Late last month, members of Section G16 met with many other Arrowmen who also travelled far and wide to attend the National Leadership Seminar (NLS) and Developing Youth Leadership Conference (DYLC) in Seattle, WA. NLS specializes in training the youth in our lodges with advanced leadership subjects, equipping them to cheerfully lead with more effectiveness and ability. DYLC assists adults in learning how best to mentor, support, and empower youth.
We sent out a survey to the NLS participants in our section to get a better understanding of what it actually looks like, along with their thoughts on the experience. The feedback from the survey gives a powerful insight into the training.
The Responses
Many of the participants had already completed some form of leadership training: ILST, CYL, and NYLT were common. Despite this, it seems that there was always something new to learn or get out of going to NLS. They learned important skills for the first time like knowing the different ways people learn and how to apply leadership styles. They learned how to overcome roadblocks, and solve problems depending whether they are a technical problem or an adaptive challenge.
“Something I learned for the first time at NLS was about the adaptive leadership model and how to effectively overcome challenges, whether big or small.” – Amalinda T.
One of the most fun parts of NLS was clearly the Everest Challenger, where participants had the opportunity to work together in teams and apply their new leadership knowledge to a simulated challenge of summiting Mt. Everest. It requires teamwork, problem solving, planning, management, and it’s a great test of skill for the aspiring leader. In addition, meeting new people and making new friends was another highlight of the event, as Arrowmen from all over the Gateway Region came to enhance their skills in leading others.
“I liked the Everest challenger, where we were able to work with other groups.” – Patrick P.
The attendees learned many things to take home to their units, chapters, and lodges. From getting a better understanding of themselves and how they lead to gaining a structured approach to problems in Scouting and life, it’s clear that our members of Section G16 walked away from NLS with a better way to lead, all while having fun and making friends!
“It has given me structured ways to look at all types of problems in life and leadership, which will help me make good decisions more often.” – Chase K.
“It taught me how to understand myself before I became a leader to others which is very helpful.” – an NLS participant
If all this sounds like fun to you, I highly recommend that you go to the next NLS that is available to you! It is an experience you won’t forget!
“I would recommend NLS to other Arrowmen because it teaches great concepts and helps you implement great tools using your very own experiences. Even if you feel you already know most of the concepts and leadership tools, still go! The experience overall teaches a lot, too.” – Josie L.
To finish this recap, I would like to list the submitted responses to the following question, as I think it sums up the 2026 Seattle NLS quite nicely.
General thoughts or comments about your experience?
“Overall my experience at NLS was awesome. It is a great training opportunity, and also a great way to get reinvolved within the organization and get the tools to do so.”
“It was super fun and informative and I greatly enjoyed it!”
“Very good with great food.”
“Had a really fun time.”
“It was pretty snazzy.”
“🙌 absolute cinema.”
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