NYLT, Wood Badge & Order of the Arrow

Program overview

Where Valley Scouts and adult volunteers learn to lead: NYLT, Wood Badge, Order of the Arrow and Camporee.

Scouting has always been about more than camping skills. It is a place to learn how to lead, and Camp Perry is where many Rio Grande Valley Scouts and volunteers take that next step. The Rio Grande Council lists several leadership programs at the camp, including National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), Wood Badge, Order of the Arrow events such as the Pow-Wow weekend, and the Council Camporee.

NYLT is Scouting America's leadership course for youth. Over several days, participants form patrols and practice skills such as communication, planning, problem solving and team development, then bring those skills home to their troops, crews and ships. Wood Badge is the advanced leadership course for adult volunteers. It combines a multi-day outdoor course with a personal "ticket" of goals that participants complete afterward to strengthen their own units and communities.

The Order of the Arrow is Scouting's national honor society, whose members are elected by their fellow Scouts for their camping spirit and cheerful service. Camp Perry is home to an Order of the Arrow lodge building, and OA gatherings like the Pow-Wow weekend bring Arrowmen together for fellowship, training and service. The Council Camporee brings troops from across the council's five counties to camp side by side, with patrols testing their Scout skills in friendly competition.

Course formats, prerequisites, dates and fees are set by the council and can change each year. This independent site does not register participants, so confirm current details with the Rio Grande Council. To learn how Camp Perry has shaped Valley Scouting since 1927, read our history of Camp Perry.

Highlights

What’s included

NYLT for youth

National Youth Leadership Training gives youth leaders a multi-day course in communication, planning, problem solving and team development, delivered in a patrol setting like a real troop.

Wood Badge for adults

Scouting America's advanced adult leadership course pairs an outdoor course experience with a personal ticket of goals, helping volunteers strengthen their units, districts and communities.

Order of the Arrow

Scouting's national honor society recognizes Scouts who best live the Scout Oath and Law. Camp Perry has an OA lodge building and hosts OA gatherings for Arrowmen.

Pow-Wow weekend

The Order of the Arrow Pow-Wow weekend brings Arrowmen together at Camp Perry for fellowship, training and service. Check with the council or lodge for current dates and details.

Council Camporee

Troops from across Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Willacy and Zapata counties gather for a weekend of camping and patrol competitions that put everyday Scout skills to the test.

Skills that last

Leadership training teaches practical skills such as running a meeting, resolving conflict and planning an outing, skills that serve Scouts and volunteers at school, work and home.

Details

Plan with confidence

A representative sample — actual schedules are published by camp leadership each season.

7:00 AMReveille, patrol breakfast and campsite cleanup
8:00 AMOpening flag ceremony and daily briefing
8:30 AMLeadership session: communication and planning
10:00 AMPatrol challenge or skill station applying the morning's lesson
12:00 PMLunch and patrol reflection
1:30 PMLeadership session: team development and problem solving
3:30 PMPatrol project or service activity around camp
5:30 PMDinner and evening patrol leaders' council
8:00 PMCampfire and reflection, then lights out

How to take part

Four steps to camp

Talk to your unit leader

Ask your Scoutmaster, crew advisor or unit committee which leadership program fits your role and whether you meet the prerequisites. Units often recommend or sponsor participants.

Check the council calendar

Course dates, formats, fees and registration for NYLT, Wood Badge, OA events and Camporee are published by the Rio Grande Council. Register through the council, not this website.

Complete forms and prerequisites

Finish any required training, submit the Annual Health and Medical Record, and complete applications or recommendations the course requires before the deadline.

Prepare to participate

Review the packing list the course provides, complete any assigned pre-work and arrive ready to learn, work with a new patrol and share what you learn at home.

FAQ

Leadership Training questions

National Youth Leadership Training is Scouting America's leadership course for youth. Participants live and learn in patrols over several days, practicing skills such as communication, planning, problem solving and team development. Courses may run as a single week or across multiple weekends, depending on the council. Check with the Rio Grande Council for current prerequisites, dates and fees.

Wood Badge is Scouting America's advanced leadership course for adult volunteers. It combines a multi-day course, often run over two weekends or a full week, with a working period in which participants complete a personal ticket of goals. Those who finish earn the traditional Wood Badge beads. Check with the council for upcoming courses.

Order of the Arrow membership is based on election by fellow Scouts. Scouts BSA members who meet camping and rank requirements set by the OA can be elected by their troop, then complete an induction called the Ordeal. Adults may be nominated through their unit. Your troop leaders or the local OA lodge can explain the current requirements.

A camporee is a weekend campout where troops from across the council camp together. Patrols typically rotate through competitions and stations that test Scout skills such as first aid, knots, fire building and navigation, and the weekend often includes a campfire and recognition. The theme and events change each year, so check the council announcement.

All registered adult leaders in Scouting America must complete Youth Protection training, and many roles also require position-specific training. Wood Badge expects participants to have finished the basic training for their position first. Specific requirements for each event are set by the council, so review the event details or ask your unit's training coordinator.

Camp Perry History: Inside Texas's Oldest Continuously Operating Scout Camp

From a 1927 gift of family land on the Arroyo Colorado to a multimillion-dollar rebuild and an approaching centennial, here is the story of Camp Perry and the Rio Grande Valley Scouts it has served for nearly a hundred years.

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June 3, 202610 min read

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