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National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)

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National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is our Council’s premier leadership development experience for youth leaders in Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouting. Held in an immersive, outdoor setting, NYLT simulates a month in the life of a Scouting unit over an intensive six-day course (or two consecutive 3-day weekends).

Through hands-on activities, team challenges, and practical instruction, participants learn the skills needed to lead their home troops, crews, and ships—and build leadership tools that last a lifetime.

What You Will Learn

NYLT centers around the concept of “What a Leader Must BE, KNOW, and DO.” Embedded in a fun, dynamic environment, participants experience team building from the ground up while mastering core leadership competencies:

  • The EDGE Method: Learn how to Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, and Enable to teach skills effectively to others.

  • Stages of Team Development: Understand how teams evolve through Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing—and how to lead at every stage.

  • Communication & Negotiation: Develop strong verbal, non-verbal, and listening skills to resolve conflicts and build trust.

  • Goal Setting & Planning: Master how to set SMART goals, create actionable plans, and solve complex problems under pressure.

  • Servant Leadership: Discover how putting the needs of your team first creates stronger, more resilient units.

Course Prerequisites

To ensure every participant is prepared for the fast-paced NYLT curriculum, candidates must meet the following requirements prior to the start of the course:

For Scouts BSA:

  • Must be at least 13 years old by the start of the course.

  • Must hold the rank of First Class or higher.

  • Must have completed Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST).

For Venturers & Sea Scouts:

  • Must be at least 14 years old (or 13 and completed the 8th grade).

  • Must have completed ILSC (Crews) or ILSS (Ships).

General Requirements (All Participants):

  • Unit Leader Recommendation: Must have the approval and endorsement of their Scoutmaster, Crew Advisor, or Skipper.

  • Medical Form: A current, fully completed BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A, B, and C) including a physical exam signed by a licensed physician.

Why Unit Leaders Send Scouts to NYLT

“A youth-led unit is only as strong as the leadership skills of its youth officers.”

NYLT transforms enthusiastic Scouts into confident, capable leaders. Scouts return to their home units with a clear vision, improved teaching ability, and the motivation to take real ownership of troop and crew operations, meetings, and outdoor adventures.

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