Are you in a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, or an assistant of either position? Have you completed your required Outdoor Leader Training? If not, we have a number of opportunities for you.

Cub Scout Leaders:

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)

This one-and-a-half day course is an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for leaders interested in adding a camping component to their Pack activities. BALOO training consists of an online pre-requisite component in addition to an overnight hands on practical. BSA’s Cub Scout camping policies will be taught along with the necessary tools to help units carry our a successful camping experience. Completion of this course is mandatory for a MINIMUM OF ONE adult on a Pack overnight trip.

Online Training Pre-requisite for BALOO

The online portion is available through the BSA Learn Center. Log onto my.scouting.org and select the BSA Learn Center image on the right side of the home page. On the following page select Catalog from the top menu, and enter “BALOO” into the search box.

Scouts BSA Leaders:

Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS)

Intro to Outdoor Leader Skills is a mandatory training for all registered Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters. We will be covering the fundamental skills necessary to successfully and safely take a Scouts BSA troop or patrol on an outing. The Campsite Edition of IOLS has participants simulate a classic Scout “car camping” weekend. Therefore participants will carry their gear a short distance from a vehicle to a campsite. They will set up their tents at the site, and remain there other than short expeditions.

Campsite edition is designed for scout leaders with minimal camping experience.

 

Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS)

Intro to Outdoor Leader Skills is a mandatory training for all registered Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters. We will be covering the fundamental skills necessary to successfully and safely take a Scouts BSA troop or patrol on an outing. The course explores the back corners of Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation and is led by experienced backcountry guides. This course is open for more than just those in need of Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills training. It should be noted that all required IOLS course material will be covered while hiking on the trail. The course is also for those who simply want to experience the challenge and fun of backpacking. Leaders who have completed IOLS but would like to further improve backcountry skills are more than welcome to participate.

In addition to regular outdoor skills, you will learn trail navigation, gear, hydration and cooking for backcountry camping, trail crew planning and methods and tips for keeping you (and the scouts) healthy and happy on the trail. You will carry your tents to the overnight location.

You will need to carry a backpack, your sleeping bag/pad and scout essentials for approximately 8 miles over 2 days. There will be a Zoom Question & Answer session held where a complete gear list will be discussed on the weekend prior to the course. We highly recommend that you borrow gear you need before purchase as you will learn about what gear you want to have.

Leaders who have completed this course have had the same reaction – they learned more than they expected and had a lot of fun together. Leave the campsite behind, get outdoors and strengthen your skills and leadership. The cap for this course is 12.

 

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