Back Country Outdoor Leader Skills (BCOLS)https://scoutingevent.com/082-93341DetailsBack Country Outdoor Leader Skills (BCOLS)Back Country Outdoor Leader Skills (BCOLS) is an optional course offered to adult leaders who have completed the required training in their Scouting program. This course assists Scouters working with youth in the backcountry by providing the skills necessary to conduct a safe and risk-managed high adventure program in venues outside those supported by BSA infrastructure. It has been continuously designed to address new and emerging issues, techniques, and gear. Cub Scout Leaders or people without camping experience SHOULD NOT take this training.  All participants MUST complete Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills, as well as the position-specific training for their program area prior to attending this course.  All participants must be able to meet current physical requirements of the BSA Annual Health & Medical Record. BCOLS has three key goals:Provide adult leaders with an understanding of safety and risk management issues in the back country environment.Expose adult leaders to interpersonal, small group dynamics, and leadership models consistent with National syllabi and curricula.Familiarize adult leaders with the planning processes, skills, and equipment necessary to a successful back country adventure.BCOLS consists of two parts:Part 1 is a day-long classroom session which includes:Working Together – covers needs and characteristics of the age group; discusses group dynamics and the interpersonal skills needed to build and maintain a high-performance team.Trek Planning and Preparation – covers the detailed preparation and planning that is necessary to a successful Trek and includes risk management, Leave No Trace principles, and discussion and displays of the personal and crew equipment used for Trekking, as well as other Trek tools.Part 2 is a two-day weekend outdoor session provides a mix of skill presentations and hands-on practice which includes:Leave No Trace camping skills, problem solving through initiative games, the use of bear bags/canisters, equipment maintenance, stove maintenance, water treatment, menu planning and trail cooking (and clean-up), terrain awareness, health and safety and personal hygiene issues, hands-on land navigation, and trail meditations.Requirements for attending BCOLS:Be registered members of the Boy Scouts of America and age 18 or older.Have completed the basic position-specific training courses for their Scouting role.Be capable of functioning safely in an outdoor environment. All participants are required to complete the Annual Health and Medical Record. Parts A, B, and C are required which includes a physical.Youth participants (16 and up) will be admitted on an individual basis and requires the nomination by the unit leader.  Youth must have completed unit leadership training (Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops or Crews, etc.) and National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT).Both Session Must be Attended to get credit for the Course. Spring CourseClass Room Session: Saturday March 1, 2025 Weekend Session : Saturday April 26 thru Sunday April 27, 2025 Fall CourseClass Room Session: Saturday September 20, 2025 Weekend Session : Saturday October 18 thru Sunday October 19, 2025 Venue will be selected based on the majority of participants’ home unit locations.Maryland sites:  Classroom — Mt. Zion UMC, 27108 Mt. Zion Church Rd, Mechanicsville, MD 20659                        Overnight — American Chestnut Land Trust, 2650 Scientists Cliff Rd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678Virginia sites:  Classroom — Heritage Presbyterian Church, 8503 Fort Hunt Rd, Alexandria, VA 22308                   Overnight – Big Mac, Camp Big Mac 12647 Moss Hollow Road Markham, VA 22643QUESTIONS?For information about specific courses, contact Course Coordinator:  Al Barber,  gbarber829@aol.com / 571.244.2758