BALOO is a hands-on outdoor orientation to provide you with the skills needed to plan and carry out outdoor experiences with your Pack. This course is designed as 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 level camping policies will be taught along with the discovery of 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 overnighter.

The BALOO course is conducted in an outdoor setting to provide you with the experience and hands-on orientation to the outdoors. As such, the course content will be a presented in a combination of classroom style presentations and outdoor hands-on instruction. Part of the BALOO experience is also camping overnight.

Prerequisite On-Line Training: Prior to taking the practical training (the BALOO weekend), you must have completed the online training component. These on-line courses are provided at my.scouting.org.

Location and Time: The BALOO training will be held at Flaming Arrow Scout Reservation. The training staff will be happy to point you in the right direction during check-in if you are not familiar with the facilities. The course will begin promptly at 8:30 am on Saturday morning. You will need to arrive with plenty of time to setup your camp before the course begins. You can arrive on Friday evening and camp overnight or arrive early on Saturday morning to setup. We will complete the course by midday on Sunday

What We Will Cover:

• Health and Safety
• Foil Packet Cooking
• GPS/Geocaching
• Aquatics
• Gear Selection
• Nature and Hiking
• Campfire Planning
• Outdoor Ethics
• Cooking and Sanitation
• First Aid
• Knife Safety
• Campsite Selection
• Meal Planning
• Duty to God
• Flag and Outdoor Ceremonies
• Stoves and Lanterns
• Fire Safety
• Basic Knots
• Program Planning for Cub Scout Events
• If you have questions about Cub Scouting or about a topic not listed here. Bring them with you and the staff will do our best to get them answered for you.

What to Bring:

• Uniform (Both a Field Uniform and Activity Uniform)
• BSA Medical Form (Parts A and B)
• Paper and writing instrument
• Tent with ground cloth
• Sleeping Bag
• Pillow (optional)
• Sleeping pad, mattress, cot (optional)
• Close toed shoes / boots
• Hat
• Weather appropriate clothes (for 2 days)
• Sleeping attire
• Mess Kit (plate, fork, spoon, knife)
• Grab items from home – do not buy new for this weekend
• Coffee Mug (optional)
• Personal hygiene items
• Shower Equipment
• Your prescriptions / medications
• Camp chair
• Rain gear (poncho or rain suit)
• Day pack
• Insect repellent (optional)
• Cub Scout Six Essentials:
  • First aid kit
  • Water bottle
  • Flashlight (with extra batteries)
  • Trail food
  • Sun protection
  • Whistle

COVID Information
All participants must agree to abide by the Council's current COVID-19 mitigation procedures, please visit: https://tampabayscouting.org/covid-mitigation-procedures.