National Youth Leadership Training
What is NYLT?
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an exciting, action-packed program designed for councils to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others.
How did NYLT get Started?
For many years, Junior Leader Training (JLT) was an important part of the leadership training continuum of BSA local councils throughout America. In 2003 and 2004, a task force of leadership experts and hundreds of Scouts in pilot courses across the nation reviewed and tested every aspect of the new NYLT syllabus, which incorporates the latest leadership ideas and presents fresh, vital and meaningful training for today's Scouts.
What do Participants Learn at NYLT?
The NYLT course centers around the concepts of what a leader must BE, what he must KNOW, and what he must DO. The key elements are then taught with a clear focus on HOW TO. The skills come alive during the week as the patrol goes on a Quest for the Meaning of Leadership.
How Long is NYLT and Where does it take Place?
NYLT is a six-day course at Mataguay Scout Ranch. Content is delivered in a troop and patrol outdoor setting with an emphasis on immediate application of learning in a fun environment. Interconnecting concepts and work processes are introduced early, built upon, and aided by the use of memory aids, which allows participants to understand and employ the leadership skills much faster.
Built on the legacy of past JLT successes, the new 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 will be engaged in a unified approach to leadership that will give them the skill and confidence to lead well. Through a wide range of activities, games, and adventures, participants will work and play together as they put into action the best Scouting has to offer.
What's after NYLT?
Upon completion of the course participants will have the opportunity to put the skills they learned into practice. On day 6 each Scout will work staff members to outline a measurable plan as to how they will use NYLT to benefit their home units. This is called the NYLT Challenge.
NYLT Staff Application
NYLT sponsored by the San Diego-Imperial Council is a fun-filled week of challenges, learning, and Scouting at its best! In order to present the best course possible each year, the adult and youth staff members are carefully selected based on the contributions they can be expected to make to the next course. The information below will help you understand the kind of staff members we seek, the process for staff selection, and the six-month commitment that each staff member must make to preparing and putting on the next course.
Minimum criteria for NYLT Youth Staff members:
- Be at least 14 years old
- Have held positions of leadership in their home unit
- Successfully completed the NYLT course
- Be a registered member of a Scouting unit
Of course, not every Scout who meets these minimum criteria will be selected for the staff. The characteristics of staff members are one of the key factors in the success of our NYLT course each year. To create a SCOUTING AT ITS BEST atmosphere we need staff who:
- Are enthusiastic and brimming with Scout Spirit
- Follow the Scout Oath and Law
- Respect other Scouts and leaders
- Are responsible in completing assignments to the best of their ability
- Are masters of the Scoutcraft Skills needed to live in a camp environment
- Understand and put into practice the Leadership Skills taught at NYLT
- Respect the course curriculum and are dedicated to teaching it
- Willing and able to make the commitment to attend all the staff development sessions
Adult Scouter criteria for staff selection:
To carry out a successful NYLT course a number of Scouters are required to provide the guidance and mentoring to some outstanding youth throughout the development phases and during the week long experience. We are looking for Scouters who have been or are Unit Leaders with a local unit or who can work comfortably with a quality youth staff. Additionally, it is desirable for Scouters to have completed (or in the process of completing) a Wood Badge course. This is an opportunity to shape the leadership experience for both the youth staff and course participants, to enable a youth lead program and to be a part of "Scouting at its best."
Application Process
- Fill out the on-line staff application.
- Review the Staff Development Schedule, to be provided. (Staff must attend all staff development dates)
- Attend a Staff Interview session (by invitation).
- Adults will be contacted by phone and may need an in-person meeting with the Course Director
Youth will receive a confirmation of your interview date, time and ZOOM link. The interview will be a five to seven minute interview by experienced staff members. Please arrive in the ZOOM room 10 minutes before your appointment time and plan to stay for 30 minutes after your appointment time. Wear your Field Uniform ("Class A"). Be prepared to discuss your Troop/Crew leadership experience, interest in NYLT and things you have learned and practiced from NYLT training.
Youth will receive an invitation for an interview.
