Circle Ten Council District Youth Training – March 29, 2020 training memo Districts will change from Oak Leaf Training to “District ILST”– Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops effective June 1, 2020.

Oak Leaf Training has had a long-standing history in Circle Ten Council. It has been a stepping stone for youth leadership between the troop level training and council level training NYLT.

Oak Leaf Training is being discontinued to bring the Council more in line with the National Training Continuum and its incremental training goals. The change to now fully utilize ILST – Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops for all district youth trainings in Circle Ten Council was made with careful consideration by a committee composed of current District Training Chairs and Oak Leaf Course Directors. Using the ILST format ensures all youth in Circle Ten Council will receive the same training – whether in their own troop or at the district level, better preparing them for our council NYLT.

ILST – Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops - is meant to be used at the troop level to develop the troop leadership within the troop. We should encourage each troop to use this training, but we know that many troops may not. Therefore, a training at district level – in compliance with the approved BSA National Youth Training Continuum - can be beneficial in developing our youth leaders.

National Youth Training Continuum – current

- ILST (former TLT is no longer to be used) - NYLT - NAYLE

ILST is intended to be used at troop level – ILST Facilitator Guide page 6: The best way for ILST to be presented is in a troop by the Scoutmaster, previously trained Scouts, and other trained adult leaders.

- Troops should use ISLT to train their youth leaders – as council and district leaders we should encourage this. - When troops are not able to have their own ILST training, we can offer it at the district level. - Whether ILST taken at troop or district training, ILST qualifies for NYLT. Per ILST Facilitator Guide page 3: This course is for every in the troop who holds a leadership position, including all elected positions and any appointed positions at the discretion of the senior patrol leader. - The District Youth Training (ILST) should be consistent throughout Circle Ten Council.

If a district youth training is needed – ILST syllabus is to be used:

ILST Facilitator Guide pages 6-7 addresses this: However, in circumstances where the unit believes or the district or council leadership determines that one or more troops can benefit from support and assistance in presenting ILST, the district or council can aid the Scoutmaster in creating the learning environment and in presenting ILST. In supporting ILST at the district or council level, it is extremely important to have leadership with not only district or council adults but also trained, skilled youth. Having youth lead ILST and set the example for the participants is essential to the success of the program. Effective June 1, 2020, all future District ILST Courses will follow above guidelines (including 2020 fall courses).

District Youth Trainings (formerly Oak Leaf) in Circle Ten Council should follow national guidelines and be uniform in materials presented:

- Use ILST as syllabus – retire all previous copies of the Oak Leaf syllabus - “Oak Leaf” terminology will no longer be used. Name of the training will be “District ILST” - No pre-requisites other than as stated in ILST and required by NYLT* - District event – trainings are not to be segregated by gender and will accommodate girl/boy patrols and troops** - Must follow YPT Guidelines and the Guide to Safe in regards to camping, etc.

*Whether a youth takes ILST within their troop or at a district event, they are qualified to attend NYLT if they meet the following requirements:

• Minimum Age 13 • Minimum First Class Rank • Completed ILST Introduction to Troop Leadership Training (either in troop or at district event) • Hold a Troop level leadership position • Scoutmaster Approval • Parent Permission

**As stated above, ISLT is the recommended training for Scouts BSA troop leadership. If troops prefer single gender training it will need to be conducted within their own troop.

A District ISLT Admin Guide is being developed and will be provided to Course Directors and District Training Chairs. Target date for completion and distribution is June 1, 2020. The Admin Guide will include recommended course planning including staff positions, schedules for both Friday-Saturday and Saturday-Sunday courses, recommended games/activities, Campfire Program Planning and Scout’s Own Interfaith Worship.

Prepared by:

Kresha Alvarado Circle Ten Council Training Chair [email protected]