You must be registered and paid with the BSA  to attend this training.

This one-and-a-half-day 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 training experience. BSA’s Cub Scout level camping policies are taught by experienced scouters, along with the discovery of the necessary tools to help units deliver a successful camping experience. Completion of this course is mandatory for a MINIMUM OF ONE registered adult on a pack or den overnighter.

Note that this course will not include IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills) content, which is focused on Troop overnight activities.

Course Prerequisite (Mandatory)  BALOO is a two-part blended learning format. The online modules comprise the first step to become BALOO-trained. The online training modules contain introductory and basic information that are built upon during the practical training, which  is completed during an in-person course offered by Northern NJ Council. The online component must be completed prior to the practical component and the course facilitator will verify completion prior to check-in at the in-person training event. 

The online prerequisite training is available in the BSA Learn Center on My.Scouting; below are instructions to access the training session. Four required learning modules provide the necessary knowledge base prior to engaging in the BALOO outdoor course. These segments are required prior to attending the outdoor portion. They will take about 30 minutes to complete.

• Log in to My.Scouting.org and navigate to the BSA Learning Center
• Click on the "Catalog"
• From the Catalog screen, type the word “BALOO” into the search field and hit enter

The in-person practical portion is facilitated by the Northern NJ Council Training Committee and includes the overnight portion of the training. Participants must be present and attend all sessions of the program, including the overnight experience, to qualify and receive the qualification of BALOO-trained. Please do not ask your course director for permission to be absent from any of the sessions or to leave early on Sunday. 

Your course director will offer a preparation session one to two weeks in advance of the overnight experience to provide guidance on how to prepare for the session, what and how to pack, and items to bring to the session as well as those to leave behind. Note that the registration fee covers all meals and tent space at the campsite. You are responsible for your own gear, including a personal tent or hammock.