IOLS - Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills

 

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) 

Who should take this training? 

New Scouts BSA Scoutmasters (highest-ranking adult volunteer leader working with youth in a Scouts BSA Troop) and Assistant Scoutmasters 

Why should I take this training? 

Scouting’s outdoor program is a critical part of how the Scouts BSA program develops young leaders. While camping or participating in other outdoor events, your Scouts will challenge themselves to learn skills they’ve never tried before or maybe didn’t think they could do. In doing so, your Scouts will work together as a team to overcome adversity when things don’t go as planned; this is truly the magic of Scouting that no other program does as well. To safely offer Scouting’s outdoor program, however, you need a certain set of skills and knowledge – and that’s why you’re required to take Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (also known as “IOLS”) Training. You’ll learn how to build a fire, use an axe, cook outdoors, use a map and compass, responsibly care for the outdoors, and much more. Even if you weren’t a Scout as a kid, you’ll come out of this course looking and acting like a seasoned camper. This course, combined with Youth Protection Training and the Scoutmaster-Specific Training course, will make you a “fully-trained” Scouts BSA leader. 

When is this training available?

The training is generally offered in the fall and spring in different areas of our council (the “council” is made up of all 14 counties we serve in North Texas; the council is split up into geographic areas called “districts” along school attendance or county boundaries). We try to schedule the course to be available right around the same time as our fall and spring recruiting periods, so that as new adults join Scouting with their children, they can get trained as quickly as possible. The next training is October 8-9.

Where is this training offered? 

The course will take place at a camp property owned by the Longhorn Council (that’s us) or a different campground that’s a favorite for Scout units in our area. There is no online version of this course (you’re learning how to camp outside, after all). This training is offered by the Mustang District and takes place at Sid Richardson Scout Ranch in Bridgeport, TX

What is the cost of this training?

The course will typically include a $30 or similar fee to cover your food plus additional program materials you’ll use during the training. 

How do I sign up for this training?

Visit this link HERE.  Registration closes 10/3

How Can I Help The Troop

Every Scout’s parent(s) should be involved with the Troop in some way as follows in order to exemplify servant leadership to their Scout. Do so by stepping up to be either an Assistant Scoutmaster, being an active Committee Member, serving as a Merit Badge Counselor or assisting at any of our special events.

• Assistant Scoutmaster (also referred to as an "ASM") – ASM’s help run the monthly campouts, as well as long-term camps, for the Troop, and also sign off Scout handbooks when Scouts show they have completed rank requirements. To be an ASM, you must complete an application for membership and pay the applicable BSA National and Longhorn Council Insurance fees. 
• Qualifications:
• Scoutmaster-specific training (we typically offer this training at the March Tenderfoot campout to any Adults that are interested)
• Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills Training (IOLS) – Weekend campout of adults training with District volunteers to learn most of the Trail to 1st Class requirements of Scouts – conducted by Districts in the Longhorn Council (small fee for food etc)
• Youth Protection Training (YPT) – all adults should already have this – https://my.scouting.org
• Safe Sanctuary certified with the Keller UMC is greatly, greatly preferred, as are always in need of Safe Sanctuary certified Adults at campouts and other Troop activities, as required by our Facility Use Agreement.  ($15 fee)
• Committee Member – Members of the Committee serve in various capacities, including but not limited to Treasurer, Merit Badge Coordinator, Advancements Coordinator, Membership Chair, Boards of Review Coordinator, Outdoor Activities Coordinator, Long-term Camp Coordinator, Medical Records Coordinator, Troop Training Coordinator, Committee Chair, and Members at large.  With a Troop our size Troop, we hope to have at least one back-up for each of these positions. To be a voting member of the Committee, you must be a registered adult volunteer and pay the applicable BSA National and Longhorn Council Insurance fees. 
• Qualifications
• Online training – Troop Committee for Scouts BSA https://my.scouting.org
• Youth Protection Training (YPT) – all adults should already have this – https://my.scouting.org
• Safe Sanctuary certified with the Keller UMC is greatly, greatly preferred, as are always in need of Safe Sanctuary certified Adults for Boards of Review, as required by our Facility Use Agreement.  ($15 fee)
• Merit Badge Counselor
• Qualifications
• Fill out MBC application – obtainable from the Merit Badge coordinator in the Committee room or clicking the link above.  You must provide adequate information identifying education and/or experience as to your general qualifications for each chosen merit badge, and you are limited to no more than 16 merit badges.
• Online training – Scouts BSA – Merit Badge Counselor Training - https://my.scouting.org
• Youth Protection Training (YPT) – all adults should already have this – https://my.scouting.org
• Safe Sanctuary certified with the Keller UMC is greatly, greatly preferred, as required by our Facility Use Agreement.  ($15 fee)
• Special Event Volunteer
• Christmas Party coordinator
• Fundraising
• Treasurer THIS NEEDS TO BE FILLED IMMEDIATELY
• Flowers (Spring and Fall) coordinator THIS NEEDS TO BE FILLED
• Art in the Square – Southlake coordinator
• Scout Saver Cards (previously Camp Cards) coordinator
• Courts of Honor coordinator (quarterly event)
• Scout Sunday coordinator (annual in February) 
• Merit Badge College coordinator (annual in January/February – 2 Saturdays)
• As needed when the call for help comes out
• Qualifications: Any adult having YPT could help with the above specific events. https://my.scouting.org 

Chartered Organization Community Service Event

 

Our Chartered Organization, Golden Triangle Rotary Club is hosting their annual fundraiser -- a Burger Battle -- Thursday, October 6 in Old Town Keller.  INFO LINK

Their plan is to utilize Scout volunteers (from all units) to work in the Kid Zone (bounce houses, face painting, as runners, and setup & cleanup) 

You do NOT have to sign up for the whole event (unless you just want to) but we are looking for a great turnout from our Unit!  

The event takes place from 5-9pm. 

A Signup Genius has been set up with three 2-hour shifts 

4:30 - 6:30 pm

6:00 - 8:00 pm

7:00 - 9:00 pm

SIGN UP HERE

Once the slots are filled to know the volunteer availability, the Rotary Club will assign duties for the event. If there is a younger Scout sibling that wants to help alongside an older Scout sibling, we can discuss.

SERVICE HOURS AWARDED

The Rotary Club's Foundation supports numerous local charities to include the Community Storehouse and Christ's Haven. Their fall fundraiser is a Burger Battle between all the restaurants in the Old Town Keller area. 

Mustang District Webelos Fair

 

Sunday, September 25, please come represent your Troop at the Mustang District Webelos Fair.  This is a recruiting event where area Arrow of Light Cub Scouts will visit troops as they begin their decision making process before they crossover in early March.  

Who:  Scout and Adult Leaders

Where: Keller Lion's Club

When:  2pm - 4:30pm

RSVP to Mr. Brown

Community Service Opportunity

 

Saturday, September 24 Keller UMC needs Scout help with their Garage Sale (service hours awarded) – please sign up for at least one of the 2 hour slots at the Sign Up Genius here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0844ACAF2DA3FE3-volunteers 

ILST

  

Saturday, September 24 (8a-2p) will be an ILST (Introduction to Leadership Skills Training) campout at the Scout House and is intended for any Scout elected into a leadership position or interested in holding an elected/leadership position in Troop 1910 who has not taken it before.

ILST is required for the Senior Patrol Leader ("SPL") team, in addition to NYLT/Twin Arrows training.  $5 food money is due to Ms. Picciano