Welcome to the Virtual Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (V-IOLS) training for use during the Covid-19 pandemic 

Participants who fully participate and complete an approved offering of this course may receive credit for completion of Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (S11).

Why IOLS, and Why V-IOLS?
We are often asked “I am and Eagle Scout (or outdoorsman, or been in Scouting for years, or in the military, etc.) why do I need to take IOLS?”
An Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) course builds and expands on the concepts and themes introduced in Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training, but more importantly it ensures a leader is aware of, and possibly even proficient at, the Scout to First Class skills the Boy Scouts of America uses, and in the way the BSA uses them with Scout-age youth. Other organizations may do things in a different way, or even a leader’s old troop may have done things in an outdated, or even in some cases unsafe, way the leader thinks are okay.
IOLS is designed to be sure Scouters understand current safe and effective Scouting practices and to help build the confidence needed to take youth into the outdoors.
IOLS is a hands-on program which gives adult leaders a practical introduction to the patrol method of a Scout-led troop and teaching the “BSA-way” of doing 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 an IOLS closely follow the Scouts BSA Handbook for Boys and Scouts BSA Handbook for Girls. 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. Each skills session references specific chapters in the handbooks and highlights the advancement requirements. Attendees see and experience different aspects of how Scouting works while playing the role of Scouts in a troop.
This version of the course is a blended learning opportunity to complete IOLS in areas where face-to-face instruction is not permitted during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was created to help Scoutmasters and assistants complete needed position-specific training to Be Prepared for the day when their troops may go camping again.

There are three parts to the V-IOLS course:

• Individual pre-course, on-line learning
• Two introductory live video conferences (such as Zoom) sessions
• Two “Virtual campout" video conference sessions with participants camping at home

This course does not fully replace an in-person course where faculty and participants can interact to be sure learning has fully occurred. But the concepts and resources shared are important for our leaders today. Participants should leave the training experience with an understanding of how the patrol method operates, a feeling of comfort in working with and instructing their Scouts in Scouting skills, and an increased level of confidence taking Scouts outdoors safely. With that comes great satisfaction.

Key dates for participation:

Course Schedule (four virtual meetings all REQUIRED).  All times are Central European Time (CET).

• Session 1 Friday, 23 April 1900-2045 
• Session 2 Saturday, 24 April 1800-2130 
• Session 3 Virtual Campout Part 1, Friday, 30 April 1900-2130 
• Session 4 Virtual Campout Part 2, Saturday, 1 May 0830-1030

Important: All sessions and online pre-course learning must be completed to receive credit for S11.  The course is limited to 48 participants. To give an equal opportunity to all of our troops across TAC to have a participant in the course, all registrants will be initially placed on a wait list and then selected for the course.

There is no expense for this course, but participants will be responsible for their own camping gear, meals, and course resources such as rope for knot tying, handouts, and certificates.