National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
National Youth Leadership Training is a six-day outdoor experience for Scouts BSA, Venturing Crew and Sea Scout youth. The course represents a month in the life of the ideal Scout Troop, Crew or Ship. Participants will sleep in tents, prepare their own meals by patrols, and will live and interact by the principles of the Scout Oath and Law.
Illowa Council typically hosts NYLT every other year. Our last course was held in July 2025.
WHERE: Camp Loud Thunder, 9906 175th St W, Illinois City, IL
WHEN: Dates for our next NYLT course to be determined
- Youth Early Bird: TBD
- Youth Regular: TBD
- Staff: TBD
COURSE INFO: This course is limited to 40 Scouts; sign up ASAP to secure your spot.
EVENT CONTACT: Ina Pearsall at [email protected] or (309) 737-4920
REGISTRATION CONTACT: Illowa Council Service Center, 563-388-7233 or [email protected]
About NYLT
The National Youth Leadership Conference is a week-long outdoor experience for youth leaders that supports the unit’s responsibility for training youth leaders. The course is conducted by the Illowa Council Training Committee using a syllabus published by Scouting America.
Our Vision
The NYLT program is the centerpiece of the council’s training opportunities for youth. It is our vision to provide local units with outstanding youth leaders. We are determined to equip Scouts with the tools and ideals necessary for quality leadership of self or others in their local units and throughout their lives.
Purpose
The training of youth leaders in the Troop, Crew, or Ship is important to help individual Scouts and the unit to grow. Scouting America has developed National Youth Leadership Training using a curriculum that has proven valuable in the training of youth leaders. The Scouts will be exposed to living skills that allow them to become successful leaders in organizations throughout their lives.
Qualifications
Scouts must be at least First Class rank, 13 years of age, and approved to attend by the Unit Leader. NYLT is open to both male and female Crew, Ship, and Troop members. All participants must be 13 years of age and approved by their Scoutmasters/Advisors. Because NYLT is a six-day resident camp, it is expected that the participant will have camping, cooking, and hiking skills and that he/she will be able to function as a contributing member in the patrol setting during the course of this event.
This course has a maximum capacity of 40 youth. If you would like to send your Scout, please sign up early to hold a place.
Activities & Experiences
- A simulated month of Troop activities;
- PLC meetings where Scouts will plan all aspects of an outing that they will take at the end of the week;
- Dozens of team-building games and exercises;
- The responsibility of leadership as each participant takes charge in a Troop leader role;
- Training sessions conducted by the best youth teachers and adults that the Illowa Council has to offer;
- The ideal Troop and Patrol model setting from establishing their patrol camp site, cooking meals, and planning activities.
NYLT Objectives
- Give participants the confidence and knowledge to operate as a youth-run Troop, Crew, or Ship;
- Provide participants with a clear understanding of team and personal development and how those elements relate to being an effective leader;
- Train participants in all aspects of effective leadership ranging from teaching skills to conflict resolution;
- Guide the participants through the stages of team development and create an environment of Scouting fellowship and fun guided by the Scout Oath and Law;
- Experience Scouting at its finest.
Required Forms & Special Equipment
All participants are required to provide a Scouting America Annual Health & Medical Record, Parts A, B, & C. Part C requires a physician’s signature.
An equipment list will be sent to each participant prior to the start of the course. Scouts who participate in an active Troop outdoor program should already have the necessary personal equipment or can borrow materials from their Troop.
An official Scouting America Class A uniform is required.
Registration
When Illowa Council is ready to host an NYLT Course, registration will be handled online through Tentaroo.
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