Mandatory Zoom meeting: Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 7-8:30 pm
In person: Friday - Sunday, June 5 - 7, 2026

Location: Union Grove United Methodist Church
6407 Union Grove Church Rd., Hillsborough, NC 27278

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) is a hands-on course that provides Scouters with the confidence to take youth outdoors. IOLS utilizes the patrol method of a Scout-led troop and teaches many of the practical outdoor skills one needs 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.

• 7-8:30 pm Wednesday, June 3 - Mandatory Zoom Meeting
• 5:30 pm Friday, June 5 - Registration/Campsite Selection Opens
• 6:30 pm Friday, June 5 - Training Starts
• 11:30 am Sunday, June 7 - Training Ends

Trained leaders provide better programs for the young men and women they serve in their Scouting units. This is a required training course for all Scoutmasters & Assistants. Though not required, this is strongly encouraged for all Venturing and Sea Scout leaders and assistants.

In this course, you will learn the Tenderfoot through 1st Class outdoor skills required to instruct your Scouts and lead safe & fun outdoor programs.

Topics include: Campsite Selection, Backpacking & Hiking Techniques, Knots & Lashings, Woods Tools, Fire Building, Map & Compass Use, Plant & Animal Identification, First Aid, and lots more.

Cost includes meals (Friday cracker barrel, Saturday breakfast/lunch/dinner/cracker barrel, & Sunday breakfast), course materials and a 2-night camping experience. Refunds may be made, through close of Registration.

Prerequisite: None

Course Director: Matt Strain, mattstrainscouter@gmail.com