Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills

(IOLS)

2026

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) gives adult leaders the practical knowledge they need to help Scouts to learn outdoor skills. The skills presented closely follow the Boy Scout Handbook and rank advancement requirements. Skills from Tenderfoot to First Class are covered in this training.

This is a required training course for all Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters. It is also encouraged for anyone who will be participating in campouts regularly to consider taking this class. The training is designed to help all adult leaders regardless of experience level feel comfortable performing and supervising these skills with youth.

Instructors will help you learn how to set up camp, cook, work with woods tools, rope skills, plan campfire programs, map reading and compass skills, hiking and packing techniques, nature identification, and outdoor ethics. Each outdoor session will bring to life the pages of the Scouts BSA Handbook to help you deliver the promise of Scouting to yourself and the youth you serve. It will increase your comfort level and give you confidence as a trained, skilled leader. The program will also give you the opportunity to work with other Scout leaders from your area, meet new friends, and reinforce skill techniques with fellow unit leaders.

IOLS participants who have completed Leader Specifics, Hazardous Weather, and Youth Protection trainings will be recognized with the TRAINED patch during the IOLS graduation ceremony.

 Dates: Choose 1

Cost: $55

• Cost covers Saturday lunch and supper, Sunday breakfast,  handouts, use of the camp, snacks, training cards, program materials, and registration.
• Please eat before coming as Saturday breakfast is not provided. 
• Please indicate your dietary needs on the registration page. People with dietary needs may want to bring a few snacks to supplement their meals to ensure their dietary needs are met.

Required Forms:

• BSA Health Form Parts A & B
• Pre-event Medical Screening Form

Packing List:

Please plan to pack your equipment in.  

• BSA field uniform (Class A)

• Tent, ground cloth, tarp (No hammocks)

• Sleeping bag

• Sleeping pad or mattress

• Sturdy shoes – no open-toe shoes

• Change of clothes

• Sleeping attire

• Mess kit (plate, cup, eating utensils)

• Soap, washcloth, towel

• Sunglasses

• Camp chair

• Personal first aid kit

• Camera

• Notebook, pen, pencil

• Coat jacket, cap, and gloves

• Water bottle

• Flashlight

• Sun protection

• Rain gear

• If you already own the following equipment, please plan to bring: backpacking stove, compass

 If using C-Pap you will need to bring a 100ft electric cord.

Direct Questions To:

• IOLS Coordinator Scott Meyers at cscottmeyers@msn.com.
• IOLS Staff Adviser Aaron Walters at aaron.walters@scouting.org.
• Training Staff Adviser Bud Harrelson at bud.harrelson@scouting.org