IOLS and BALOO Outdoor Leader Training Weekend

August 29–30, 2026
Camp Thunderbird
11740 Summit Lake Road NW
Olympia, WA 98502

Registration Fee: $45 per participant

Build the skills and confidence needed to lead safe, successful, and engaging outdoor experiences through one of two hands-on training courses offered during the same weekend at Camp Thunderbird.

Participants will select either:

• Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)
• Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)

Although the courses will be held at the same location and during the same weekend, IOLS and BALOO are separate courses with different instructors, course content, and learning objectives. Participants may register for only one course.

Meals and course materials are included unless otherwise noted in the participant information provided before the weekend.

Weekend Schedule

• Optional Friday Training
  • Participants may arrive Friday, August 28, for optional additional training beginning at 5:00 PM.
• The following optional courses may be available:
  • Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader-Specific Training
  • Cub Scout Leader-Specific Training
    • There is no additional fee for this training. Participants must select the optional Friday training during registration.
• IOLS and BALOO Schedule
  • Saturday, August 29
    • Check-in begins at 7:00 AM
    • Courses begin at 8:00 AM
  • Sunday, August 30
    • Courses are scheduled to conclude at approximately 12:00 PM

Participants should plan to camp overnight at Camp Thunderbird on Saturday.

What to Bring
A detailed participant guide and course-specific packing list will be provided before the weekend.
Participants should plan to bring:

• Tent and sleeping equipment
• Comfortable outdoor clothing
• Clothing appropriate for changing weather
• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
• Field uniform
• Personal items and toiletries
• Refillable water bottle
• Notebook and pen
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Camp chair
• Snacks or personal comfort items
• Any required medications

Please identify allergies, dietary restrictions, accessibility needs, or other accommodations during registration. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate known needs.

Additional Resources

Participants are encouraged to review the following resources before attending:

• Guide to Safe Scouting
• Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities
• Cub Scout Program Leader Resources
• Scouts BSA Program Resources
• Pacific Harbors Council Camping Resources

Registration Information

The registration fee is $45 per participant.

During registration, participants will select either IOLS or BALOO. Participants may not attend both courses during the same weekend.

Space may be limited, and advance registration is required. Additional arrival instructions, course-specific packing information, forms, and weekend details will be sent to registered participants before the training.

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills

What Is IOLS?
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills is a hands-on course that provides adult leaders with the practical outdoor skills needed to lead Scouts in the outdoors.
Working as patrols, participants will learn and practice many of the basic skills Scouts use while progressing toward the First Class rank. The course is designed to help leaders feel comfortable demonstrating, teaching, and supporting these skills within their troops.
Together with Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader-Specific Training, IOLS is required for direct-contact leaders registered in Scouts BSA troops to be considered trained for their positions.

Who Should Attend?
IOLS is intended for:

• Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters
• Scouts BSA troop leaders
• Adults preparing to serve in a direct-contact troop leadership position
• Leaders who want greater confidence teaching outdoor Scouting skills

What to Expect
IOLS is an active, outdoor-based course. Participants will work together in patrols and practice skills such as:

• Campsite selection and setup
• Outdoor cooking
• Knots and lashings
• Woods tools
• Fire building and safety
• Map and compass skills
• Leave No Trace principles
• Basic first aid
• Patrol methods and outdoor leadership

Participants should come prepared to camp, participate, and learn by doing.

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation

What Is BALOO?
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation is the essential outdoor training for Cub Scout leaders and parent volunteers who want to help plan and lead pack or den camping experiences.
This course introduces participants to outdoor program planning, safety, and Cub Scout-level camping skills. The training emphasizes fun, simplicity, and confidence-building so that volunteers are prepared to bring outdoor adventure to their Cub Scout packs.
Upon successful completion of both the online and practical portions of BALOO, participants will meet the training requirement to help organize and lead Cub Scout pack overnight activities.

Learning Objectives
By completing this hands-on course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the purpose and focus of the Cub Scout camping program
• Plan and carry out a safe, fun, and successful pack overnight
• Demonstrate confidence in essential outdoor skills
• Identify Scouting America and Pacific Harbors Council resources
• Understand the requirements for conducting Cub Scout-level overnight activities
• Help create age-appropriate outdoor experiences for Cub Scouts and their families

BALOO Prerequisites
To be considered BALOO trained, participants must complete both components of the course:

• Online Component
  • Complete the online BALOO training available through My.Scouting.org under the Training section.
• Practical Component
  • Attend and successfully complete this in-person weekend course at Camp Thunderbird.

Participants must also:

• Be registered with a Scouting America unit
• Have current Safeguarding Youth Training completed before the course

Who Should Attend?
BALOO is designed for:

• New Cub Scout leaders
• Cub Scout parent volunteers
• Adults with little or no previous camping experience
• Pack leaders who want to expand their outdoor program
• Volunteers preparing to help plan or lead pack overnighters
• Current and experienced pack leaders are also welcome, but the course is especially helpful for newer volunteers who want to become more comfortable leading outdoor activities.

What to Expect

BALOO is a practical, outdoor-based course that includes:

• Campsite selection and setup
• Outdoor cooking
• Campfire planning
• Cub Scout ceremonies
• Outdoor program planning
• Health and safety considerations
• Age-appropriate camping activities
• Equipment selection
• Basic outdoor skills
• Resources for planning pack overnight experiences

The course is supportive, hands-on, and focused on learning by doing. Participants should bring their enthusiasm, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to participate.