Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills  

BALOO: Basic Adult Outdoor Orientation Courses

We are excited to offer TWO IOLS & BALOO Weekends at Camp Big Timber in 2026!  Choose the weekend that works best with your schedule.

In order to complete this training, all sessions must be attended including camping overnight.

2026 IOLS and/or BALOO Dates - both being held at CBT

IOLS+ BALOO Attendance is required for the duration of the Course.

Location:

Camp Big Timber,
37W955 Big Timber Road
Elgin, IL. 60124

Please check registrations for fees

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS):

IOLS for the Scouts BSA & Venturing Outdoor Program can be taken together with BALOO Training or by itself. See below for BALOO course information. 

• IOLS is required training for Scoutmasters, Asst. Scoutmasters, and Crew Advisors

• Recommended for Troop and Crew Committee Members, Charter Org. Reps., Webelos Leaders, Cubmasters/ Assistant Cubmasters and Pack Committee Members interested in learning basic outdoor camping skills for the Scouts BSA and Venturing Program.

• This course will satisfy the requirements for all Scoutmasters/ Assistant Scoutmasters to be certified as Trained in Outdoor Leader Skills.  This course is designed as an introductory course.  It is recommended for those wishing to take Wood Badge training.
• Participants are required to stay overnight as a part of this course.

IOLS Course Description:

Emphasis will be placed upon learning the following skills:

• Campsite Selection: Basics; Tent and Bag Specifications
• Cooking and Sanitation: Prep; Storage; Meal Planning
• Fires, Stoves, Campfires: Equipment; Safety; Campfire Planning
• Interfaith Services: Inclusion; Incorporation at Camp-outs
• Outdoor Ethics: Leave No Trace; Tread Lightly!; Outdoor Code
• Packing and Hiking: Proper Gear; Packing Techniques
• Plant and Animal ID: Native and Invasive Species; Tracking
• Map and Compass: Basics; GPS; Geo cache
• Ropes and Knots: Whipping; Tying; Lashing
• Woods Tools: Pocketknife; Camp Saw; Ax; Proper Care and Use; Whittling Chip

IOLS is an introductory course and does not teach survival skills.  It is designed for Leaders to take Troops on basic camping trips. High Adventure and Back Country trips require additional training.

Note: Packs and Webelos Den overnighters require a leader that has completed a different course called Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO). Please see below for more information!

BALOO: Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation Course 

Course taken with IOLS 

BALOO Course Description:

• Complete online prerequisites at my.scouting prior to arrival at the in-person portion of the course.

Topics covered at the in-person portion:

• Health and Safety: Unique Situations; Risk reduction
• Large Group Games: Tips and Tricks;ideas
• Outdoor Ceremonies: Recognition; Planning

Satisfactory completion of this course is "required" for consideration as "Trained". This course is designed to certify Webelos Leaders to lead overnighters and to allow leaders to take Cub Packs on Family Campouts.  Participants are required to stay overnight as a part of this course. 

Registration closes one week before each course.