Monmouth Council > Scouting Resources > Training > Cub Scout Adult Leader Outdoor (BALOO)

Cub Scout Adult Leader Outdoor (BALOO)

BALOO: Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation

Bring the Magic of Camping to Your Cub Scout Pack!

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) is an essential, energetic training course designed to give Cub Scout leaders and parents the skills and confidence needed to plan and execute safe, exciting pack outdoor events and overnighters.

Whether your pack is planning its very first backyard campout or heading to a local Scout reservation, BALOO training ensures your leaders have the tools to make it a safe, memorable adventure for every Scout.

⚠️ BSA Policy Note: Scouting America requires at least one BALOO-trained adult leader to be present on any Cub Scout pack overnight camping trip.

Who Should Attend?

  • Cubmasters & Assistant Cubmasters

  • Den Leaders & Assistant Den Leaders

  • Pack Committee Members

  • Parents interested in supporting pack campouts

(Packs are strongly encouraged to train multiple adults so there is always a BALOO-certified leader available for overnight events.)

What You Will Learn

BALOO is a hands-on, interactive training experience. Over the course of the weekend, you will participate as a member of an adult patrol, learning practical outdoor skills through real-time demonstrations and practice, including:

  • Camp Setup & Gear Selection: How to choose camp sites, select gear, pitch tents, and stay comfortable outdoors.

  • Outdoor Cooking & Sanitation: Safe food preparation, Dutch oven cooking, camp stoves, and proper cleanup practices.

  • Campfire Programs: Planning engaging campfire gatherings filled with songs, skits, and stories.

  • First Aid & Risk Management: Handling outdoor medical emergencies, weather safety, and incident prevention.

  • Knots & Outdoor Ethics: Basic knot tying, knife safety (Whittling Chip), and teaching Leave No Trace principles.

  • Games & Nature Exploration: Outdoor activities, nature walks, geocaching, and age-appropriate Cub Scout programming.

Course Structure & Prerequisites

To receive full credit for BALOO training, participants must complete two components:

  1. Online Training (Prerequisite):

    Log in to my.Scouting.org and complete the online BALOO modules prior to attending the practical outdoor weekend.

  2. In-Person Outdoor Overnight:

    Participate in the weekend outdoor session, which normally runs from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon.

Upcoming Course Dates & Locations

BALOO training sessions are routinely offered throughout the year to accommodate volunteer schedules.

What to Bring

A detailed packing list is provided upon registration, but general gear requirements include:

  • Official BSA Uniform (Class A) and weather-appropriate outdoor clothing

  • Personal tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad

  • Pen & Notebook

  • Pocketknife, compass, flashlight/headlamp, and mess kit

  • Current BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A & B)