National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an exciting, action-packed six-day council-level program designed to provide Scouts in troops, crews and ships with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home units and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others.
Unit leaders have the primary responsibility for training their youth leaders. The first step in the BSA youth leadership training continuum is conducted in the home unit (Introduction to Leadership Skills). Scouts who have completed this training may attend. NYLT is held yearly, usually in July.
NYLT is filled with activities, presentations, challenges, discussions, and camping in a team and model unit environment. Participants learn and practice skills that are valuable at home, church, school, work and the Scouting unit.
The course is designed for Scouts BSA members who are at least 13 years old, and for Venturers or Sea Scouts who are at least 13 years old and have completed eighth grade. Since a Scout only takes this course once, it is critical for the youth to get the maximum benefit from this experience; therefore, it is essential that they be able to handle the demands of this advanced course, which requires maturity, experience, and proficiency in basic camping skills.
At NYLT, a temporary training unit is formed consisting of youth from troops, crews and ships across the council. This training unit is instructed and led by a highly qualified group of outstanding youth and adult trainers. At the end of this conference, the Scout returns to their home unit with advanced knowledge of leadership skills and patrol/troop/crew operation.
Our next course will be held at Camp Gorsuch from May 24th, 2026, to May 29th, 2026. Talk to your Scoutmaster, Advisor, or Skipper about registering today. Registration closes April 24th, 2026.
Next year’s course will be held at Camp Gorsuch from July 18th to July 24th, 2027. Registration procedures for 2027 will be communicated to units during the 4th quarter of 2026.
Who Should Attend NYLT
National Youth Leadership Training is designed for young people across Scouting who are eager to grow as leaders and make a lasting impact on their units, crews, ships, and communities. NYLT is the ideal experience for Scouts, Sea Scouts, and Venturers who:
- Want to take their leadership to the next level—whether they currently hold a position of responsibility or aspire to serve in one.
- Enjoy working with others and want to learn how to build stronger, more effective teams.
- Are looking for practical leadership skills that are recognized both across Scouting nationally and in the broader world of school, work, and community involvement.
- Thrive in hands‑on, challenge‑based learning and want to practice communication, problem‑solving, and team-building in an outdoor environment.
- See themselves as future leaders in their unit, district, council, or other youth-led organizations.
- Have a desire to serve others, inspire their peers, and help create a positive, high-performing culture back home.
Participants do not need extensive leadership experience—only the willingness to learn, participate, and bring their new skills back to strengthen their home unit. NYLT is especially valuable for youth preparing for or currently serving in positions such as Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Crew President, Boatswain, Patrol Leader, or any role requiring teamwork, planning, and guiding others.
Participants should:
- Have taken part in at least 1 (ideally 2+) weeks of resident Scout camp
- Be a “credit” to their unit—dedicated, conscientious, and responsible
- Be serving in, or about to serve in, a significant troop or crew leadership role
- Have good basic camping and outdoor skills
- Want to attend
Participants should NOT:
- Be those with significant homesickness issues or discipline problems
- Be Scouts who have never camped without a parent present
Participants who create problems for themselves or others by not following program rules, or by violations of law or of the Scout Oath or Scout Law, may be sent home at the discretion of the adult leadership. No refunds will be given in the event of an early dismissal from NYLT.
Scouts BSA Attendance Requirements
To participate in National Youth Leadership Training as a Scouts BSA member, youth must:
- Be a registered member of a Scouts BSA troop.
- Be at least 13 years old by the start of the course.*
- Hold the rank of First Class or higher.
- Have completed the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST).
- Have a current Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A, B & C).
- Be recommended by their Scoutmaster/unit leader.
- Have basic camping and outdoor cooking experience (recommended for success, though NYLT is not a skills course).
Venturing/Sea Scouting Attendance Requirements
Venturers and Sea Scouts must meet the following to attend NYLT:
- Be a registered member of a crew or ship.
- Be at least 14 years old or 13 and have completed the eighth grade by the first day of the course.*
- Fall within the age limits for their program.
- Have completed Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews or Ships (ILSC/ILSS).
- Have a current Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A, B & C).
- Have basic camping experience to support success in the outdoor-based course.
- Have a recommendation from their Advisor/Skipper.
Additionally, all Venturers 18 years old and above, may also attend Wood Badge.
*There are no exceptions available for the age requirement. We are following standards that are set nationally, which require all participants be at least 13 by the first day of course. In addition, you will get more out of the course by being a bit older.
NYLT Staff
After participation in an NYLT course, a Scout may be invited to serve on staff. If you enjoyed NYLT, and you want to make sure other Scouts have the same rewarding experience, then staffing may be for you. It is a lot of fun, but also requires dedication to hard work and preparation. Conducting a National Youth Leadership Training course takes a great deal of planning, plenty of inspiration, and the enthusiastic participation of many dedicated people. The rewards for participants, staff, and the Scouting movement are tremendous.
There are opportunities for those who have completed the course to become a staff member for NYLT. If Scouts are still active in Scouting, are highly motivated, and are hard-working, they will be sent a staff invite letter. These letters will be sent out in late September for the course the following summer. If you receive one of these letters, please seriously consider staffing NYLT.
Minimum requirements for youth staff members include:
– Be at least age 14.
– Have held positions of leadership in their home unit.
– Have been an NYLT course participant.
– Have been invited to staff.
If you have questions, please contact the Council NYLT Coordinator at councilcoordinator@lastfrontiernylt.org.
