Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills, or IOLS, is a hands-on training course. IOLS gives Scouts BSA adult leaders the basic outdoor skills and knowledge needed to support a successful outdoor program. It is required training for all Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters. in addition, at least one IOLS-trained leader is needed on every Scout overnight. Other Scouts BSA leaders are also welcome to attend.
The course helps leaders build confidence in taking Scouts into the outdoors while working toward First Class rank. Participants learn practical skills along the way, such as fire building, wood tools, hiking, cooking, orienteering, first aid and more. IOLS also reinforces the patrol method and models effective ways to teach skills through hands-on activities, instruction and games.
FAQ
Who should take this training?
New Scouts BSA Scoutmasters (highest-ranking adult volunteer leader working with youth in a Scouts BSA Troop) and Assistant Scoutmasters
Why should I take this training?
Learn The Patrol Method
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. In doing so, 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.
Gain Confidence
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 (“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 Safeguarding Youth training and the Scoutmaster-Specific Training course, will make you an “fully trained” Scouts BSA leader.
Prerequisites
You must be currently registered in a Scouting unit, have taken either the online or in-person Scoutmaster-Specific Training, and must be current in Safeguarding Youth training and Hazardous Weather training.
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