Troop Leader Training conducted in the Troop is the first step in the BSA Youth Leadership Training continuum. Scouts who have 1) completed this training 2) attained the rank of First Class or higher and 3) reached the age of thirteen, may participate the next step by accepting the challenge of The Council level National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT).

Scoutmasters have the primary responsibility for training their youth leaders. The purpose of National Youth Leadership Training is not to assume that role, but rather support it. Through activities, presentations, challenges, discussions, and camping in a model patrol/troop environment participants will learn and put into use skills that are valuable at home, church, school, job, and the Scouting unit.

The course is designed for a boy of about 14 years of age. A Scoutmaster at his discretion may approve a Scout at 13 years of age to attend a NYLT (if the boy is mature and is an outstanding performer). As a Scout only takes this course once, we want him to get the maximum benefit from this experience; therefore it is essential that he 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 troop is formed consisting of Scouts from across the council. This training troop is instructed and lead by a highly qualified group of outstanding youth and adult trainers. At the end of this conference the boy returns to his home troop with advanced knowledge of leadership skills, and troop and patrol operation.

Objectives:

1. Give participants the confidence and knowledge to conduct the troop program.

2. Provide participants with a clear understanding of team and personal development and how those elements relate to being a leader.

3. Guide the participants through the stages of team development.

4. Create an environment of Scouting fellowship and fun guided by the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.

5. Give participants the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with Scouts from other troops and teams.

6. Have fun and experience Scouting at its best.

Requirements and Expectations:

1. At least 13 years of age, but not yet 18 by the start of the course.

2. At least First Class rank, training is conducted in a camp setting – First Class rank outdoor skills is a must.

3. Live by the Scout Oath and the Scout Law at all times.

4. Check-in for the course begins on Day One at Noon and ends on Day 6 at 4:00 PM


Course Overview:

The course models a month in the life of a troop – three meetings (one each day for the first three days) all leading up to a big outdoor experience (an overnight outpost camp). The course uses the patrol method and presents model Patrol Leader Council meetings.

Patrols are challenged early in the week to present to the troop at the end of the week their “Quest for the Meaning of Leadership.” While the challenge is designed to have them go through the four stages of team development, it will help patrols and individual Scouts internalize the leadership skills and concepts being presented to them along the way.

Throughout the course, the staff will be modeling the concepts and skills that are the core content of the course. The focus of the course is to impart knowledge of leadership skills to fill the Scout’s “Toolbox of Leadership Skills” and given them an understanding as to when and how to use these skills.

The course begins with the patrols finding their team vision and ends with the individuals refining a personal vision of how to take the skills back to their home troop and communicate what he has learned.

Check out the Scouting Magazine article on NYLT featuring the Sam Houston Area Council.

What are the skills being taught?

Day One
Communicating Well, Part I
Finding Your Vision, Part I

Day Two
Setting Your Goals
Preparing Your Plans

Day Three
Forming Your Team
Problem Solving
Leading EDGE

Day Four
Teaching EDGE
Resolving Conflicts
Making Ethical Decisions

Day Five
Leading Yourself
Valuing People

Day 6
Finding Your Vision, Part II
Communicating Well, Part II
Creating A Future

To view a video regarding this training, view this link.

2009 NYLT SCHEDULE:

Course #101: June 6-11,2010, Camp Strake (Sunday-Friday)
                        Orientation: Sunday, May 16, 2010

                       
Course #102: June 14-19,2010, Camp Strake (Monday-Saturday)
                        Orientation: Sunday, May 16, 2010

                       
Course #103: December 26-31, 2009, Bovay Scout Ranch                
                         Orientation: Sunday, December 5, 2010

Check-in for each course is between 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. on the first day of the course. Participants should have lunch before arriving for check-in.

The course will finish by 4:00 p.m. on the last day. Parents should plan to arrive between 3:30 and 4:00 p.m. Please do not be late, as staff will depart for home directly after the course and no one will be allowed to remain at camp
 

NYLT Orientation:

Attendance at the orientation meeting is mandatory. Any exception must be cleared with the council NYLT coordinator or the professional staff advisor prior to the beginning of orientation. Non-attendance without making prior arrangements may subject the Scout to be dropped from the course.

All orientations will be held at The Cockrell Scout Center, located at 2225 North Loop West at East T.C. Jester Blvd. The formal meeting will begin at 1:00 p.m. and is scheduled to conclude at 3:30 p.m. Plan to arrive starting at 12:15 p.m. for check-in and processing required paperwork. The Scout should attend with a parent or guardian and his Scoutmaster or a designated Assistant Scoutmaster.

APPLICATION & Other Forms:

Applications may be obtained from the Council Service Center or downloaded (see below). The completed form should be turned in, with deposit about 60 to 90 days, but not later than 30 days before the course begins. The fee for an NYLT course is $225.00.

In addition to the application the following additional completed forms are required:
    1.  Annual Health and Medical Record Form,
    2.  Dietary Needs Form, &
    3.  Over-the-counter Medication Form
These forms should be turned in to the Council no later than the orientation date for the specific course. Blank forms may be downloaded below.

A “What to bring” list for summer and winter courses is also available below for downloading.

Download Forms:

2010 NYLT Summer Registration Form

2010 NYLT Winter Registration Form - available mid-June 2010

Annual Health and Medical Record Form

Dietary Needs Form

Over-the-Counter Medication Form

What to bring – Summer

What to bring – Winter

We do have a few policies that you should know and be aware of:

(1) Fee Refunds – From time to time events happen that cause participants to withdraw from the course. However, refunds or a balance transfers to a future course, will only be discussed if the withdraw is due to factors beyond the participant’s or guardian’s control. The Council will assess the reasons for a withdrawal and make a fair ruling in accordance with the Council refund policy.