BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) is an adult leader outdoor camping training designed for Cub Scout leaders, whereas IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills) is designed for Scout Troop leaders.  

We will be hosting joint BALOO & IOLS training beginning at 8am on Saturday, September 26th and conclude Sunday, September 27th by 11am.  Saturday breakfast will be on your own prior to arrival. Saturday lunch, dinner, Cracker Barrel, and Sunday breakfast will be included in the training fee ($25).  Since meals are provided, if you have any dietary restrictions, please email us so we can accommodate.

All participants must bring their Health Form Parts A & B to the training.

BALOO INFORMATION

BALOO is the introductory training that Cub Scout leaders should complete before taking Cub Scouts on an overnight camping trip.

Who should take BALOO?

The BSA requires that you have at least one BALOO-trained adult on every Cub Scout den or pack overnight outdoor event. That includes pack camping and Webelos den overnighters.

A BALOO-trained leader should be at any overnighter regardless of whether it is a pack, district or council event.

Having at least one BALOO-trained adult will make your Cub Scouts’ camping experience as awesome as it can be.

Why should I take BALOO?

Leaders who complete BALOO training are better prepared to plan pack den or pack overnight events.

You’ll learn how to make camping activities and outings fun. You’ll discover how to keep your Cub Scouts safe and entertained. And you’ll learn how to plan an event that’s rooted firmly in Cub Scouting’s principles.

Successful experiences in the outdoors make Cub Scouts — and their parents — more likely to keep coming back.

How do I take BALOO?

BALOO consists of two components: online and hands-on. You’ll need to complete both in order to qualify as a “Trained” Cub Scout outdoor leader.

1. Online component: The online portion of BALOO is available 24/7 on the BSA Learn Center at My.Scouting.org. The goal of the online portion is to make the best use of time to allow leaders to experience as much as possible during the practical hands-on training.   Total time: 35 minutes
2. Practical, hands-on component: This 1.5-day course is designed as an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for leaders interested in adding a camping component to their Pack activities. 

IOLS INFORMATION

IOLS is one of two training courses needed for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters to qualify as trained leaders. The other required course is Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training (SPST).  Adults do not need to have completed SPST in order to take IOLS, and completing IOLS satisfies a prerequisite for attending the top training for Scout leaders, Wood Badge. Lastly, IOLS is a great training opportunity for Venturing Advisors, 2nd Year Webelos Leaders, Troop Committee members and others who desire to improve their ability to help teach basic outdoor skills.

At IOLS, participants will learn about first aid, camp set-up , cooking, woods tools, knots and lashing, campfire programs, map & compass skills, hiking & packing, leaf identification, leave-no-trace, how the youth led troop and the patrol method work in the outdoor program  – necessary outdoor leadership skills in a Scout troop. The goal is that participants will know how to show your Scouts outdoor skills needed to fulfill rank requirements through First Class.