National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE)

Do you have Scouts who have competed NYLT and are looking for additional leadership training in and exciting environment?  Well the National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience is just the thing.

So what is NAYLE? It's an opportunity to use and further develop the skills you have learned in Troop Leadership Training and in NYLT. NAYLE is a week long experience in Philmont's backcountry - camping and experiencing leadership with similarly qualified Scouts from all over the country.

NAYLE uses Philmont's Rocky Mountain Scout Camp (RMSC) as a base camp for a wide range of daily activities such as Project COPE, Wilderness First Aid, Search and Rescue, Geo-Caching, Leave No Trace, Conservation, and Philmont history. A number of the Philmont Ranger training elements are incorporated in NAYLE. As the name says, NAYLE is an Experience, it is action, it's about doing … applying what you have learned and taught. While RMSC is used as the base camp, each day's activities will take you into different areas of Philmont. This includes backpacking deeper into the backcountry for an overnighter. Throughout all these activities, the opportunity is there to live Scouting at its best and to continue your development as a Servant Leader.

The 2009 course dates for NAYLE are:

• June 14-20
• June 21-27
• June 27-July 3
• July 5-10
• July 12-18
• July 19-25
• July 26-August 1
• August 2-8

More detailed information is available at www.NAYLE.org that includes age, physical, leadership, and recommendation requirements.

You can download the application form from this site. The completed application and fees should then be submitted to Philmont Training Center (PTC). Once accepted, PTC will send you a packet with even more detailed information including suggestions for travel arrangements.

The courses are expected to fill-up quickly so I encourage you to apply early to assure your place and selection of course week.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAYLE?
The National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) is an exciting program of the Philmont Training Center where young men enhance their leadership skills in the Philmont Backcountry. Scouts will expand upon the team building and ethical decision making skills learned in National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT). NAYLE uses elements of the Philmont Ranger Training as well as advanced Search and Rescue skills to teach leadership, teamwork and the lessons of selfless service. NAYLE will offer Scouts an unforgettable backcountry wilderness experience where they live leadership and teamwork, using the core elements of NYLT to make their leadership skills intuitive.

What Can I Expect?
The Philmont leadership is committed to making NAYLE a very special experience. You will live in a patrol setting at Rocky Mountain Scout Camp where they use their leadership skills to resolve exciting and challenging backcountry situations. The week will conclude with a closing challenge for each Scout to build upon the legacy of Waite Phillips, the benefactor of the Philmont Scout Ranch.

What Will I Take Home from NAYLE?
You will take home t he skill, ability, and motivation to be a dynamic and effective leader gained through advanced, practical applications of NYLT skills. You will also learn Innovative techniques to deliver NYLT skills to troops and council staffs. You will have have exposure to Nationwide resources including new ideas and contacts that can only be gained through Philmont's unique environment. You will develop a Personal written commitment (sent to the council) to apply fresh skills and ideas to troops, districts and councils. And most of all you will learn Life skills for now and the future.

How Has the Mission Changed?
NYLT now provides the content needed for councils to develop high performing youth training teams. As such, the "train the trainer" elements are now provided to the entire NYLT staff by their council rather than to the select few who attended the old
NJLIC program. NAYLE still provides valuable training ideas; all the excitement, motivation, spirit and enthusiasm remains, with even greater life long leadership skills included.

Who Can Attend?
Scouts must be 14 and not yet 18, hold a troop leadership position and have completed either NYLT or JLTC. Councils may send a council contingent or troops may send their Patrol Leader Council. Concurrent adult training will be available most weeks at Philmont for contingent leaders.

Where and When is it?
Sessions will be at the Philmont Training Center's Rocky Mountain Scout Camp. The 2009 program will be offered June 14-20, June 21-June 27, June 27-July 3, July 4-10, July 12-18, July 19-25, July 26-August 1 and August 2-8. Cost for the program is $340.

Do I have to be nominated by my council?
No, But your Council Scout Executive must approve (sign) your application. Register Online here.

What are the course prerequisites?
Your troop must offer Troop Leadership Training and your Council Youth Leader Training Course (What ever it is called) must use the NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training Syllabus). You must have attend both courses prior to attending NAYLE..

What are the physical requirements?
There is moderate Physical Activity (Hiking, Camping). You must be able to pass a Philmont Trek Physical. A Philmont Health and Medical Form must be submitted.

Is there a lot of classroom time?
There is NO indoor classroom time. Skill sessions are conducted in the Field and Leadership reflections are at the scenario sites.

What is the content of the course?
The Leadership skills are based on the skills you learned in your Council Youth Leadership Training Course. The outdoor skills are based on elements of Philmont Ranger Training.

Can several members of the same troop attend?
Yes, In fact if you register early and they meet the prerequisites, and physical requirements, you may be able to have your whole patrol leaders council attend the NAYLE experience!

What should I bring?
A full equipment list will be provided when you register but plan on a backpack, tent, basic camping equipment and clothing for a week.

What does it cost?
The cost is $340. There are 8 sessions as follows: June 14-20, June 21-June 27, June 27-July 3, July 4-10, July 12-18, July 19-25, July 26-August 1 and August 2-8 in 2009. If needed, there are a small number of $200 scholarships available by contacting the Program Director of your region office. Contact your region office for more information.