The Boy Scout Youth Leader Training Continuum
- Step 1: Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST). ILST is the first level of formal training for youth leaders in a Boy Scout troop. It is designed to be delivered within the troop. This traning covers the basic responsibilities of leadership positions and what a leader must BE, must KNOW, and must DO. Many troops have customized the way they deliver this type of training.
- Step 2: National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT). NYLT is a five-day course that covers more advanced leadership skills. It focuses on skills for communication, building teams, managing challenging situations, and leading for a purpose. This course is coordinated by the council. It is currently offered two times a year.
- Step 3: National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE). NAYLE is an exciting week-long program that enhances leadership skills and expands upon the team-building and ethical decision-making skills learned at NYLT. It is coordinated by the national BSA and offered at a few locations around the country.? Learn more >>
Details About ILST
Who takes this training? This training is designed for any Boy Scout with a leadership position in the troop, including Patrol Leaders, Instructors, Quartermasters, Troop Guides, and more.
Who delivers this training? Typically, the Scoutmaster and Senior Patrol Leader run this training. Keeping this training within the troop is important because training youth leaders is part of the Scoutmaster’s job, and this course is part of building a coaching/mentoring relationship between the Scoutmaster, SPL, and other Scouts.
What’s the format? The official ILST syllabus from the BSA has a mix of classroom-style presentations, discussions, and group activities. Many troops have adapted the curriculum and incorporated new activities to meet their needs. Troops have incorporated ILST into weekly meetings, camping trips, special leadership retreats, and other activities. See “ILST Resources” below for more specific ideas.
How long does it take? At least 3 to 5 hours total. ILST is divided into three 60-to-90-minute sessions plus optional games.
ILST JumpStart! Workshop
Please join us for a day of hands-on activities, discussion, sharing of ideas, and learning from each other. Here are the details:
- When: Saturday, September 23, 2017 — 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Sign-in starts at 8:30.
- Where: Camp Squanto, Plymouth (map and directions… don’t trust your GPS unless you like sand!)
- Who: Every troop in our council is invited to send up to two youth leaders and two adults. Please send the leaders who are going to teach ILST! This usually means your Scoutmaster and Senior Patrol Leader.
- Lunch: We will feed you!
- Cost: Free
Please register online by September 18!
We strongly encourage every troop to send youth and adult leaders to this workshop. ILST works best when the youth and adult trainers are working together with shared goals and resources.
For more information, please contact Chris Lamie on the Council Training Team.
More ILST Resources
- Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) syllabus (PDF) – includes youth leadership position descriptions