BALOO & IOLS Adult Leader Training

October 2-4, 2026 at Camp Baker

Plan to expand on your knowledge and become a better leader. Learn outdoor skills critical in providing a quality Scouting program to all youth. Every Scout deserves a TRAINED LEADER.  BALOO and IOLS are adult leader outdoor training programs designed to build confidence and teach practical safety and camping skills.

BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation)

• Target Audience: Cub Scout leaders and parents.
• Purpose: Required training to lead a Cub Scout pack or den on an overnight camping trip or family campout. At least one adult on a pack overnighter must be BALOO-trained.
• Format: Consists of an online prerequisite course via My.Scouting followed by an overnight, hands-on practical outdoor experience.
• Topics Covered: Cub Scout camping policies, health and safety, meal planning, campfire programs, and outdoor games. 

IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills)

• Target Audience: Scouts BSA Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters. 
• Purpose: Required practical training to become a fully trained leader for older youth troops and to safely guide them into the outdoors. 
• Format: A hands-on, immersive 24-hour outdoor/overnight session modeling the patrol method. 
• Topics Covered: Campsite selection, pioneering (knots, lashes, and ropes), woods tools safety (pocketknives and saws), map and compass navigation, cooking, and Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.