The OAL program breaks down into 12 core competencies that Guiders should have as outdoor activity leaders. These are the skills necessary to ensure there is plenty of fun and a safe environment. These competencies are:

1. Organizational skills – Planning, preparing, executing and assessing successful girl-focused outdoor experiences.

2. Safety sense – Assessing and safely managing risks in a way that promotes the girls understanding, but does not detract from the enjoyment of the outdoor activity.

3. Technical skills – Knowing the practical, hands-on skills required for the type of outdoor activity in which the girls are involved.

4. Environmental responsibility – Practicing environmental stewardship by limiting or preventing damage to the natural surroundings, in all outdoor activities.

5. Instructional strategies – Teaching girls technical, safety and environmental skills related to outdoor activities at an age-appropriate level.

6. Group management – Fostering relationships within the group that optimizes the experience for girls and Guiders as they work together toward the goals of the activity.

7. Decision-making – Involving the girls and Guiders in discovering and assessing multiple options and selecting the best choice either individually or by consensus.

8. Problem-solving – Recognizing and defining difficulties, anticipating possible outcomes, identifying and evaluating possible solutions.

9. Effective communication – Exchanging information in a manner that results in all participants having a positive experience in the activity.

10. Experience-based judgment skills – Reviewing past experiences and considering them in terms of successes and failures, applying the learning to future situations.

11. Leadership ethics – Leading using the moral standards and values that are demanded of adults working with youth.

12. Sharing values – Role modeling the behaviors and attitudes that are expressed in our Mission, Principles, Promise and Law while encouraging girls to do the same.