Spring 2018 BCOLS: March 10 and April 21-22

Back Country Outdoor Leader Skills (BCOLS) is aimed at all adults working with older youth regardless of program (Boy Scouting, Venturing, or Exploring).  This training IS NOT recommended for Cub Scout leaders.  All participants must have completed Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills, as well as the position-specific training for their program area (Venturing or, Varsity or, Boy Scout) prior to attending this course and be able to meet current physical requirements of the BSA Annual Health & Medical Record.

The target audience is leaders planning High Adventure treks at backcountry venues not supported by BSA infrastructure; however, units planning to attend High Adventure bases supported by BSA will find this course useful, inasmuch as unit shakedowns will, most likely, take place in venues not supported by BSA infrastructure.  If you are participating in an NCAC-sponsored High Adventure Trek, you must also take the course offered by the NCAC High Adventure Committee.

Back Country Outdoor Leader Skills is offered by the Council Training Committee as an optional follow-on to the basic course, Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.  Its goal is to provide adult leaders with an overview of such topics as:

●  Working With Older Youth                     ●  Leadership Skills

●  Team Development                               ●  Leave No Trace

●  Water Treatment                                   ●  Stove Maintenance

●  Risk Management                                 ●  Equipment Maintenance

●  Crew Equipment Needs & Selection     ●  Personal Equipment Needs & Selection

●  Terrain Awareness & Land Navigation  ●  Menu Planning & Clean-up

●  Hygiene & Health                                  ●  Resources

●  On The Trail Tips                                  ●  Wilderness First Aid Overview

●  HA Planning

Part 1 — Addresses ways to effectively work with older youth and covers the detailed preparation and planning that must be done before you go out, including risk management.  Summarizes the personal and crew equipment used for lightweight camping.  Plans are also made for the weekend overnight session.  (Part 1 is the EXPLAIN & DEMONSTRATE part of EDGE.)

Part 2 — Participants will practice core leader skills for the outdoor program — Leave No Trace, navigation (map & compass plus GPS), terrain awareness, expedition menu planning and food preparation, stove and stove maintenance, wilderness first aid issues, expedition health and hygiene, team building.  (Part 2 is the GUIDE part of EDGE.)

Part 3— While not required, we strongly suggest participation in the Hike-o-ree which will allow BCOLS trained leaders to apply the BCOLS training with their youth at a real-world event.  (Part 3 is the ENABLE part of EDGE.)

Register via the NCAC web-site — BCOLS can be found on the Training menu

Class size limited to 48.  Fee is $45.00

FOR INFORMATION:  Dominick Caridi:   DscScouting@aol.com / 703-625-4196