Welcome to Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills training (IOLS)!  This is a one day course offered on 10/11/25 from 7am-7pm, located at Petters Place (behind the dining hall) at Gardner Dam.  IOLS builds and expands on the concepts introduced in Scoutmaster 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 Scout-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 for Boys and Scouts BSA Handbook for Girls and are meant to serve as an adult training outline.  You must bring your Scout Handbook with you, for this IOLS course. 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. Hands-on participation is the best learning tool, and this course models the techniques used by effective Scoutmasters, 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.

Training that will include: campsite selection, outdoor ethics, fire site preparation and building, cooking, ropes, woods tools, plant identification, animal identification, map and compass, packing and hiking, Scouts' Own Services, and campfire programs.

Please review the "What to Bring" document in this website, for what you will need to bring to this training.  Food will be provided for our meals and we will be camping near the Petters Place building, by the lower bridge at Gardner Dam.  Leaders can tent with their own Troop, but would not be available to assist with their unit on Saturday (so you will not count towards 2-Deep Leadership, during the 7am-7pm Saturday timeframe).  All Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters must complete this training to be considered fully trained and wear the coveted "Trained" strip on the left-hand sleeve of your uniform. 

There will be an IOLS Equipment Swap Meet that will go on near Petters Place on Saturday.  Feel free to bring items to swap or purchase, all proceeds will go towards purchasing new IOLS program supplies.  This is open to all units, come any time Saturday 9am-2pm, to check it out!