NYLT

If you are still talking to your troop about Junior Leader Training (JLT) you are stuck in a rut or in a time warp. JLT is gone at least three and probably four years ago. Still I hear people using that term. JLT was replaced by TLT or Troop Leadership Training. The troop level training is somewhat watered down compared to the old JLT. The new course, NYLT or National Youth Leadership Training, is a giant step up form JLT. It is a full week of subject matter that closely parallels the Wood Badge course. Much of the course material used the same terminology as you find in Wood Badge. Here is the course description:

National Youth Leadership Training is a six day experience conducted by the Great Smoky Mountain Council. It is designed to provide each Scout with a meaningful experience in Scouting. The program will enhance every participant’s knowledge and create a deeper understanding of his role and responsibilities as a leader, teacher, and role model in both his troop and his life. NYLT includes useful management and planning training, instruction on how to be an effective communicator, and guidelines for making ethical decisions that affect the leader and those around him. Sometimes referred to as “Wood Badge for Youth”, NYLT corresponds with the learning principles taught in the new 21st Century Wood Badge course, so that youth and adult leaders will be speaking the same leadership language. In sum, NYLT is a comprehensive program designed to equip scouts with everything they will need to become a successful leader.

This year's course director is Murphy Monceaux and the scoutmaster is Leona Layman. The course is June 1 - 7, 2008. There are only 48 spots in the course. Scouts must be 13 years old, First Class, and hold a leadership role in the troop. A recommendation of their scoutmaster is also needed. Registration materials can be found at the Council Service Center or online at the Camp Buck Toms web site.