The Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) course is a hands-on, 24-hour outdoor training program.

It gives adult leaders in Scouting America the practical skills needed to guide youth safely and with confidence in the outdoors.

Required for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters to be considered position-trained.

Patrol Method: Modeled as a youth-led troop where adults work together in patrols.

Class Focus: Prepares leaders to teach basic outdoor skills required for ranks up to First Class.

Core Skills Taught

Campsite Setup: Choosing proper tent sites and pitching tents.

Cooking & Sanitation: Outdoor meal planning, cooking techniques, and safe camp hygiene.

Woods Tools: Safe use and care of pocket knives, axes, and saws.

Ropes: Practical knots, bends, hitches, and lashings.

Navigation: Reading maps and using a compass.

Outdoor Ethics: Principles of Leave No Trace and nature identification.

Campfire Programs: Planning and running a campfire program.

Working as patrols, this hands-on course provides adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead.

The Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills training course is a day and a half long.