Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)

and BALOO Training
Please choose which course you are registering for in the registration form.

Date/Time: Friday, Sept. 11, 2026 6:00 pm - Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026 5:00 pm
Location: Hellgate Campground York Group Use Campsite B, Hellgate Canyon Rd, Helena
Cost: FREE! Fees for leader position-required training are included in council annual adult registration fee.

Medical forms A & B are required at start of course for all participants.

Bring personal camping gear, including tent, for one night of camping. Food and course materials are provided.

Registration closes Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)

Working as patrols, adult leaders will practice the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. Upon completion, leaders should feel comfortable teaching Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank. Along with Scoutmaster Specific Position Training, this course is required of all direct contact leaders registered in Scouting America Troops in order to be considered “trained”. AOL leaders are encouraged to take IOLS in preparation for future Scouting America leadership roles. 

To be eligible for the course, please have your Safeguarding Youth (YPT), Hazardous Weather Training, and Scouting America annual health and medical record part A and B up-to-date. Please bring proof of completed training.

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)

BALOO is the introductory training Cub Scout leaders should complete before taking Cub Scouts on an overnight camping trip. Scouting requires at least one BALOO-trained adult on every Cub Scout den or pack overnight outdoor event. This includes pack camping and Webelos/AOL den overnighters.

BALOO will help leaders of Cub Scouts become more aware of outdoor activities; and help them use Cub Scout outdoor skills. Learn simple but fun Cub Scout hikes, outdoor games, cooking, knife safety, knots, and more—plus fun and fellowship with fellow Scouters! This course covers all requirements for BALOO.

**PREREQUISITE: All participants must be a registered adult leader, must complete the 35-minute online BALOO prerequisite and Hazardous Weather on my.scouting.org. Please bring proof of this training when attending the outdoor portion. In my.scouting.org click on BSA Learn Center on the right hand side. When the Scouting U page comes up, scroll to the bottom where it says "Expanded Learning" and then click on BALOO. The on-line modules are the first step to becoming BALOO trained.

To be eligible for the course, please bring your online BALOO and Hazardous weather training certificates have your Safeguarding Youth (YPT) and Scouting America annual health and medical records up-to-date. 

Questions? Contact Beth Mazanec (bethmazanec@gmail.com) or Keith Nathan (knmnmt55@gmail.com)