scouts must be 14 to 21 years old. They must have completed Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews or Ships. They are advised to have had at least one year of camping experience before NYLT. While NYLT is not an outdoor skills course, it is important that each participant has basic camping and outdoor cooking experience.

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.

Resources

Download the NYLT flyer to share with your Unit and inspire your next generation of young leaders.

Code of Ethics

Every course operates according to the principles of the Scout Oath and Law. 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.

NYLT Scholarships

Scholarships are available to applicants to help lessen the financial burden of the course. Assistance is also available through several sources such as your Unit or chartered partner. Typical scholarships are 50% of the course fee, and submission deadlines vary. 

To apply for a CAC campership, please contact your course director for the course you are interested in attending. 

To apply for a Mark D. Van Matre NYLT Scholarship, please use the link below. Only one scholarship is available per course.  Application must be received by March 1 for the April course, May 1 (June course) and August 1 (September course).