National Youth Leadership Training

The White Stag program was inaugurated in the United States in 1958. Since that time, it has grown and developed until it has become a motivating force in the training of youth leaders in the Boy Scouts of America. Today, the emphasis is on the eleven skills of leadership, Scout skills, and the Patrol Method. The learning, inspiration, and enthusiasm that Scouts develop through White Stag Training are reflected in the improved troops of Scouting by using the Patrol method.

The goal of White Stag is to help troops flourish by increasing the knowledge, skill, confidence and effectiveness of their youth leaders. Throughout the six day, two weekend program, team-building skills are explained, demonstrated and modeled by White Stag staff. The course material is delivered in an outdoor setting with an emphasis on immediate application of the skill by the participants. The atmosphere of White Stag is designed to be friendly and safe with an abundance of hands-on activities. Participants are enabled with a toolbox of leadership skills to take back to their home troops.

Scouting recognizes that Scoutmasters have the responsibility of training their own youth leaders. The purpose of the White Stag National Youth Leadership Training is not to assume that role, but to support. The objectives of the program are:



  • To give participants the confidence and knowledge to run the Troop program.
  • To give participants a basic knowledge of the skills of leadership and help them relate these skills to their Troop responsibilities.
  • To give participants the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with Scouts from other Troops.
  • To create an atmosphere where Scouts will experience Scouting at its best.
  • To enhance the relationship between the participant and his Scoutmaster.
  • To have fun!