Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) is a 16-hour overnight course that gives adult leaders the practical knowledge they need to help Scouts to learn outdoor skills. The skills presented closely follow the Scout Handbook and rank advancement requirements. This is a required training course for all Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmasters. Working as patrols, this hands-on course 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.  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. The training encompasses a weekend (16 hours of instruction).

What to Bring: copy of BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (Part A & B for all Scouting events); drinks and snacks; field uniform, activity uniform (Scout t-shirt) or comfortable clothes; closed-toed shoes (boots or tennis shoes); appropriate clothes for weather (jacket); Scouting ten essentials: pocket knife, first aid kit, extra clothes, rain gear, refillable water bottle, flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries, trail food, match and fire starters, sun protection, map and compass; tent and ground cloth; camp chair; sleeping bag or blanket, sleeping pad or cot; mess kit (knife, fork, spoon, bowl/plate, coffee cup in a mesh bag); bug repellant; sunscreen; toiletries (e.g., soap, toothpaste, deodorant); washcloth and towel; note-taking materials; 3-ring binder; daypack; personal medications. Recommended: Field Book, Troop Leader Guidebook, Scout Handbook. Optional gear: sunglasses, camera, earplugs, gloves for saw and ax demonstration. The course fee includes three meals (Saturday lunch and dinner, Sunday breakfast). Eat breakfast before arriving.  

BALOO is the Cub Scout leader training required for any Cub Scout den or pack outdoor event, including packing camping, overnighters and Webelos den overnighters. BALOO training is now 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 prior to the practical component at my.scouting.org. The practical component is an overnight that takes about 16-hours to complete. 

What to Bring: copy of BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (Part A & B for all Scouting events); drinks and snacks; tent; sleeping bag, sleeping pad or mattress or cot; sleeping attire; toiletries (e.g., soap, toothpaste, deodorant); personal medication; washcloth and towel; hat; bug spray; camp chair; mess kit (knife, fork, spoon, bowl/plate, coffee cup in a mesh bag); note-taking materials; appropriate clothes for weather (rain gear, jacket); field uniform (Scout uniform), activity uniform (Scouting t-shirt) or comfortable clothes; change of clothes; closed-toed tennis shoes or boots for a short hike; and the Cub Scout six essentials (first-aid kit, refillable water bottle, flashlight with extra batteries, trail food, sun protection, whistle), day pack. Optional gear: sunglasses, camera, earplugs. The course fee includes three meals (Saturday lunch and dinner, Sunday breakfast). Eat breakfast before arriving.

Trainer's EDGE is an all-day course and is BSA's trainer development course designed to help Scouters put into practice the EDGE training model and gain self-confidence through hands-on training experiences.  Trainer's EDGE brings to life the EDGE model taught in Troop Leadership Training, Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Specific Training, National Youth Leadership Training, and Wood Badge.

What to Bring: copy of BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (Part A & B for all Scouting events); drinks and snacks; field or activity uniform is recommended; note-taking materials; a five-minute Scouting presentation with any equipment or props. Participants must prepare a presentation (about a five-minute duration) before the course and bring the material, equipment, and/or props they need to deliver the presentation.  Participants will be given an opportunity to practice this presentation in a small group setting and receive feedback.  The topic of the presentation is at the discretion of the presenter, Scouting topics/skills are always good. Additionally, participants will prepare a second presentation during the course, practice it with their small group and receive feedback. 

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