National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)

NYLT​​​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 other situations demanding leadership of self and others. 

Unit leaders have the primary responsibility for training their youth leaders. The first step in the youth leadership training continuum is conducted in the home unit (Introduction to Leadership Skills). Scouts who have completed this training may attend.    

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, the Scouts must 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 consists 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. 

Requirements and Expectations

  1. Be registered in a Scouting unit. Scouts must be registered in a troop and be at least First Class rank. Scouts in troops must be at least 13 years of age but not yet 18 by day one of the course. Venturers and/or Sea Scouts must be registered in a crew and/or ship, must be at least age 14 (or age 13 and have completed the eighth grade), and fall within the maximum age allowance for their program. No exceptions.
  2. Scouts must live by the Scout Oath and the Scout Law at all times.
  3. Scouts must be able to attend the entire course: day one begins at 1:00 pm (check-in starts at noon), and day six ends around 4:00 pm.  If a Scout does not attend the full course, they will not receive credit for the course.
  4. Scouts must have their unit leader's approval in writing to be to attend.
  5. Scouts must have completed Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops, Crews or Ships, which is delivered in person at the unit level. Contact the unit leader for more information about this training.
  6. Scouts must attend the mandatory orientation meeting with a unit leader or parent.

Registration

The fee for NYLT is $275. The fee includes two t-shirts and one neckerchief; extra t-shirts can be ordered for $14 per shirt. Before registering, read the FAQs below, and have the unit leader's information (name, address, phone, and email). Registration is complete, and the Scout's name is placed on the confirmed roster when the online registration is submitted and payment is received. Payment is made online with a credit card or electronic check.​ (Finance Assistance Request; Council Refund Policy)    

Course Dates
Location
Register (steps 1-2)
Paperwork Due (step 3)
Orientation Meeting (step 4)
Roster/Waitlist
December 26-31, 2024 (24-5, 24-6, 24-7, 24-8) Bovay Scout Ranch Open-follow sequence      
June 8-14, 2025 (25-1 & 25-2) Bovay Scout Ranch Opens Spring 2025      
June 15-21, 2025 (25-3 & 25-4) Bovay Scout Ranch Opens Spring 2025      

 

Step 1:  Approval Form: The unit leader sends the approval form to the council training registrar (listed at the bottom of this page) for the Scout to attend NYLT. A registration link will then be emailed to the parent/guardian.  
Step 2: Registration: The parent/guardian completes the registration/payment form using the link sent to them via email. 
For summer registration, a participant can be registered for either week 1 or week 2.
Step 3:  Paperwork: Submit the following paperwork:
→ All participants: The parent/guardian mails or delivers a copy of the Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A, B1, B2, C) with a physician's signature and insurance card to the council office  (instructions)
→ Participants who will be age 18+ during the event, submit an online Background Check. (Learn More)
→   Participants who will be age 18+ during the event, submit copy of certificate of completion of Youth Protection Training (YPT) taken online at my.scouting.org.   (Learn More)
To obtain a copy of the YPT certificate, go to My.Scouting.org, click on Menu (upper left corner), click on My Training, click on the printer icon next to YPT status.
Step 4: Orientation Meeting:    The Scout and a parent/guardian attend the orientation meeting at the Cockrell Scout Center.  (Learn More)

 

Step 1  (Leader Approval Form)       Step 3 (Health and Medical Record)     Step 3 (age 18+ Background check)   What to Bring   

Step 4: Orientation Meeting

December 8, 2024    |   Session 1 at 1:00 pm or Session 2 at 3:00 pm     

There is a mandatory orientation for all participants registered and on the waitlist. Please have all the fees and paperwork finalized before the orientation meeting to ensure a smooth process for the volunteer directors and families involved. If a participant does not have an excused absence (i.e., contacting the course director before the meeting and explaining why you cannot attend the orientation) they will be moved to the waitlist and a wait-listed Scout that attended orientation will take their place. Orientation will be held at the Cockrell Scout Center (2225 North Loop West, Houston, TX 77008)

NYLT Fleece Jackets

Purchase a special keepsake to preserve the amazing NYLT experience and wear it proudly! Current and past participants of NYLT may order a jacket. Jackets are black, 100% spun soft polyester fleece (non-pill finish surface) with front-zip pockets. The lightweight jacket is comfortable and highly breathable. The NYLT logo is embroidered on the left-front side of the jacket; the logo is not course-specific. Jackets ordered by participants and staff members participating in an upcoming course (prior to the deadline) will pick up their jackets on the first day of the course.

