BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation

and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)

Presented by Bear Creek District—Open to leaders in ALL Districts

Both courses will run concurrently

Friday, September 22, 2023 to Sunday September 24, 2023

5:30 pm on Friday to Noon on Sunday

CAMP CHEW (a private campground)

3099 East County Road 400 South

New Castle, IN  47362

Register at

No food provided Friday evening. 

Course will start Friday evening with check-in at 5:30 and course starts at 6:00 p.m. 

Cost for either course is $30 or $35 if paid after Thursday, September 14. 

Sunset on Friday is about 7:43 pm and sunrise on Saturday is about 7:05 am

BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation)

This course is designed as an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for leaders interested in adding a camping component to their Pack activities.  BALOO training consists of an online pre-requisite component in addition to an overnight hands on practical. 

BSA’s Cub Scout level camping policies will be  taught along with the discovery of the necessary tools to help units carry out a successful camping experience. 

-Completion of this course is mandatory for a MINIMUM OF ONE adult on a Pack

  overnighter or Webelos Den overnighter.

-There is an online component to this training that needs to be

      completed before ATTENDING the training.

BALOO Course Description:

Complete online prerequisite course at my.scouting prior to arrival at this training.  The online course is called BALOO Prerequisite Training V2 

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

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)

IOLS is required training for Scoutmasters and  Assistant Scoutmasters.  It is recommended for Crew Advisers, and Associate Crew Advisors as well as Troop and Crew Committee Members, Charter Organization Representatives., Webelos Leaders, Cubmasters and Assistant Cubmasters and Pack Committee Members interested in learning basic outdoor camping skills for the Scouts BSA Program.

This course will satisfy the requirements for all Scoutmasters and 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.

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; Geocache

Ropes and Knots: Whipping; Tying; Lashing

Woods Tools: Pocketknife; Camp Saw; Ax; Proper Care and Use; Whittling Chip

Participants are required to stay overnight as a part of this course.

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.

Registration closes seven days before this course on September 15, 2023 at 11:59 pm.