Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)         

BALOO is an outdoor skills training program for the Cub Scout leader or parent, particularly those who are responsible for leading pack overnighters and/or Webelos/Arrow of Light den camping.  No camping experience is required or assumed.  BALOO training teaches the essential organizing, planning, camp craft, and outdoor safety skills to enable a pack to go camping as a group.  BSA policy requires at least one leader with BALOO training on all Cub Scout pack overnighters.  BALOO also includes Webelos den campout planning and campsite duties, and the transition to Boy Scouts.  Cooking, sanitation, campfires, use of woods tools, orienteering skills, outdoor ethics, equipment, and more will be covered.

Where:   Camp Synder - check in at camp office for camp site directions

               6100 Antioch Road, Haymarket, VA  20169

When:  Saturday, October, 21 7:30 AM (check-in)

            Sunday, October , 22 2023 11 AM (departure)

Note:  Friday night camping maybe available for those traveling a long distance to Camp Synder. An additional camping fee may apply. No food or instruction will be provided.  If you need to come and camp on Friday night, please contact the Course Director before October 16, 2023.

Registration Fee:  $35, includes Saturday lunch and dinner, and Sunday breakfast (Please advise immediately if you have dietary restrictions.)

Registration Deadline:  October 16, or when course capacity of 30 registrants is reached.

Prerequisite: 

Completion of the on-line BALOO Prerequisite Training V2 learning plan.

Log on at www.my.scouting.org;  go to the BSA Learning Center; at the Search for a Course prompt type: BALOO.  Please bring your certificate of completion to the site or e-mail it to the course director, see below prior to the course.  Completion of both the BALOO on-line training modules (must do first) and attending the on-site overnight program are required for issuance of the BALOO training card.  The overnight stay on Saturday at the campsite is mandatory, no exceptions can be made.

Medical Form:  We will also require submission of Parts A/B of the Annual Medical Health Record, www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/ahmr.  We will maintain a hard copy of your medical form on site as a precaution in the event of a health concern, and to inform us as to any health concerns such as allergies.  The form will be kept in the strictest confidence and will be returned to you at the completion of the training.

Course Director and Contact:  Michael Bessette, BALOO Course Director