Jacket orders are placed once a year, prior to the winter courses. The ordering portal for jackets will be open about August 1 each year until about October 15 each year.  The next jacket order will be placed about October 15, 2024.  Winter 2024 Jacket order Jackets left for 90 days after the purchaser is called, after the jackets have been received at the office, will be forfeited to the program, along with payment. 

 

Step 3: Paperwork

Step 3: Medical Form

Medical Form​​​Every participant must provide a copy of the current Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A, B, C - Under Are You Going to Camp?). A pre-participation physical is needed.

  • Part A is informed consent, release agreement, and authorization that needs to be signed by every participant (or a parent and/or legal guardian for all youth under 18).
  • Part B is general information and health history.
  • Part C is your pre-participation physical certification. The exam needs to be completed by a certified and licensed physician (MD, DO), nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. 

Forms must be dropped off or mailed to the Cockrell Scout Center (attn: NYLT, 2225 North Loop West, Houston, TX  77008) with a copy of the front and back of the family's medical insurance card. All medical forms must arrive at the SHAC NYLT office by Friday November 22.

Emailed or electronic copies are not permitted, and will not be accepted. (Source)  

Are You Going to Camp​​​Forms can be downloaded at scouting.org/scoutsource/healthandsafety/ahmr.aspx. The form must be completely filled out and signed by a physician. Medical forms are only valid for one year from the date of the physician's signature and cannot expire before the last day of the month that the course is held.   

Annual Health and Medical Record (Step 3)

Step 3: Adult in Camp Compliance (Background Check for ages 18+)

ACC​​​In order to protect the health and safety of youth attending residential camps in the State of Texas, the Texas legislature has enacted the Texas Youth Camp Safety and Health Act that requires the council to conduct a criminal background check and sex offender database check on every adult who will be at camp. Anyone age 18+ who will be at NYLT in any capacity must complete the Adult in Camp Compliance form before the Orientation Meeting to allow sufficient time for the background check to be completed. 

 Adult in Camp Compliance Form  (Background check (Step 3 for ages 18+)

Step 3: Youth Protection Training (for ages 18+)

As a residential camp accredited by Scouting America, all youth protection policies set forth by Scouting America are followed. In addition, the State of Texas has statutes and regulations concerning youth protection that also apply. No exceptions to these policies may be made. All participants ages 18+ must have current Youth Protection Training (expires every 2 years). To obtain a copy of the YPT certificate, go to My.Scouting.org, click on Menu (upper left corner), click on My Training, and click on the printer icon next to YPT status. Submit a copy of the YPT certificate at or before the Orientation Meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the NYLT policies?
Refunds - The council refund policy can be found at shacbsa.org/refunds.
Equipment Damage – Should council equipment or property be damaged by participants during the course, where damage occurs from other than normal or expected use, it shall be the responsibility of the participant(s) involved (and their guardians) to pay for the cost of the damage.
Course Completion – To successfully complete the course and receive the certificate and patch, a participant must attend the full course, including the closing ceremony.  Anyone arriving late or leaving the course early will not be eligible for completion.
Medication – All medication containers must be labeled with the participant’s name, medication name, dosage, and schedule for the medication.  Send only enough medication for the course duration. Most pharmacies will prepare a second container with the prescription label so only the amount of medication needed for the week can be sent with the Scout. In addition, please include the information on the Annual Health and Medical Record. Participants may keep inhalers and sting kits.
Rescheduling - If a scheduling conflict develops, request transfers by emailing the NYLT Registration contact at the bottom of the page. Every effort will be made to move registrations to another course; however, if the other course has a waitlist, the transferred registrant will be placed at the bottom of the waitlist as a new registrant. Confirmed registrants will not be replaced with a transfer request. 
What are the NYLT course objectives?
NYLT 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.
What is the course overview?
The course models a month in the life of a unit – three meetings (one each day for the first three days) leading to a big outdoor experience (an overnight outpost camp). The course uses the patrol method and presents model leader council meetings.

