Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) is a hands-on program that gives adult leaders the practical skills to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. The skills taught will introduce adult Boy Scout leaders with instruction and practice for teaching the outdoor skills associated with Tenderfoot through First Class ranks. This course is offered either as a single weekend course, or two single-day sessions. We hold this course outdoors to help reinforce the “outdoor” experience that you will bring back to your boys and troop. This recommended for all registered Scoutmasters, Boy Scout leaders, Varsity Scout leaders, second-year Webelos leaders, and troop and team committee members, as well as program and training committee chairs. It is required for Scoutmasters & Asst. Scoutmasters to be classified as "TRAINED".

Introduction to Outdoor Leaders Skills is broken into three easy to digest parts.

Part A is a half day course and is $5
Part B is a full day course and is $35
Part C is Scoutmaster Position Specific Training is a half day course and is FREE

When looking to be trained you must take all three parts BUT you can take the parts in any order that works for your schedule. When you complete the last part of your course you should inform the instructor who will submit your name as having completed Introduction to Outdoor Leaders Skills on the training attendance report.

When possible the Council Training Committee will take a weekend and offer all three parts during the weekend.

What to bring to an IOLS course? Participants are required to bring:

• Mess kit
• Eating utensils
• Tent
• parts A&B of the BSA Health form.

Participants should dress according to the weather and time of year, as this course is largely held outdoors. Boots and rain gear are required. Hats, gloves, insect repellant, sunscreen are highly recommended. Plan on cold weather. Backpacks are not necessary, but daypacks are helpful.

Overnight Camping: Camping overnight during the courses is optional, but highly recommended. Scouters who are camping over on Saturday night, will have meals provided. However, all participants will be tent camping in the nearby campsites. Please indicate during the registration process if you are planning on spending the night.