Six local Scouts have completed the National Youth Leadership Training course.

A total of 33 scouts from eight counties took part in the six-day training over two weekends. The program is aimed to give Scouts the skills needed to become an effective leader in the local unit.

Scouts from Warren County that completed the program include Mara Dussia, Ben Scott, Alex Gulnac, Cole English, Parker Mowrey and Zoe Gearhart.

“NYLT is a youth-led, adult mentored event that integrates the best of modern leadership theory with the traditional strengths of the Scouting experience,” Cindy Bier with the French Creek Council explained.

“Through activities, presentations, challenges, discussions, and audio-visual support, NYLT participants were engaged in a unified approach to leadership that gave them the skills and confidence to lead well,” she said. “Through a wide range of activities, events, games, and adventures, NYLT participants worked and played together as they put into action the best that Scouting has to offer.”

The training models a month in the life of a troop, including meetings and outdoor experiences.

Patrols are challenged to develop and work through stages of team development and the program aims to help scouts “internalize the leadership skills and concepts being presented to them along the way.

“The focus of each session is not only knowledge but giving the youth a ‘Toolbox of Skills’ that equips them to be the ‘leaders of leaders,'” Bier said.