National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)

A Successful troop needs strong leaders. NYLT is the program that helps make that happen.

NYLT is a week-long course that gives Scouts BSA and Venturers methods, skills, and experiences to become better leaders in their unit. The course centers around the concepts of what a leader must be, what he/she must know, and what he/she must do – with a clear focus on how to accomplish all this. NYLT courses are limited to 36 participants.

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 and are ready for the next level of training should attend NYLT once they meet all Eligibility Requirements.

NYLT Eligibility Requirements

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.
  • Receive approval from the Scoutmaster or Unit Leader
  • Must have a current BSA Health and Medical Record form parts A, B, and C.
  • As of July 25, 2022, Scouts BSA members (male and female) must be at least 13. They must have completed Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops.
  • 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. 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.
  • Commit to attending the entire six-day course

What NYLT is (and is not)

    NYLT is not like summer camp and is not designed for rank advancement or earning merit badges. NYLT is an intense and challenging hands-on leadership training program. It is essential that NYLT participants be physically, emotionally, and mentally prepared to handle the demands of this advanced training. To get the most benefit from this unique experience, participants must exhibit maturity, a positive attitude, proficiency in basic camping and outdoor cooking, and have the ambition to serve in leadership roles.