Mayflower District 
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) Training

WHAT: IOLS Training Weekend
WHEN: 3-4 October 2026
WHERE: Lees Wood Scout & Guide Activity Centre

Registration closes 27 September

The course is being held in parallel with the Order of the Arrow fellowship and the District camporee, but these are all separate events. While ride sharing is of course encouraged, adults taking the course cannot also be responsible for their Troop at the camporee – additional two-deep leadership must be provided.

INTRODUCTION TO OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP SKILLS:

This course is designed for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters. This hands-on program gives adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors.  Imagine having hands-on knowledge setting up a campsite, pitching a tent, hiking, outdoor cooking - all the skills necessary to see the outdoor program of Scouting of America come to life.

Introduction to Outdoor Leaders Skills is the required outdoor training for all Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters.  This training course is designed for new adult leaders to learn the outdoor skills they need to teach Scouts through the First Class rank and will be required for all Scouters planning on attending the Wood Badge course. Instructors will help you learn how to set up camp, cook, work with woods tool and ropes, first aid, planning campfire programs, map reading and compass skills, hiking and packing techniques, nature identification, and "Leave No Trace". Each outdoor session will bring to life the pages of the Scouts BSA Handbook to help deliver the promise of Scouting to yourself and the youth you serve. It will increase your comfort level and give your confidence as a trained leader. The program will also give you the opportunity to work with other Scout leaders from the District, meet new friends, and reinforce skill techniques with fellow unit leaders.  Successful completion of Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills is a prerequisite for Wood Badge.

REGISTRATION:

Register online at the link on the side.

Check-in for the course will be from 8:30 to 9:00 on Saturday the 3rd, with the program beginning at 9:00. The course should be finished by 11:00 on Sunday.

Please register no later than September 27th. This is required so that adequate materials and food are available for everyone.  The participation fee for the course is $45, which includes food from Saturday lunch to Sunday breakfast. If you have any special dietary needs for medical or religious purposes, please let us know and we will accommodate you as best we can.

Please "pass the word" to other Scout leaders. We don't want anyone to miss out on the fun!

If you have any questions, please contact the course director, J-P Frossard: kb4gid@yahoo.com or (07950)719540.