BALOO stands for Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation. It is the introductory training Cub Scout leaders must complete before taking Cub Scouts on an overnight camping trip. 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. Completion of this course is mandatory for a MINIMUM OF ONE adult on a Pack overnighter.

Who should take BALOO?

The BSA requires that you have at least one BALOO-trained adult in every Cub Scout den or pack overnight outdoor event.

Why should I take BALOO?

You will learn how to make camping activities and outings fun. You will discover how to keep your Scouts safe and entertained. You will learn how to plan an event rooted firmly in Scouting's principles. You will learn basic outdoor skills to develop confidence and competence in your unit leaders who conduct outdoor camping activities.

How do I take these training courses?

BALOO consists of two components: You will need to complete both the online and practical hands-on components to qualify as a Trained Cub Scout outdoor leader and receive the BALOO recognition patch.

Online component:MUST DO FIRST

The online portion of BALOO is available 24/7 on the BSA Learn Center. Just log in to My.Scouting.org to begin.

Practical, hands-on component:

This 1.5-day course is designed as an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for leaders. A round-robin of topics will include: GPS, Cooking, Aquatics, Sanitation, Gear Selection, First Aid, Nature, Knife Safety, Hiking, Fire Safety, Outdoor Ethics, Basic Knots, and Stoves and Lanterns

Note

These training programs are an outdoor overnight camping activity. Participants need to bring their tent and camping equipment. Family members and persons from the same Unit may be assigned to different Patrols and may preclude the sharing of camping gear.