Who should take this training?

All Scouts BSA Scoutmasters (highest-ranking adult volunteer leader working with youth in a Scouts BSA Troop) and Assistant Scoutmasters, as part of the qualifications to meet the BSA's "Trained" requirements.

Why should I take this training?

Scouting’s outdoor program is a critical part of how the Scouts BSA program develops young leaders. While camping or participating in other outdoor events, your Scouts will challenge themselves to learn skills they’ve never tried before or maybe didn’t think they could do. In doing so, your Scouts will work together as a team to overcome adversity when things don’t go as planned; this is truly the magic of Scouting that no other program does as well.

To safely offer Scouting’s outdoor program, however, you need a certain set of skills and knowledge – and that’s why you’re required to take Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (also known as “IOLS”) Training. You’ll learn how to build a fire, use an axe, cook outdoors, use a map and compass, responsibly care for the outdoors, and much more. Even if you weren’t a Scout as a kid, you’ll come out of this course looking and acting like a seasoned camper. This course, combined with Youth Protection Training and the Troop Leader Training course, will make you a “fully trained” Scouts BSA leader. Note that Scoutmaster-Specific Training is also offered as an in-person classroom course. Check the OTCBSA web site under “Events/Calendar” for other available courses.

When is this training available?

The training is generally offered in the spring at one of the council properties; it will be offered at other times to accomodate various schedules. Where possible, the Council schedules it before the summer camping season starts.

Where is this training offered?

The course will take place at a camp property owned by the Pacific Crest Council (non-council properties may also be used). There is no online version of this course (you’re learning how to camp outside, after all).

What is the cost of this training?

The course will typically include a $25 or similar fee to cover some of your food plus additional program materials you’ll use during the training.