Outdoor Training Weekend 

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) for Scouts BSA Leaders & BALOO for Cub Scout Leaders

The Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) course builds and expands on the concepts and themes introduced in Scoutmaster Position-Specific
Training and Varsity Coach Position-Specific Training, and provides Scouters with the confidence to take youth into the outdoors.

Specifically, this hands-on program gives adult leaders a practical introduction to the patrol method of a youth-led troop by teaching many of the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. In addition, the teaching methods, activities, and games model the variety of teaching used in effective and engaging Scouting programs.

The skills sessions presented in Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills closely follow the Scout Handbook and are meant to serve as an adult training outline. By using these skills sessions in conjunction with the Scout Handbook, trainers can be sure new leaders are proficient in many of the basic outdoor skills through First Class rank, and gain exposure to the patrol method and numerous teaching methods and learning games. Each skill session references specific chapters in the handbook.

Hands-on participation is the best learning tool, and this course models the techniques used by effective Scoutmasters, Advisors, and other leaders in the Scouting program. Attendees will see and experience different aspects of how Scouting works while playing the role of Scouts in a troop. Participants should leave the training experience with a full understanding of how the patrol method operates, a feeling of comfort in working with and instructing their Scouts, and an increased level of confidence taking Scouts outdoors safely. With that comes great satisfaction.

BALOO stands for Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation. It’s the introductory training Cub Scout leaders should complete before taking Cub Scouts on an overnight camping trip.

Recent updates to this two-part course make the content more impactful, useful and convenient.

The new BALOO combines the previous BALOO and a course called Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders, or OWL.