In addition to teaching outdoor skills, Boy Scouting has a strong commitment to youth leadership training. It begins in Cub Scouting, when boys get to serve as a denner (leader's aide), but really develops in the Boy Scouting and Venturing programs, when youth increasingly will plan and run their own activities.

If you have questions about these courses and there's no link to further information, check first with your troop or your District Training Chairman. District web sites may also have more information about individual courses.

Basic Leadership Training

Troop Leadership Training (TLT)
A part-day course with videos and activities, usually offered within the troop to new patrol and troop leaders. Some districts will also offer it.

Patrol Leader Fundamentals
A continuation of TLT training, with more emphasis on the practical aspects of patrol leadership. Offered at the district level.

Brownsea-NYLT
A one-week, council-level training offered to senior Scouts in each troop. This boy-led leader training concentrates on leadership skills. Please visit http://www.Brownsea-NYLT.org [1]to register and for more information.

Other Courses for Boy Scouts

Den Chief Training
A one-day course that teaches Scouts how to help out with a Cub Scout den, pack or day camp. A great leadership position for Scouts, plus a wonderful recruitment tool for troops. Offered at University of Scouting and by some districts.

Winter Awareness Training
A one-day training on cold-weather camping sponsored by the Order of the Arrow. Taught by older Scouts. Younger boys will learn the essentials of staying warm and dry while camping in snow and cold weather. Offered the first Saturday in December.

Merit Badge Fairs
A part-day gathering involving introductions to assorted merit badges for boys. Offered by several districts.

Philmont Training Center
This national training center in New Mexico offers week-long courses in the summer for boys who will be moving into senior positions on the Brownsea staff.

Venturing Leadership Training

Venturing Leader Specific Training
The standard training for adults is often useful to crew members who wish to understand the overall organization of Venturing, the advancement program, and the leadership system.

Venturing Kodiak Leadership Training
A high-level, high-energy youth leadership training program. The Course (VLT) is independent from, but held concurrently with, Brownsea-NYLT, the Boy Scout Leadership Training Course. The course is tailored to the Venturing program and includes: the Venturing Leadership Skills Course (VLSC) and the 5 Venturing Leadership Commissions from the newly developed Venturing National Kodiak Leadership Course. Venturers attending the course can expect to be backpacking for part of the course, stopping in the Wente back-country at sites selected to provide an opportunity to both learn and apply leadership skills. High adventure activities available at Camp Wente will also be used in the leadership training activities. Please visit http:kodiak.brownsea-nylt.org/ [2] to register and for more information.