National Youth Leadership Training NYLT • Narragansett Council
A six-day, hands-on course where teens in Scouting learn how to lead themselves and others — then bring those skills home to their troop, crew, or ship.
- 6 daysHands-on, team-based course
- Ages 13–20Scouts BSA, Venturers & Sea Scouts
- No limiton how many Scouts each troop can send
What is NYLT?
NYLT is an exciting, action-packed program that gives youth real leadership skills and experience they can use in their troops and anywhere else they need to lead.
The course builds step by step. Each day adds new leadership ideas, and practical exercises help them stick.
The Quest for the Meaning of Leadership
Throughout the week, participants go on a quest that brings each lesson to life as they put their new skills to work.
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Learn by doing
Activities, challenges, and games — not lectures all day. -
Work as a team
Participants lead and support each other in small groups all week. -
Build confidence
Presentations and discussions help Scouts find their voice as leaders.
Scouting words, explained
New families: here’s what the terms on this page mean.
- Unit
- Your Scout’s home group: a troop (Scouts BSA), crew (Venturing), or ship (Sea Scouts).
- Unit leader
- The adult in charge of the unit — usually the Scoutmaster, Crew Advisor, or Skipper.
- First Class
- A Scouts BSA rank earned by learning core outdoor and Scouting skills.
- Introduction to Leadership Skills
- A short leadership course run by your unit. Troops, crews, and ships each have their own version.
- Health and Medical Record
- Scouting America’s medical form. NYLT needs parts A, B, and C, which includes a doctor’s exam.
- Venturers & Sea Scouts
- Programs for older youth focused on high adventure (Venturing) or boating and seamanship (Sea Scouts).
Is your Scout eligible?
Requirements must be met by the first day of the course. Choose your program and check off each item.
Check every box to confirm your Scout is ready.
Your Scout meets every requirement. Follow the sign-up steps below.
Check every box to confirm your Venturer or Sea Scout is ready.
They meet every requirement. Follow the sign-up steps below.
Your trail to NYLT
Five steps from “I’m interested” to “I’m registered.”
- 1
Check eligibility
Use the checklist above to confirm rank, age, and training.
- 2
Talk to your unit leader
Ask your Scoutmaster, Advisor, or Skipper for a recommendation. Share the Unit Leader Letter with them.
- 3
Get the medical form done
Complete Health and Medical Record parts A–C. Book the doctor’s visit early — it can take a few weeks.
- 4
Review the forms together
Read and sign the Code of Conduct, and start gathering gear from the Equipment List.
- 5
Register for a course
Find course dates and registration on the council calendar.
Forms & resources
Common questions
How long is NYLT?
It’s a six-day course.
How many Scouts from one troop can go?
There’s no limit. Every Scout who meets the requirements can attend.
What forms do we need?
A Health and Medical Record (parts A, B, and C), a signed Code of Conduct, and a recommendation from the unit leader. The Equipment List tells you what to pack.
My Scout isn’t First Class yet. What now?
Scouts BSA members need First Class rank and Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops before the course begins. Ask your unit leader how to get there in time.
Who can I ask about NYLT?
Call the Narragansett Council office at 401.351.8700.