NYLT
National Youth Leadership Training, or NYLT for short, is as the name suggests is a leadership training that follows a national curriculum made by the BSA. It is for Boy Scouts and Venturers alike. I just went through NYLT a week ago and all I can say is that it was great! I met new people and learned so much. The way it works, if you are not already aware, is the entire course is separated into 8 patrols, each patrol with about six members. You mostly interact with your patrol and work on becoming a better team. Like the normal patrol method you have 1 leader, 1 assistant, and like on campouts 2 cooks, and 2 cleanup. The difference is that the leader and assistant also change like cooks and cleanup. So every day you have a different job weather it is cleanup, cooking or leading, you have something to do. NYLT simulates 1 month in the life of a troop, with PLCs and a trip to plan for. It really is an amazing experience. I would recommend that senior scouts go because I learned a lot, and I know you will if you go.
-Duncan P., Asst. Senior Patrol Leader 8/11/2016
CAMPING
Every camping trip is a beneficial trip, but not every camping trip is a fun one, not every camping trip requires arduous work or displays of teamwork, and not every camping trip is eventful. So, why is every camping trip rewarding? Because every camping trip is an opportunity to slow down. It’s truly as simple as that. In an age of cellphones, laptops, and ever-present technology, being able to disengage is relaxing. In a less topical sense, relieving stress by retreating to the wilderness has always been helpful. The closer one gets to adulthood, the faster life begins to move. Camping forces each of us to take a moment and enjoy ourselves without regard to the world at large. It reinforces the principles that scouting imbues, finding happiness through fulfilling work, independence, and brotherhood. The physical and mental silence of the wilderness hones our senses to that which is truly important in life and allows for deeper introspection than is usually possible. The rustling of the trees, babbling of a brook, gusting of the wind is inherently calming. So, when you’re next out in the woods, stand aside for a moment, free of interference, and breathe in the fresh forest air, maybe it’s lightly scented of pine or rain, and be thankful of all you have and renew your clarity. If nothing else, remember, a scout is reverent. Amen.
-Harry K., Chaplain's Aide 7/25/2016 |
