Adult Leader Outdoor Training Courses (BALOO/IOLS)

BALOO stands for Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation. It is the introductory training Cub Scout leaders must complete before taking Cub Scouts on an overnight camping trip. This one-and-a-half-day course is designed as an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for leaders interested in adding a camping component to their Pack activities. Completion of this course is mandatory for a MINIMUM OF ONE adult on a Pack overnighter.

IOLS stands for Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills. A training course that provides leaders with basic skills and information to run a successful outdoor Scouting program.

Who should take BALOO?

The BSA requires that you have at least one BALOO-trained adult in every Cub Scout den or pack overnight outdoor event.

Who should take IOLS?

The BSA requires that you have at least one IOLS-trained adult on every Scouts BSA overnight outdoor event.

Why should I take BALOO or IOLS?

You will learn how to make camping activities and outings fun. You will discover how to keep your Scouts safe and entertained. You will learn how to plan an event rooted firmly in Scouting's principles. You will learn basic outdoor skills to develop confidence and competence in your unit leaders who conduct outdoor camping activities.

How do I take these training courses?

BALOO consists of two components: You will need to complete both the online and practical hands-on components to qualify as a Trained Cub Scout outdoor leader and receive the BALOO recognition patch.

• Online component:MUST DO FIRST
  • The online portion of BALOO is available 24/7 on the BSA Learn Center. Just log in to My.Scouting.org to begin.
• Practical, hands-on component:
  • This 1.5-day course is designed as an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for leaders. A round-robin of topics will include: GPS, Cooking, Aquatics, Sanitation, Gear Selection, First Aid, Nature, Knife Safety, Hiking, Fire Safety, Outdoor Ethics, Basic Knots, and Stoves and Lanterns

IOLS is a practical, hands-on 1.5-day course conducted as a Unit outdoor overnight camping experience using the Patrol Method. The program provides adult leaders 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 Specifics, this course is required for all direct contact leaders registered in Scout Troops and Crews to be considered trained.

• A Round Robin of topics will include: Campsite Selection, Fire Building, Cooking, Outdoor Ethics, Rope Work, Map and Compass, Wood Tools, Plant Identification, Animal Identification, Packing, and Hiking

Note

These training programs are an outdoor overnight camping activity. Participants need to bring their tent and camping equipment. Family members and persons from the same Unit may be assigned to different Patrols and may preclude the sharing of camping gear.

2025 Spring Training held at Camp Rock Enon Scout Reservation.

2025 Fall Training held at Camp Sinoquipe Scout Reservation.

2025 BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor) Course Details

WHO: For Cub Scout Leaders

WHEN: Saturday, March 29, 2025 - Sunday, March 30, 2025

WHERE: Camp Rock Enon Scout Reservation (292 Rock Enon Springs Rd, Gore, VA 22637)

COST:

• $35 per Participant (Adult) - REGULAR PRICE
• $45 per Participant (Adult) - INCLUDES $10 LATE FEE

KEY DATES:

• Registration Opens: December 28, 2024
• Late Fee Begins: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
• Registration Closes: Friday, March 14, 2025 (11:59 PM)

2025 IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills) Course Details

WHO: For Scouts BSA and Venturing Leaders

WHEN: Friday, March 28, 2025 - Sunday, March 30, 2025

WHERE: Camp Rock Enon Scout Reservation (292 Rock Enon Springs Rd, Gore, VA 22637)

COST:

• $35 per Participant (Adult) - REGULAR PRICE
• $45 per Participant (Adult) - INCLUDES $10 LATE FEE

KEY DATES:

• Registration Opens: December 28, 2024
• Late Fee Begins: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
• Registration Closes: Thursday, March 13, 2025 (11:59 PM)