Scouting Volunteers Participate in Outdoor Skills Training

With 24 scout leaders and 3 Webelos leaders in attendance, training for scouting leaders in the Matinecock District was held at Blydenburgh Park in Hauppauge on the May 17-18 weekend for Webelos Den Leaders (of the 9 and 10 year old Cub Scouts) who participated in the OWLS (Outdoor Webelos Leader Skills) and for the Boy Scout leaders (the 11 to 17 year old Boy Scouts)  who participated in the IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leaders Skills) Training hands-on instruction programs.

It was here that the Cubmasters, Assistant Cubmasters, Webelos Den Leaders and Assistant Webelos Den Leaders were able to learn about  the basics of the Webelos outdoor program – how to pitch a tent, tie some basic knots, safely start a fire, how to cook in a box, and sharpen a knife, and more. You’ll also learn about elements of the Forester, Geologist, Naturalist, Outdoorsman, and Readyman activity badges. It was also requirement to earn the Webelos Leader Training Award

Committee Chairs, Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters participated in the IOLS course- a fun, hands on, training program for adult leaders to help them gain the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Boy Scouts in the outdoors—took place at the same time.  An overnight program where participants learned first-hand about setting up a campsite, pitching a tent, hiking, outdoor cooking, first aid, Leave No Trace principles and all of the other skills necessary to lead their Scouts to achieve the First Class rank.

Volunteer scouting leaders ran the IOLS and OWLS Training classes for the newly trained participants.  For more information on joining the Boy Scouts of America (for both youths and adults), please contact Matinecock District Executive Robert Rabbitt at 631-924-7000 Ext. 117 or to locate the Cub Scout Pack or Boy Scout Troop or Venture Crew in your area, visit BeAScout.org.

Photo above: Matinecock District  held the annual Outdoor Webelos Leader Skills and Introduction to Outdoor Leaders Skills) Training hands-on instruction programs at Blydenburgh Park in Hauppauge on the May 17-18 weekend for Webelos Den Leaders and for the Boy Scout leaders.  The 24 Boy Scout Leaders and 3 Webelos Leaders pose for a photo op with the volunteer staff members.