Want Your Unit to Go from Good to Great? Try Wood Badge and NYLT!
Did you know the Baltimore Area Council has one of the highest youth retention rates in the country? That’s great news—but we still see too many youth drop out of Scouting too soon. When surveyed, the #1 reason they give is “boring meetings.”
I remember speaking with a new Scout leader who felt like he was throwing a birthday party every week—no program planning, no youth involvement. That’s not what Scouting is about.
If you’re looking for ways to recruit and retain more youth and leaders, strengthen your annual program, and increase Scout involvement, consider sending your adult leaders to Wood Badge and your youth leaders to National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT).
Why Wood Badge & NYLT?
The Baltimore Area Council offers Wood Badge and NYLT courses twice a year—in the spring and fall. Many Packs and Troops even offer scholarships to cover the cost because they recognize what a valuable investment leadership training is for their unit’s success.
Here’s a look at participation from last year:
- With 5,400+ registered adult leaders, only 75 attended Wood Badge This is representative of leaders from 60 different Units – just 15% of our overall Units.
- Among 200+ Troops, just 45 sent youth leaders to NYLT, just 23% of our overall number of Troops.
We can and should do better! Stronger leaders create stronger programs, which keep Scouts engaged and excited about their Scouting journey.
Want to make your life easier and provide a better program for your unit? Learn more about Wood Badge and NYLT below—and sign up your youth and adults today. You’ll be glad you did!
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
NYLT is an action-packed leadership experience that gives youth the skills to lead their Troop, Crew, or Ship and apply leadership in all areas of life.
Held over two weekends at Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation, NYLT focuses on hands-on learning through activities, presentations, challenges, discussions, and games. Participants develop confidence and teamwork skills as they embark on a Quest for the Meaning of Leadership.
Qualifications to Attend NYLT:
- Registered member of a Scouting unit
- Current BSA Health & Medical Record (Parts A, B, and C)
- Scouts BSA: 13-17 years old, First Class rank, completed Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops
- Venturers/Sea Scouts: 14-20 years old (or 13 and completed 8th grade), completed Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews/Ships and have basic camping experience
- Unit leader recommendation required
📌 For more details & registration: www.BaltimoreScouting.org/NYLT
Wood Badge
Wood Badge is Scouting America’s premier leadership training for volunteers. It’s an advanced course designed to help leaders bring Scouting’s vision to life—whether they serve at the Pack, Troop, Crew, District, or Council level.
Through presentations, discussions, hands-on activities, and team-building exercises, participants gain practical leadership tools that can be applied in Scouting and beyond.
Why Take Wood Badge?
- Stronger units – Improve your unit’s program and retention.
- Deeper understanding – Learn the “what and why” of Scouting.
- Leadership experience – Gain skills that last a lifetime.
- Make connections – Meet like-minded leaders and have fun!
- Impact beyond Scouting – Use what you learn in work, church, and family life.
There’s no better time to take Wood Badge than when you’re a Cub Scout leader—laying the foundation for your Scouts’ future.
📌 For more details & registration: www.BaltimoreScouting.org/WoodBadge
Have Questions or Ideas? Let’s Talk!
📧 Kenn Miller – Kenn.Miller@Scouting.org
📞 (443) 573-2507
Let’s build stronger units together!
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