This digest offers camp leaders, outdoor experiential educators, school and college faculty, or youth agency staff who are interested in nurturing youth leaders a framework for designing youth leadership programs which employ an outdoor setting as a "leadership classroom." Basic categories for leadership theory are defined: trait theory, situational leadership, organizational leadership, power, and ethical assessment. Key elements in shaping an outdoor setting into a supportive community are discussed: staff, setting, and scheduling. Essential elements forming the core framework for curriculum development are identified: revisioning, empowerment, action, and reflection. Learning modules proven successful in National Youth Leadership Council leadership training programs are described: moral and ethical simulations, adventure challenge, community building, service learning, performing arts, and action planning. Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of 12 programs employing all or a portion of the elements of youth leadership development mentioned in the digest are listed. (NEC)