Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) (aka OLS)

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.  Along with Scoutmaster Specifics this course is required of all direct contact leaders registered in Boy Scout Troops and Varsity Scout Teams, in order to be considered "trained".

The pre-meeting provides skill instruction for the weekend and begins the process of patrol formation.  This meeting is your chance to ask questions and Be Prepared for your Outdoor Leader Skills training course.  (Attendance at the pre-meeting is mandatory and walk-in attendees cannot be accepted during the weekend.)  You should take this training if you are an adult in a Boy Scout Troop.  This is a two-day overnight training - 6:00 PM Friday until Noon on Sunday.

--Mandatory Pre-Meeting for IOLS is typically scheduled on a Wednesday (6:30 - 9:00 PM) one week before the weekend event.  Check the council calendar for specific dates and times.

Suggested IOLS Training Gear List

• Tent (if there is a problem with sleeping in a tent, please let us know)
• Sleeping bag
• Ground cloth (old shower curtain works well)
• Backpack
• Flashlight
• Camping chair
• Mess kit (sub, spoon, fork, knife, plate, bowl)
• Sun protection
• Camera
• Personal hygiene items
• Change of clothes
• Scout uniform
• Scout handbook
• Rain gear
• Water bottle
• Notebook, pen or pencil