NYLT: Fun, Adventure, & Growth

Dear Scouts and Scouters,

My name is James S., and I am the Youth Course Lead for this year’s National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT).

If you are wondering why you or another Scout should participate in this incredible opportunity, my best answer would be for fun, adventure, and growth of leadership skills. You will perfect these skills during the week to be used throughout life, not just in Scouting!

NYLT prepares participants for leadership positions not only in their home troops but also gives them a foundation they can build on.

After four years of participating and staffing, I have learned so much through this opportunity and experience. I have been able to apply what I’ve learned to my life outside of Scouting, including school and many other extracurricular activities.

I attended NYLT to build my leadership skills. Our troop lost its experienced Scouts during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we needed good leadership. I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived. I was the first Scout in my troop who had been to NYLT in a long time. I certainly was not expecting the experience that was waiting for me.

When my patrol arrived at the first flag presentation and saw how camp was youth-led, I was inspired. I saw a functional team of excellent leaders who were able to lead us throughout the week with enthusiasm. We talked about dreams and what we wanted to accomplish – not only in our time with Scouts but also later in life and how to successfully chase those dreams with goals. I made lifelong friends that week, and the skills I learned have benefited me ever since.

When the course ended, I remember my dad asked me how camp was. I responded, “Our troop needs to be more youth-led, and I want to help our younger leaders build up their skills as well.”

Over nearly three years, I’ve helped train the leaders during campouts, and our troop grew to become youth-led and run by the Patrol Leader’s Council (PLC), which I hope to inspire you to do with your troops as well.

This is my third year on staff, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve another group of participants and help them build their leadership skills and dreams with the essential skills the NYLT course provides. Maybe this year, you will be one of those Scouts!

There are a limited number of spaces remaining. Participant selection will continue until the course is full. Register here today to become a strong leader in your troop and be better prepared to lead in the future. I look forward to meeting you at NYLT 2025!

Yours in Scouting,

James S.
Troop 52
Black Otter District

---