BALOO Training!

Become Your Pack’s Outdoor Leader!

BALOO—Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation—is the essential outdoor skills training for Cub Scout leaders. All adults are welcome, whether they are brand new to Scouting or experienced leaders looking to strengthen their outdoor program skills.

This hands-on, experiential course, hosted by the Burke Lake District and updated to align with the 2025 BALOO curriculum and current Cub Scout program, will prepare participants to confidently plan, prepare, and lead safe, fun, and successful Cub Scout overnight activities.

Through practical activities, small-group work, and lively discussion, participants will develop skills in:

- Health and safety

- Cooking, meal planning, and sanitation

- Campsite selection and outdoor ethics

- Basic knots and gear selection

- First aid and practical knife safety

- Campfire and ceremony planning

- Large-group games

- GPS, nature, and hiking skills

- Program planning for Cub Scout campouts

- And more...

Course Details

Dates: September 12–13, 2026

Location: Camp Wilson, Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton, Virginia

Cost: $35

Overnight stay: Required

Course check-in begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. Saturday. Participants must be present and ready to complete check-in at that time so course activities can begin on schedule.

Participants may arrive earlier Saturday morning to set up their campsites before check-in. Anyone who needs to arrive and camp Friday evening must contact the course director in advance to make arrangements.

The course will conclude no later than 12:00 p.m. Sunday.

The registration fee includes Saturday lunch, Saturday dinner, Saturday evening cracker barrel, and Sunday breakfast.

Restroom facilities, potable water, and showers are available at the campground, a short walk from the training site.

The entire course will be conducted outdoors, rain or shine. Please come prepared for the weather and with a flexible mindset. The schedule is full and fast-paced so all required curriculum elements can be completed.

Required Prerequisites

Before attending, participants must complete:

- Safeguarding Youth Training, formerly Youth Protection Training

- BALOO Online Prerequisite Training v2

Training is available through My.Scouting.org → Learn Center → Expanded Learning.

Proof of completion must be presented at check-in.

The following courses are also highly recommended and will be referenced during the weekend:

- Position-Specific Training

- Hazardous Weather Training

- Safe Swim Defense

- Safety Afloat

Annual Health and Medical Record

Each participant must bring a paper copy of the Annual Health and Medical Record, Parts A and B.

This documentation is required to attend the course. Medical forms will be returned to participants at the conclusion of the training.

What to Bring

All registered participants will receive a detailed email before the course containing the schedule, menu, packing list, directions, parking instructions, and other expectations.

At minimum, participants should plan to bring:

- A tent and personal sleeping gear

- A personal mess kit

- Weather-appropriate clothing

- Rain gear

- Any required personal medications or equipment

Participants who need to borrow essential camping gear should contact the course staff in advance. We will try to assist when possible.

Working Together

BALOO is a team-based experience. Participants will assist with meal preparation, cleanup, campsite responsibilities, and hands-on activities throughout the weekend.

Those with favorite songs, skits, games, outdoor traditions, or Dutch oven experience are encouraged to bring ideas and resources to share with the group.

Minimum registration is required for the course to proceed, so register early and prepare to spend an active weekend building the skills needed to strengthen your Pack’s outdoor program.

Course Director - Shawn Singh