Back Country Outdoor Leader Skills

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 Scouting America infrastructure.  It has been continuously designed to address new and emerging issues, techniques, and gear.

BCOLS has three key goals:

Provide adult leaders with an understanding of safety and risk management issues in the backcountry environment.
Expose adult leaders to interpersonal and small group dynamics and leadership models consistent with National syllabi and curricula.
Familiarize adult leaders with the planning processes, skills, and equipment necessary for a successful backcountry adventure.

BCOLS consists of two parts:

One day-long classroom session

Working Together covers the needs and characteristics of the age group, discusses group dynamics, and discusses the interpersonal skills needed to build and maintain a high-performance team.
Trek Planning and Preparation — covers the detailed preparation and planning necessary for a successful Trek and includes risk management, Leave No Trace principles, discussion, and displays of the personal and crew equipment used for Trekking and other Trek tools.

Two-day weekend outdoor session provides a mix of skill presentations and hands-on practice.  Activities include 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 Scouting America and be age 18 or older.
They 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 include a physical.

Both Sessions Must be Attended to get credit for the Course.

SPRING 2026: 

Class: Sat 3/7 (8:00 – 5:00), Heritage Pres. Church, 8503 Ft Hunt Rd, Alexandria VA 22308, 

Field: Sat 04/25 (7:30) – Sun 04/26 (3:30), Camp Big Mac, 12647 Moss Hollow Rd, Markham VA 22643

FALL 2026

Class: Sat 9/5 (8:00 – 5:00), Heritage Pres. Church, 8503 Ft Hunt Rd, Alexandria VA 22308

Field: Sat 10/17 (7:30) – Sun 10/18 (3:30), Camp Big Mac, 12647 Moss Hollow Rd, Markham VA 22643

QUESTIONS?

For information about specific courses, contact Course Coordinator Al Barber at  gbarber829@aol.com.