June 1st | Beaumont Scout Reservation
Session One 9:00am-11:30am | Session Two 12:30-2:00pm
$7 per person

Join us June 1st at Beaumont for Intro to Outdoor Leadership Skill Challenge Course. The course is designed for Scouts BSA leaders who have been involved in Scouting for at least (2) years and who have both observed and practiced the Patrol Method. Participants in the course will be tested on a slate of skills needed to successfully take your youth into the outdoors. Each participant will have two chances to pass each skill center, with no remedial training available.  The intent of this course is to allow the participant to bypass the weekend-long IOLS course, so it is imperative that the participant demonstrate proficiency in all of the following areas. 

Prerequisites: Participants in the IOLS Challenge Course must be currently registered members of a Scouting unit, taken Scoutmaster Training either online or classroom session and must hold current certifications in Youth Protection and Hazardous Weather training.

Each particpant will be tested on the following items:

Camping:

Verify that, as an adult, you have camped overnight in a tent you pitched (or helped pitch) on a site you selected. 

Verify that, as an adult, you have practiced the Patrol Method on outings with your unit.

Patrol Method:

Explain why the Patrol Method is so important in Scouting.

Explain the chain of command inherent in the Patrol Method.

Flags:

Explain the proper way to raise and lower the flag, including flying the flag at half-staff.

Demonstrate proper folding of the US Flag.

During the above, explain how you would teach these skills to your scouts.

Campsite Selection:

Explain the factors to consider when selecting a campsite.

Demonstrate evaluating a potential campsite.

During the above, explain how you would teach these skills to your scouts.

Plant and Animal:

Explain how to identify local poisonous plants.

Demonstrate using decision trees to properly identify native trees.

Explain the animals scouts are likely to encounter when camping in Missouri.

Using photos, demonstrate proper identification of the Copperhead, Cottonmouth, and all three varieties of Rattlesnake indigenous to Missouri.

During the above, explain how you would teach these skills to your scouts.

Ropes and Lashings:

Demonstrate Whipping and Fusing rope.

Demonstrate proper tying of the following, explaining how they are tied, and when they should be used:

Square Knot

Two Half Hitches

Taut-line Hitch

Sheet Bend

Bowline

Timber Hitch

Clove Hitch

Square Lashing

Shear Lashing

Diagonal Lashing

Properly coil and store ropes when finished.

During the above, explain how you would teach these skills to your scouts.

Map and Compass:

Explain how to read a map and what the various symbols/colors mean, including the scale.

Explain what the contour lines on a topographical map represent.

Explain methods of finding your way without a map and compass.

Demonstrate properly orienting a map to the geography.

Demonstrate use of a compass to obtain a bearing to an objective.

Successfully navigate an orienteering course using a map and compass.

During the above, explain how you would teach these skills to your scouts.

Cooking:

Explain when various cooking methods (fire, charcoal, gas stove, backpacking stove) should and should not be used.

Demonstrate properly loading a charcoal localizer.

Explain the three-pot method of sanitation.

Explain why patrol cooking is important.

Explain how meal planning should be conducted.

Explain the factors you should consider when meal planning.

During the above, explain how you would teach these skills to your scouts.

Fire Building:

Explain the various fire lays and when you would use each.

Explain the difference between kindling, tinder, and fuel.

Demonstrate lighting a fire using kindling, tinder, and fuel sufficiently large to burn through a string above the fire at a height of 16".

During the above, explain how you would teach these skills to your scouts.

Woods Tools:

Explain the safety hazards associated with using woods tools.

Explain how an axe yard should be constructed.

Explain the PPE necessary when using woods tools.

Demonstrate the thank-you method.

Demonstrating proper technique, use a hand axe, bowsaw, and pocket knife.  Demonstrate proper sharpening technique. 

During the above, explain how you would teach these skills to your scouts.

Campfire:

Explain the tool you would use to help PLC plan a campfire program.

Explain the purposes of a campfire.

Explain the components of a campfire program.

Explain the meaning of the phrase "Follow the Flame".

Explain how songs and skits will be vetted for scout-appropriateness.

During the above, explain how you would teach these skills to your scouts.

Interfaith Worship Service:

Explain the importance of religious principle as addressed in the Scout Oath and Law.

Explain the importance of respect for the beliefs of others.

Describe the firm requirements of some faith traditions for observance of the Sabbath.

Explain how to conduct an interfaith worship service.

During the above, explain how you would teach these skills to your scouts.

Backpacking/Hiking/Outdoor Ethics:

Explain the appropriate type(s) of footwear you would use for backpacking and hiking.

Explain the list of items you would take on a hike or overnight backpacking trip.

Explain the importance of the buddy system.

Explain trail etiquette.

Explain how to plan a safe hike.

Given a variety of gear, demonstrate how you would pack for an overnight backpacking trip.

Explain how to safely hike on roadways.

Explain what to do if you become lost.

Explain the principles of outdoor ethics, demonstrating how you would teach them to a group of scouts.

Recite the Outdoor Code.

During the above, explain how you would teach these skills to your scouts.