Training Tomorrow's Leaders Today: ILST 2025 with Troop 427 B & G

from the desk of Justin Hines & AJ Soliz-Chavez, ELG District Executives

On Friday, July 25th, through Sunday, July 26th, 2025, Troop 427-B & G came together for a dynamic day of leadership training, teamwork, and Scout Spirit during their Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) course. Hosted at Oasis State Park, this training was more than just a requirement for youth leadership positions—it was a meaningful opportunity for Scouts to grow, bond, and step confidently into their roles as leaders. 

What is ILST?

The Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops is a foundational leadership course designed to equip youth with the skills they need to effectively lead their patrols and troop. ILST is the first step on the BSA's youth leadership continuum and a prerequisite for advanced trainings like National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) and National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE). 

 A Weekend of Growth and Discovery 

Scouts from both the boys’ and girls’ troops worked together in a co-led format that emphasized collaboration, communication, and leadership through action.

The training was structured around the three modules of ILST: 

1. Know (Understanding Leadership) 

Scouts explored the roles and responsibilities of troop leadership positions, discussed the Scout Law and Oath as leadership foundations, and reflected on the values that shape effective leaders. 

 2. Be (Developing Character) 

This module focused on the attitudes and qualities of great leaders. Scouts learned about servant leadership, integrity, and leading by example. Role-play activities helped Scouts explore how to respond to challenges with grace and respect. 

 3. Do (Putting Leadership into Action) 

From conflict resolution to communication strategies, Scouts learned practical tools to lead with confidence. Hands-on scenarios and team challenges brought theory into practice as youth learned to guide their peers, not just direct them. 

 Youth-Led, Scout-Centered 

ILST was led and facilitated by both adult leaders and experienced youth, who modeled the EDGE method (Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, Enable) throughout the sessions. The training was Scout-led at its core, with younger Scouts learning from older ones and discovering their own potential to lead. 

 Troop 427's Bright Future 

As the day concluded, Scouts left with more than just a great weekend 

—they carried a renewed sense of purpose, responsibility, and unity. Each youth who completed ILST is now better equipped to take on leadership roles within the troop, serve their patrols with integrity, and represent Scouting with excellence. 

Congratulations to all the Scouts who participated—you are the leaders of today and the role models of tomorrow! 

Wildlife 2025!!! 

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