Outdoor Leader Training

Training is an important part of learning to become an effective leader. Trained leaders impact the quality of programs, leader tenure, youth tenure, and a whole lot more. A trained leader is better prepared to make the Scouting program all it can be! Every Scout deserves a trained leader. See the council training schedule for a list of additional trainings offered around the council. 

IOLS: Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (S11) Working as patrols, this hands-on course provides adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the outdoors. Upon completion, leaders should feel comfortable teaching Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank.  Topics covered: • Campsite Selection • Ropes – Whipping, Tying, and Lashing • Wood Tools – Knife, Camp Saw, and Ax • Fire Site Preparation and Building • Cooking • First Aid • Plant and Animal Identification • Packing and Hiking Techniques • Map and Compass • Leave No Trace.
Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training is a 4.5-hour training course intended to provide troop leaders with the information and tools they need to lead successful troops. This course teaches practical ways to instill the Scouting methods into troop programs and covers the roles of the Scoutmasters and assistants in a Scout-led troop. This is a required training course for all Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters.

BALOO is the Cub Scout leader training required for any Cub Scout den or pack outdoor event, including pack camping, overnighters, and Webelos and Arrow of Light den overnighters. BALOO training is comprised of two components – an online component and a practical, hands-on component. Both components must be completed to qualify as a “Trained” Cub Scout outdoor leader and to receive the BALOO recognition patch. The online component contains introductory and basic information and must be completed before the practical component at my.scouting.org. The practical component is an overnight that takes about 16 hours to complete. 

​​