Youth Leadership Training

Welcome to Youth Leadership!

We are glad you have stepped up to become a leader in your unit.  Training will help you understand your program, give you confidence in your abilities, and enable you to help your fellow Scouts succeed. 

Below are the training courses we recommend.


National Youth Leader Training (NYLT)

NYLT is a must for new Senior Patrol Leaders and Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders or any older Scout in your troop that shows the potential for such a position to learn about leadership and the running of a Scout troop by the patrol method. Held at St. John's River Base in the Winter. This training is run by Scouts with adult guidance, just like a Scout troop would be run in their home troops.

Winter NYLT Staff Interviews - May 19th & 25th

Learn More & register

Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)

This workshop teaches youth leaders about their leadership role and how to most effectively achieve success in that role.  It also teaches about collaboration, communication, and preparation. This is a prerequisite for all Scouts who plan to attend NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training). This course may be taught in the unit by the Scoutmaster or by District and Council Trainers. 

Minimum Age:  11

Den Chief Training

The Den Chief who completes this program will be better able to function in the position. This training provides the Den Chief with ideas for carrying out the responsibilities successfully. Offered at the Pack, Troop, District and Council level.

Venturing Leadership Skills Course

This course has been designed to be run by the crew Advisor and officers to teach leadership skills to the entire crew. Completion of this course is a requirement for a youth earning the Silver Award. Browse the Council Training Calendar for this course.

Venturing Crew Orientation Course

Venturing is a program where high-school aged youth take a lead role in organizing and running their own high adventure activities. This multimedia program, covers specific leadership skills in program planning, money-earning, and running effective committees. This presentation should be the first step in training effective crew leadership. Venturing Crew Orientation Online - click here

Sea Scouts - Crew Officers' Seminar

This training experience is conducted by the crew Advisor or ship Skipper to orient newly elected youth officers, plan programs, and develop the annual crew activity schedule. Offered at the unit level.

National Leadership Seminar (Order of the Arrow)

The National Leadership Seminar is a weekend conference focusing primarily on the skills and attributes of leadership. It is intended primarily to enhance the leadership skills of the Order of the Arrow's key youth and adult members as they seek to improve their service to the Boy Scouts of America and the greater community. Youth participants must be at least 15 years of age or a lodge officer. Offered at the Region level.

National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience

The new National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) is an exciting new program where youth can enhance their leadership skills in the Philmont Backcountry. Scouts will expand upon the team building and ethical decision-making skills learned in National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT). NAYLE uses elements of the Philmont Ranger Training as well as advanced Search and Rescue skills to teach leadership, teamwork and the lessons of selfless service. NAYLE will offer Scouts an unforgettable backcountry wilderness experience where they live leadership and teamwork, using the core elements of NYLT to make their leadership skills intuitive. Offered at the Philmont Scout Ranch. Click here for details.