IOLS is one of two training courses needed for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters to qualify as trained leaders. The other required course is Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training (SPST). Adults do not need to have completed SPST in order to take IOLS, and completing IOLS satisfies a prerequisite for attending the top training for Scout leaders, Wood Badge. Lastly, IOLS is a great training opportunity for Venturing Advisors, 2nd Year Webelos Leaders, Troop Committee members and others who desire to improve their ability to help teach basic outdoor skills.
At IOLS, participants will learn about first aid, camp set-up, cooking, woods tools, knots and lashing, campfire programs, map & compass skills, hiking & packing, leaf identification, leave-no-trace, how the youth-led troop and the patrol method work in the outdoor program – necessary outdoor leadership skills in a Scout troop. The goal is that participants will know how to show your Scouts outdoor skills needed to fulfill rank requirements through First Class.