Bear Creek BALOO/IOLS
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.