Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)

Working as patrols, this hands-on course provides adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Boy Scout Troops and Venturing Crews in the out-of-doors. Upon completion, leaders should feel comfortable teaching Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank. Along with Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training, this course and the updated for 2018 Youth-Protection Training are required of all direct contact leaders registered in Boy Scout Troops in order to be considered “trained” for their roles.

This weekend session is completed as a follow-up to the evening orientation session held on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at the Youth Leadership Training Center (SFBAC), 1001 Davis Street, San Leandro.  Please register for the combined sessions under the event listing for that date:  Intro to Outdoor Leader Skills - part 1 evening session 09/20/18.

The Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) course builds and expands on the concepts and themes introduced in Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training and provides Scouters with the confidence to take youth into the outdoors.  Specifically, this hands-on program gives adult leaders a practical introduction to the patrol method of a Scout-led troop by teaching many of the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors.

The skills sessions presented in Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills closely follow the Scouts BSA Handbook and are meant to serve as an adult training outline. By using these skills sessions in conjunction with the Scouts BSA Handbook, 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.

Hands-on participation is the best learning tool, and this course models the techniques used by effective Scoutmasters, Venturing Advisors, and other leaders in the Scouting program. Attendees will see and experience different aspects of how Scouting works while playing the role of Scouts in a troop. Participants should leave the training experience with a full understanding of how the patrol method operates, a feeling of comfort in working with and instructing their Scouts, and an increased level of confidence taking Scouts outdoors safely.