Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)

Date: August 28 (5:15 - 6 P.M) – August 29, 2026 7:00 PM
Registration Fee: $25

Location: MANKAN Shelter, Tuttle Creek State Park. 

IOLS Information

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) is one of the two primary training courses Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters need to be considered trained for their positions. The other course is Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training. Participants do not need to complete Position-Specific Training before attending IOLS.

IOLS is also an excellent training opportunity for Venturing advisors, Arrow of Light den leaders, troop committee members, and other registered adults who want to improve their ability to teach and support basic outdoor skills.

What Will I Learn?

This hands-on, overnight course covers essential outdoor leadership skills, including:

• First aid
• Campsite selection and setup
• Outdoor cooking
• Woods tools and fire safety
• Knots and lashings
• Campfire programs
• Map and compass skills
• Hiking and packing
• Plant identification
• Leave No Trace and outdoor ethics
• The youth-led troop
• The patrol method

The course is designed to help adult leaders confidently teach the outdoor skills Scouts need to advance through First Class while supporting a safe, engaging, and youth-led outdoor program.

Course Completion

Participants must attend and actively participate in the entire course to receive training credit.

Additional information, including arrival instructions, the course schedule, and a required equipment list, will be provided before the event.

Come prepared to camp, learn practical skills, meet other leaders, and strengthen your troop’s outdoor program!