IOLS: Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills

BALOO: Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation 

 Overnight stay at the camp required. 

IOLS & BALOO attendees must bring their own dinner for the first day that needs to be prepared to cook over either an open campfire or on a camp stove.  Saturday lunch and Sunday quick breakfast is provided. You may bring a small cooler of food/beverages or snacks to the course. 

Cost for either course is $30 early bird or $40 regular to allow for proper food preparations. 

It is recommended to bring your own copy of the BSA guidebook IOLS and BALOO to the course to reference during the training. 

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS):

IOLS for the Scouts BSA Outdoor Program Can be taken together with BALOO Training or by itself , see below for BALOO course information. 

IOLS is required training for Scoutmasters, Ass’t. Scoutmasters, Crew Advisers, and Associate 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 Program.

This course will satisfy the requirements for all Scoutmasters / Assistant Scoutmasters and Crew Advisors / Associate Crew Advisors 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 Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO). Please see below for more information!

Registration closes seven days before each course for proper camping and meal preparations. All participants will pitch their own tent in the designated camp area at Belzer and bring their own means to prepare for dinner. 

BALOO: Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (Course taken with IOLS)

BALOO Course Description:

Complete online prerequisites at my.scouting prior to arrival at the in-person portion of the course. BRING COPY OF THE ONLINE COMPLETTION CERTIFICATE TO THE COURSE IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE COURSE.

Topics covered at the in-person portion:

Adventure Loops: Tips and Tricks for incorporation
Health and Safety: Unique Situations; Risk reduction
Large Group Games: Tips and Tricks; Ideas
Outdoor Ceremonies: Recognition; Planning

Packs and Webelos Den overnighters require a leader that has completed the BALOO training. 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 seven days before each course.