Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)

Welcome to Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills training. The Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) course builds and expands on the concepts and themes introduced in Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training and Varsity Coach Position-Specific Training, and provides Scouters with the confidence to take youth into the outdoors.

Specifically, this hands-on program gives adult leaders a practical introduction to the patrol method of a youth-led troop by teaching many of the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. In addition, the teaching methods, activities, and games model the variety of teaching used in effective and engaging Scouting programs.

The skills sessions presented in Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills closely follow the Scouts BSA Handbook and are meant to serve as an adult training outline. By using these skills sessions in conjunction with the Scouts BSA Handbook, trainers can be sure new leaders are proficient in many of the basic outdoor skills through First Class rank, and gain exposure to the patrol method and numerous teaching methods and learning games. Each skills session references specific chapters in the handbook and highlights the 2016 advancement requirements.

Hands-on participation is the best learning tool, and this course models the techniques used by effective Scoutmasters, Coaches, Advisors, and other leaders in the Scouting program. Attendees will see and experience different aspects of how Scouting works while playing the role of Scouts in a troop.

Participants should leave the training experience with a full understanding of how the patrol method operates, a feeling of comfort in working with and instructing their Scouts, and an increased level of confidence taking Scouts outdoors safely. With that comes great satisfaction.

This training runs from Friday at 6:00 PM until Sunday at 1:00 PM.  Some meals are provided, you will be contacted with what food you will need to bring.  

COVID Information

Council event attendees, including participants and staff, are required to comply with the Council's current COVID protocols. Failure to do so will result in removal from Council properties and/or events and forfeiture of event registration fees.

All participants must submit a pre-medical event checklist and waiver upon entry, All participants will be health screened upon entry.

All Participants must bring a current BSA Medical form (download here). 

The Greater Tampa Bay Area Council is committed to offer our Scouts fun and quality programs in a safe manner.  We are adhering to the CDC and ACA (American Camp Association) guidelines as well as working closely with local Health Departments to provide a layered mitigation COVID strategy.  Our COVID mitigation strategies are being overseen by the Council Health Supervisor, a board-certified pediatrician.  For a complete and up to date list of our COVID-19 mitigation procedures, please visit: https://tampabayscouting.org/covid-mitigation-procedures.

In the case of a positive COVID result among participants at an event, GTBAC will follow the guidance of the local Health Department, which may include cancellation or closure of the event or facility.

We will be providing babysitting for potty-trained and older youth for leaders taking training during the training sessions.  Youth will be parent's responsibility between training sessions and overnight.