Building Strong Outdoor Programs Through BALOO and IOLS Training

Building Strong Outdoor Programs Through BALOO and IOLS Training

Strong outdoor programs begin with trained, confident leaders. Adult leader training provides the foundation for safe, engaging, and adventure-filled Scouting experiences that inspire youth and strengthen units. Whether guiding Cub Scouts on their first overnight campout or leading Scouts BSA and Venturing youth through advanced outdoor skills and advancement, these trainings ensure leaders are prepared to deliver the promise of Scouting through hands-on, meaningful outdoor experiences.

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) is essential training for any Cub Scout Pack that wants to offer safe, fun, and memorable outdoor experiences, including pack overnighters. BALOO equips adult leaders with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take Cub Scouts and their families camping the right way.

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) is a hands-on course for adult leaders in Scouts BSA and Venturing providing the practical outdoor skills leaders need to confidently guide youth through advancement, adventure, and safe, successful outdoor experiences.

Mark your calendar for these upcoming training opportunities. You may attend any training event in any district.

Upcoming BALOO and IOLS Training Opportunities

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)

BALOO is an outdoor, hands-on training designed to teach adult leaders how to plan and lead successful Cub Scout camping and outdoor activities. From where to camp and what gear to bring, to meal planning, campsite setup, weather safety, and program planning. You’ll learn how to do it all safely and have fun along the way.

This course focuses on preparation, knowledge, and planning so that outdoor adventures are exciting, age-appropriate, and stress-free for everyone involved.

What You’ll Learn

During BALOO training, you’ll gain practical skills and ideas you can use immediately, including:

  • Planning and running Cub Scout camping trips
  • Campsite selection and safe setup
  • Outdoor cooking and meal planning
  • Hiking and outdoor games
  • Knife safety, knots, and basic outdoor skills
  • First aid, weather preparedness, and safety
  • Campfires, aquatics awareness, and more
  • Fellowship and idea-sharing with fellow Scouters

You’ll also experience an overnight camp as part of the training because the best way to learn camping is by doing it.

Why Take BALOO?

Many Cub Scouts join because they want adventure: camping, hiking, and exploring the outdoors. BALOO makes those adventures possible. A pack cannot conduct overnight camping without a BALOO-trained leader. More importantly, BALOO empowers you to say “yes” to outdoor opportunities with confidence.

Fully Trained

BALOO consists of two required parts:

  1. Online Course: Available anytime through the Training section of My.Scouting.org
  2. In-Person, Hands-On Training: An outdoor overnight course offered by districts throughout the year, typically in the spring and fall

Both components must be completed to be considered BALOO-trained.

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) is a required outdoor training course that equips adult leaders with the fundamental Scoutcraft skills Scouts are expected to learn, while building the confidence and competence needed to plan and lead safe, engaging outdoor camping experiences. Through hands-on outdoor sessions, the course brings the Scouts BSA Handbook to life, helping leaders model skills, reinforce advancement requirements, and deliver the promise of Scouting to the youth they serve. IOLS is training for Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, Crew Advisors, and Associate Crew Advisors, and is strongly recommended for Troop and Crew Committee Members, Webelos Leaders, Cubmasters and Assistant Cubmasters, and Pack Committee Members who want to strengthen their outdoor camping, Scoutcraft, and nature skills.

What You’ll Learn

Participants will gain hands-on experience in essential outdoor skills, including:

  • Campsite selection and safe setup
  • Outdoor cooking and meal planning
  • Woods tools and knife, axe, and saw safety
  • Rope work, knots, and lashings
  • First aid and emergency preparedness
  • Campfire planning and program delivery
  • Map reading, compass, and navigation
  • Hiking and backpacking techniques
  • Nature identification
  • Leave No Trace principles

These skills are taught by experienced instructors and reinforced through active participation and collaboration with fellow Scouters.

Fully Trained

Participants will receive credit for completion of the Scouts BSA Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (S11) training course. Leaders who have also completed the online Position-Specific Training or Scoutmaster Specific Training (S24), and have current Hazardous Weather Training will be considered fully trained for their position.