Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) is a 16-hour overnight course that gives adult leaders the practical knowledge they need to help Scouts to learn outdoor skills. The skills presented closely follow the Scout Handbook and rank advancement requirements. This is a required training course for all Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmasters. Working as patrols, this hands-on course provides adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. Upon completion, leaders should feel comfortable teaching Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank. Topics covered: • Campsite Selection • Ropes – Whipping, Tying, and Lashing • Wood Tools – Knife, Camp Saw, and Ax • Fire Site Preparation and Building • Cooking • First Aid • Plant and Animal Identification • Packing and Hiking Techniques • Map and Compass • Leave No Trace. The training encompasses a weekend (16 hours of instruction).
What to Bring: In addition to the list above, bring the following: Clothes: field uniform, activity uniform (Scout t-shirt) or comfortable clothes, closed-toed shoes (boots or tennis shoes), jacket, rain gear. Scouting ten essentials: pocket knife, first aid kit, extra clothes, rain gear, refillable water bottle, flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries, trail food, match and fire starters, sun protection, map and compass. Personal Gear: tent, ground cloth, camp chair, sleeping bag or blanket, sleeping pad or cot, mess kit (knife, fork, spoon, bowl/plate, coffee cup in a mesh bag), bug repellant, sunscreen, personal hygiene products (e.g., toothpaste, deodorant), note-taking materials, 3-ring binder, backpack, personal medications. Recommended: Field Book, Troop Leader Guidebook, Scout Handbook. Optional gear: sunglasses, camera, earplugs, gloves for saw and ax demonstration. The course fee includes three meals (Saturday breakfast and lunch, Sunday breakfast). Eat breakfast before arriving.