Be Prepared to Empower Youth Leadership: Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS)

In Scouts BSA's youth-led program, adult leaders create the safe environment where Scouts teach and learn from each other. IOLS equips you with the knowledge to effectively coach, mentor, and ensure safety as your Scouts develop and share essential outdoor skills.

This hands-on, overnight training prepares you to:

• Understand the same outdoor skills your Scouts are expected to master
• Recognize proper technique and ensure safe practices
• Coach youth leaders as they teach their peers
• Create appropriate challenges that develop leadership and competence
• Know when to step back and when to step in

Skills covered include campsite selection, fire building, outdoor cooking, knots and lashings, navigation, knife and woods tools safety, and Leave No Trace principles.

Why IOLS Matters:

• Required training for all Scouts BSA direct contact leaders
• Strengthens your ability to mentor youth leaders effectively
• Ensures you can provide guidance without taking over
• Valuable for Cub Scout leaders working with Webelos and Arrow of Light scouts preparing to bridge

Experience the methods behind the youth-led movement

Where: Rainbow Scout Reservation, 2600 Winterbottom Road, Morris, IL 60450

What's Included: Camping fee, insurance, Friday night Cracker Barrel, Saturday meals, and program materials.

Registration Closes: April 27th, 2025, 11PM

Minimum of 6 participants needed to run the course.