NYLT Ambassadors demonstrate leadership skills while enhancing adult training experience
When Wood Badge participants gathered at Camp R-C for the second weekend of their leadership training, they received an unexpected boost from some of the council’s most dedicated young leaders. The Grand Canyon Council’s National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) Ambassador Team provided critical support to the adult Wood Badge course, demonstrating the powerful impact of youth-led service. These youth, who exhibit the best that GCC–NYLT has to offer, have all successfully completed the course and are all involved with staffing several courses offered by the Council currently.
Under the guidance of Senior Patrol Leader Ciaran P. from Troop 828, the NYLT team brought energy, enthusiasm, and practical leadership skills to the Wood Badge experience. The youth leaders facilitated “games with a purpose” – carefully designed activities that challenged adult participants to enhance their teamwork and critical thinking abilities in engaging, hands-on ways. The afternoon with the Scouts culminated with the entire Wood Badge Troop 1 coming together for a joint exercise that tested the skills and lessons taught by the Scouts.
The NYLT Ambassador team included:
- Jacob B. – Troop 7330, Prescott
- Lukas B. – Troop 280, Chandler
- Liam C. – Troop 1776, Peoria
- Madeline F. – Crew 7365, Glendale
- Jack L. – Troop 41, Phoenix
- Clara L. – Troop 3329, Phoenix
- Sean O. – Troop 365, Glendale
- Ciaran P. – Troop 828, Peoria
- Elise P. – Troop 3329, Phoenix
- Liam P. – Troop 828, Peoria
- Nolan T. – Troop 7031, Flagstaff
The initiative was coordinated by adult advisors Kevin Forsythe (Council Coordinator- NYLT) and Rachel Luman (Scoutmaster and Adult NYLT staffer) who helped ensure seamless collaboration between the youth-led NYLT program and the adult Wood Badge course. Their efforts exemplified the council’s commitment to providing youth with meaningful leadership opportunities while supporting adult leader development.
The NYLT program extends its gratitude to Dr. Mike Frederick, Wood Badge Course Director, and Stephanie Russell, the amazing Wood Badge Senior Patrol Leader (and NYLT “Key 3” committee member) for welcoming the opportunity for these young leaders to participate and contribute to the adult training experience.
The partnership between NYLT and Wood Badge highlights a core principle of Scouting: youth leadership isn’t just preparation for the future – it’s a powerful force in the present. By entrusting these young leaders with significant responsibilities, the Grand Canyon Council demonstrated its confidence in their abilities while providing adult participants with an authentic view of youth-led programming.
This collaboration showcases the best of what Scouting offers: youth developing real-world leadership skills while serving their community, and adults learning from the young Scouts they’re committed to mentoring.