The training unit challenges the youth early in the week to present their "Quest for the Meaning of Leadership" at the end of the week. The challenge is designed to have them go through the four stages of team development. This gives teams and individual Scouts hands-on, practical application of the leadership skills and concepts presented to them during the course.

Throughout the course, the staff models the concepts and skills that are the core content of the course. The focus of the course is to fill the Scout's “Toolbox of Leadership Skills” with knowledge, practice, and understanding of when and how to use these skills.

The course begins with the teams finding their team vision and ends with the individuals refining a personal vision of how to put the skills learned into action at their home unit.
What does the course fee cover?

The fee includes meals (dinner on day one through lunch on day 6), program material, facility expenses, program equipment, insurance, two NYLT t-shirts, patrol cap, and NYLT notebook.

Do I have to attend the orientation session?
Yes. If there is a waitlist for a course, then Scouts who are registered for a course but do not attend the orientation will lose their place on that course. This creates an open position, which will be filled by a Scout on the waitlist who has attended the orientation.
What type of tents will be used during the course?

The participants will bring their own lightweight tent (10'x10' or smaller). This may be the same tent used for the outpost hike.

Why does each Scout have to bring a backpacking tent?
Can several Scouts from the same troop share the same tent?

The tent is used for one night of the program called the outpost camp. This outpost camp is by patrol. Patrol assignments are made to enhance learning during the course. Consequently, in most cases, participants will not be in patrols with anyone from their home troop.

What merit badges will be offered?

The purpose of NYLT is leadership training in the context of a model troop and patrol. Merit badges classes will not be offered.

When is parent’s night?

The five-and-a-half-day schedule of NYLT is full, from early morning until bedtime each night. There are no scheduled times for parental visits.

Can Venturers and Sea Scouts attend NYLT?

Venturers and Sea Scouts, both male and female, meeting the age requirements (13-20), may apply for the course. To ensure privacy and high Scouting standards, strict coed camping rules will be enforced.

Is financial assistance available?
A limited number of partial-fee financial assistance requests are available to apply toward the course fee.  This financial assistance is granted based on need.  Financial assistance can be requested from the Leadership Training Financial Assistance Fund.  Financial assistance is awarded in amounts up to 50% of the fee.  This financial assistance cannot come in the form of a refund. 

           Financial Assistance Request

NYLT Staff

After participation in an NYLT course, a Scout may apply to serve on staff. Youth who enjoyed NYLT may want to make sure other Scouts have the same rewarding experience by staffing an NYLT course. 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 an NYLT staff member. If Scouts are still active in Scouting, are highly motivated, are hard-working, and would like to be considered for a position on a future NYLT staff, they may sign up for a youth staff search interview. The interview consists of the Scout giving a 5-minute presentation on one of the topics introduced at NYLT (e.g., four stages of team development, conflict resolution, making ethical decisions), a 6-8 minute interview, and a few written responses to questions. Learn more.  

 Sign Up for Youth Staff Interviews (July 27, 2024)           Adult Staff Application

Minimum requirements for youth staff members include:

  • Be at least age 14 before the first day of the course.
  • Have held positions of leadership in their home unit.
  • Attended an NYLT course as a participant.
  • Complete the Trainer's EDGE course, which is offered 4 times per year, including during University of Scouting.

Leadership Training Financial Assistance Fund

Partial fee financial assistance is available for Scouts and Scouters to help offset the course fees for NYLT.  Gifts to the leadership training financial assistance fund enable Scouts and Scouters to receive leadership training so they can in turn help develop character, citizenship, and fitness in the lives of hundreds of young people.  Financial assistance for Scouts and Scouters who are currently unable to attend training because of financial circumstances is only available because of the generous donations from people like you. One hundred percent of the funds collected through this assistance fund go into the financial assistance fund. Financial assistance is granted based on need.  Applications for financial assistance can be found under the FAQs.

Donate to the Financial Assistance Fund

NYLT Contacts

When necessary, payments, paperwork, and medical forms (Step 3) can be mailed or paid in person at the Cockrell Scout Center (attn: NYLT, 2225 North Loop West, Houston, TX 77008).   

NYLT Registration
Geno Aguilar

NYLT Coordinator
Sam Randolph

Coordinator of Youth Staff Recruiting
Pam Tyllick

NYLT Staff Advisor
Brendan Cronin