NATIONAL COUNCIL HAS PUBLISHED A NEW INSTRUCTOR GUIDE FOR BALOO IN OCTOBER 2025. THE INSTRUCTOR TEAM WILL BE UPDATING PROGRAM MATERIALS IN ADVANCE OF THE APRIL 2026 SESSION.

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO, C32)

To sign up and attend BALOO, you must be a registered adult leader within your Pack.

All Cub Scout Leaders with a desire to plan & carry out an entry level outdoor experience for the pack.  This is the first step in the BSA outdoor training program & does not replace any existing training.  Each Cub Scout Pack-coordinated overnight event must be under the direction of a BALOO-trained leader.

Some Things We'll Learn

• Aims & Purpose
• Planning
• Equipment
• Lunch Prep
• Campfire Planning & Demonstration
• Health & Safety (Guide to Safe Scouting)
• Fun Programs using the Round-Robin Method
• Flag Etiquette

And, of course, many Outdoor Skills

• Stoves
• Lanterns & Fire Safety
• First Aid & Sanitation
• Nature Hikes & Games
• Cub Scout Cooking
• and more!

There is an option to arrive to camp after 6:00 pm on Friday night. Please add to cart if that is your preference. Program begins at 8:00 am Saturday morning and ends around 11:00am on Sunday Morning.

Prerequisites

Required:

• Be a Registered adult leader within your Pack AND complete the following online courses:
  • BALOO Prerequisite Training (never expires)
    • Go to my.scouting.org > My Training > Training Center > Expanded Learning > BALOO > Take Course > BALOO Prerequisite Training > Add Plan
  • Safeguarding Youth Training (formerly known as Youth Protection or YPT) (expires every 2 years)
    • Go to my.scouting.org > My Training > Safeguarding Youth Training 
  • Hazardous Weather (expires every 2 years)
    • Go to my.scouting.org > My Training > Training Center > Expanded Learning > Program Safety > Take Course > Program Safety Training > Add Plan

Recommended:

• Learning plan for your position in Cub Scouting (go to my.scouting.org > My Training > Requirements OR Training Center > Cub Scouting > choose the most relevant plan)

Packing List

• Classroom Kit
  • Pencil/pen
  • Paper
  • Current BSA Medical Form (Parts A & B)
• Camping Kit
  • Tent
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Lightweight Blanket
  • Flashlight (or headlamp)*
  • Water bottle*
  • Pocket Knife (and a sharpening stone if you have one)
  • Personal First Aid Kit*
  • Personal Camping Chair
  • Sun Protection*
  • Whistle*
• Clothing Kit (dress for the weather!)
  • Scout Field Uniform (shirt, pants, neckerchief if that is your Pack's tradition)
  • Scout Activity Uniform (Pack/Camp/BSA T-Shirt)
  • Rain Coat and Rain Pants
  • Hat
  • Gloves**
  • Sweater/Sweatshirt
  • Long Underwear top and bottom**
  • Long-sleeved Undershirt (quick-dry recommended)
  • 2 extra pair of heavy wool socks (trust us, no cotton!)
  • Boots
  • Sleeping Clothes (because you don't want to climb into your sleeping bag in the same damp clothes you've been wearing all day)
• Personal Eating Kit
  • Cup
  • Spoon
  • Fork
  • Plate, etc.
  • Personal Snack*
• Hygiene Kit (Showers are available but not required)
  • Toothbrush and Toothpaste
  • Soap
  • Wash Cloth
  • Towel
  • Comb
  • Personal Medications**
  • Hand Sanitizer

*Cub Scout 6 Essentials
**Cold-weather Camping Item

Event Cost (includes food and refreshments): $35

Optional: Friday Night Arrivals cost $10 extra (includes breakfast Saturday morning)

**Minimum Number of Participants is 8, Maximum 48. If minimum numbers aren't met by 3 weeks before the training, registrants will be notified and any paid fees will be applied to a future session of BALOO or refunded.**

Registration closes the Monday before the event at 11:59pm

Note that a BALOO-trained adult leader is not necessary to attend council-organized events. That requirement is fulfilled by the event staff.