We are thrilled to announce a significant development in our commitment to leadership excellence: starting in 2026, VAHC will be hosting an annual NYLT course! This exciting initiative aims to provide more opportunities for Scouts to participate in this transformative training program.

Why This Matters:

• Increased Accessibility: More Scouts will have the chance to experience NYLT, gaining invaluable leadership skills and confidence.
• Enhanced Leadership Continuity: Annual courses ensure a steady pipeline of trained youth leaders who can contribute to the strength and vitality of their troops.
• Community Building: Bringing together Scouts from various troops fosters a sense of camaraderie and mutual support, enhancing the overall Scouting experience.

As we prepare for the launch of our annual NYLT, we encourage all eligible Scouts and their leaders to consider participating. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic and empowering leadership journey, one that will shape the future of Scouting in our community.

Get Involved

Whether you are a youth Scout ready to embark on your leadership journey with NYLT or an adult leader seeking to enhance your skills through Wood Badge, now is the time to get involved. These advanced training programs are more than just courses; they are life-changing experiences that equip you with the skills to lead and inspire others.

Together, let’s build a stronger, more capable Scouting community, one leader at a time.

Empowering the Leaders of Tomorrow

Leadership is a cornerstone of the Scouting experience, shaping young people into responsible, ethical, and capable individuals. Scouting America offers two premier advanced leadership training programs—National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) for youth and Wood Badge for adult leaders. These programs are designed to cultivate strong leadership skills, ensuring that Scouts and their leaders are well-prepared to lead and inspire others.

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT). NYLT is a week-long immersive course tailored for youth Scouts, typically between the ages of 13 and 18. This advanced training program focuses on:

• Leadership Skills: Teaching essential skills such as communication, planning, problem-solving, and team-building.
• Practical Experience: Offering hands-on, experiential learning opportunities where Scouts can practice and refine their leadership abilities.
• Youth-Centric Approach: Utilizing scenarios and activities that are relevant to the experiences and responsibilities of youth leaders within their troops.

Through NYLT, Scouts gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be an effective leader, learning to apply these skills within their patrols, troops, and everyday lives. The program is designed to challenge and inspire, fostering a sense of confidence and capability in every participant.

Wood Badge. Wood Badge is the pinnacle of leadership training for adult leaders in Scouting America. This advanced course focuses on:

• Comprehensive Leadership Skills: Covering topics such as project management, conflict resolution, and mentoring.
• Personal and Team Development: Enhancing individual leadership abilities while fostering effective teamwork.
• Practical Application: Combining classroom sessions with outdoor activities to provide a well-rounded, experiential learning experience.

Wood Badge equips adult leaders with the tools and insights needed to support and mentor youth effectively, ensuring that the principles and methods of Scouting are upheld and promoted at all levels. Graduates of Wood Badge return to their units with renewed enthusiasm, ready to lead by example and inspire the next generation of Scouts.

Introducing the 2025 Wood Badge and 2026 NYLT Course Directors

	The 2025 Wood Badge Course Director is Sarah Lindegren. Sarah took Wood Badge in the summer of 2018 at Philmont and has served on staff for three courses in two councils.  She’s been participating in scouting with her husband and three sons for 14 Pinewood Derbies.  She has served in a variety of roles, from Den Leader to Council Outdoor Ethics Coordinator.  Sarah recently completed a Philmont Trek, and currently serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 111 in Charlottesville.  For all your Wood Badge questions, send Sarah an email at woodbadge@virginiaheadwaters.org
	The 2026 NYLT Course Director is Ed Murphy. Ed is an Eagle Scout and has been an adult volunteer in Scouting for over 20 years. He and his wife Susan have two sons, both of whom are Eagle Scouts. He took Wood Badge in the fall of 2009 and has served on staff for five courses. In summer 2024 he attended the Philmont Leadership Challenge. He has served as a Den Leader, Pack and Troop Committee Member, Assistant Scoutmaster, and is currently serving as the Monticello District Chair.   For all your NYLT course questions, send Ed an email at nylt@virginiaheadwaters.org