Adult Leader Training Weekend

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) and Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) training in Sembach, Germany

March 21-22, 2026

Welcome to the Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) and Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) training in Sembach, Germany

You may register for either BALOO or IOLS. These adult leader trainings are being offered at the same time, at the same location, yet independent from one another. There will be a fabulous joint campfire program as part of the syllabus. The weekend will be a great way to broaden your Scouting network of friendship & fellowship!

The fee to attend is $25 per person and primarily covers the costs of food for the weekend as well as any training aids and program materials needed for the courses.  

Please read the Welcome Letter.

BALOO Information

Scouting America requires that you have at least one BALOO-trained adult on every Cub Scout den or pack overnight event. This 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. This training consists of an online prerequisite component to be found in your my.scouting.org account. (Search for the “BALOO Prerequisite Training v2” learning plan, ca. 35 min.)

This in-person, overnight camping experience provides the hands-on, practical skills in a group discussion format. Participants in this training will receive credit for Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (C32).

Leaders who complete BALOO training are better prepared to plan den and pack overnight events. You’ll learn how to make camping activities and outings more 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.

IOLS Information

IOLS is required training for Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, Crew Advisers, and Associate Crew Advisors. It is recommended for Troop and Crew Committee Members, Webelos Leaders, Cubmasters / Assistant Cubmasters and Pack Committee Members interested in improving their outdoor camping, Scoutcraft and nature skills.

Participants will receive credit for completion of the ScoutsBSA training course Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (S11). Leaders who have also completed the online Position Specific Training or have taken Scoutmaster Specific Training (S24) will then be considered fully trained, provided their Hazardous Weather Training is up to date.

Key Information

Participants are required to stay overnight as a part of this weekend.

Meals include: Snacks, Saturday Lunch & Dinner and also Sunday Breakfast.

What to bring: Suggested packing lists are included in the attachments for the event. In general, all attendees will need to bring an annual health and medical form, parts A&B, and your own personal camping gear to include tent, sleeping bag, toiletries and mess kit (plate and/or bowl, fork, knife, spoon, and mug/cup).

We would like to see everyone in their field uniforms - at least a neckerchief - and bring clothes appropriate for the weather. It's Germany in March. It could be snowing or it could be shorts weather. It’s likely to be wet in any case. Be prepared!

Please plan to arrive by 8:00am on Saturday morning. Arrangements can be made to accommodate those who want to arrive on Friday evening. The planned syllabus has us busy until 12:30pm on Sunday. The syllabus may flex on the order of topics to get the best support from our instructor corps.

Those without base access need to identify themselves to coordinate access. Email event director Bryce Williams (BryceScouting247@gmail.com) with any questions.