Welcome to the Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) training.

Pre-Course Meeting: May 9th, Deer Lodge at 7pm

Course: May 19th - 20th (Friday 5pm- Saturday 6pm)

Participants will receive credit for completion of Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (S11).  Leaders who have also competed the online Position Specific Training or have taken Scoutmaster Specific Training (S24) will be considered fully trained.

Why IOLS?
We are often asked “I am an Eagle Scout (or outdoorsman, or been in Scouting for years, or in the military, etc.), why do I need to take IOLS?” An Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) course builds and expands on the concepts and themes introduced in Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training, but more importantly it ensures a leader is aware of, and possibly even proficient at, the Scout to First Class skills the Boy Scouts of America uses, and in the way the BSA uses them with Scout-age youth. Other organizations may do things in a different way, or even a leader’s old troop may have done things in an outdated, or even in some cases unsafe, way the leader thinks are okay. IOLS is designed to be sure Scouters understand current safe and effective Scouting practices and to help build the confidence needed to take youth into the outdoors.

IOLS is a hands-on program which gives adult leaders a practical introduction to the patrol method of a Scout-led troop and teaching the “BSA-way” of doing 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 an IOLS closely follow the Scouts BSA Handbook. By using these skills sessions in conjunction with the Scouts BSA handbooks, 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 handbooks and highlights the advancement requirements. Attendees 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 an understanding of how the patrol method operates, a feeling of comfort in working with and instructing their Scouts in Scouting skills, and an increased level of confidence taking Scouts outdoors safely. With that comes great satisfaction.

Key Information:

Participants arrive at the course 5pm on Friday, May 19th for check-in and setting up their campsite. Course will end by 6pm on Saturday the 20th. The course will be held at the "Scouts BSA " part of Gamehaven Scout Camp.

Participants must have completed Youth Protection Training and online Position-Specific Training prior to arriving on Friday.

Fees are $15 for the weekend.  Meals are provided.  The course is limited to 24 participants.