National Youth Leadership Training - Program Controversy

Program Controversy

Some Scouts and Scout leaders have found the requirement to use of computers, DVD players, and video projectors and screens, and sometimes generator-based power sources or battery power, within a Scout camp environment to create significant problems. Most Scout camps only have power available in a few central locations, and campsite settings do not provide appropriate shelter for complex electronic equipment. Councils are sometimes forced to present the program indoors. The electronic equipment sometimes also requires the presentations to be made to the entire course, unless duplicate equipment is available, contravening the use of the Patrol Method intrinsic to Scouting. The change from teaching specific competencies of leadership to leadership concepts from industry has also lessened some Scout leaders interest in the program, while some have expressed concern video presentations are not a good way to keep participants engaged. While the NYLT program was changed to more closely align with the current Wood Badge program, some feel that the adult leaders and the youth have different needs and the youth may not be able to relate to the more abstract concepts of the newer NYLT program. In contrast, the White Stag Leadership Development Program, the model on which the Boy Scouts of America's junior leader training program was based in the 1970s, has continued to teach specific competencies of leadership in a hands-on environment fully utilizing the Patrol Method.